A Business Analyst doesn't have to know programming languages. To work in IT, of course, they need to understand the principles of information systems and its terminology. Technical education is not required, but it’s very desirable. It's much easier for a technical specialist who works as a BA to communicate with the development team, and to explain business requirements in their language. On the other hand, many people move into this profession from positions closely related to business processes. Such specialists have the advantage of understanding the business from the inside. They can improve their technical skills as time goes by.