Dhaka, Aug. 4 -- The government has introduced new policies for promotions within state-owned commercial and specialized banks, with a strict new rule: any lobbying or recommendations for promotion will now be considered "misconduct."

The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance issued two separate policy circulars today (Monday), making this a first-of-its-kind provision in the country's banking sector.

One policy covers permanent employees of the six state-owned commercial banks: Sonali, Rupali, Janata, Agrani, Basic, and Bangladesh Development Bank PLC (BDBL). The other policy applies to six specialized banks and two financial institutions, including Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, Probashi Kal...