NBA President Santosh Koirala Warns: “Political Pressure on Bank Employees is Intolerable”
30th December 2025, Kathmandu
In a strongly worded statement, the President of the Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA), Santosh Koirala, has declared that the banking sector will no longer tolerate harassment, threats, or political interference directed at financial institution employees.
NBA President Santosh Koirala Warns
Speaking at a discussion program titled “Challenges in the Banking Sector and Necessary Actions” organized by the Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON) on Monday, Koirala emphasized that the banking industry is a pillar of the national economy and should not be used as a tool for political gain.
Protecting the Livelihood of 50,000 Employees
President Koirala highlighted the significant role of the banking sector in the domestic labor market, noting that it currently provides direct employment to over 50,000 Nepalese citizens.
“We request that the banking sector, which supports the livelihoods of thousands of families, be kept free from political disruption,” Koirala stated. “While we have no interest in how political parties conduct their affairs, we will not remain silent if our employees are subjected to discomfort or physical threats to fulfill someone’s political agenda.”
A Stand Against “Black-Soot” Attacks and Intimidation
The NBA President addressed the rising trend of physical intimidation and “black-soot” attacks (Kalomoso) targeting bank staff. He made it clear that the banking community is united against such criminal acts.
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“If bank employees face arrests without cause, threats, or shameful acts like being smeared with black soot in the name of political activism, bankers will not sit idly by. We strongly protest any environment of fear and insecurity created within our institutions.”
The Economic Weight of the Banking Sector
During the same event organized by SEJON, Dr. Rewat Bahadur Karki, Coordinator of the Banking Sector Reform Suggestion Task Force, shared critical data regarding the industry’s impact. He pointed out that the banking sector contributes a staggering 66% to Nepal’s economy.
Dr. Karki stressed that because the industry holds such a massive stake in the national economy, reform must begin from within. “Given that 66% of the economic contribution comes from here, we must prioritize internal improvements to ensure long-term stability,” he added.
Conclusion: A Call for Rule of Law
The consensus at the SEJON event was clear: for the Nepalese economy to thrive, the financial sector must operate under the rule of law, free from the shadow of street-level politics and intimidation.
The Nepal Bankers’ Association’s firm stance serves as a reminder to the government and political actors that the safety of financial professionals is non-negotiable for the country’s economic health.
For more: NBA President Santosh Koirala Warns
