Dhaka Bank introduced Islamic Banking through a new branch opened at Motijheel Dhaka.



In a simple ceremony held on August 9, 2003 at the branch premises in Sara Tower, 11/A Toyenbee Circular Road, Motijheel chief guest Mr. Saifur Rahman, MP, Honorable Minister for Finance inaugurated the branch. Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works and Maulana Ubaidul Hoq, Chairman, Central Shariah Board were present as special guests.



A T M Hayatuzzaman Khan, Chairman, Dhaka Bank Limited said, recognizing the demand for Islamic Banking and its potential to grow as a parallel system to the conventional banking Dhaka Bank has opened its first Islamic Banking branch. Islamic Banking system is recognized and appreciated worldwide regardless of religious belief. With the opening of the branch the Bank has broadened the horizon of its operation and services, he added.



The Founder Chairman of the Bank, Abdul Hai Sarker highlighted the need to recognize people’s growing need to avert interest based banking and said that the initiative to open the Islamic Banking branch is in line with the commitment of Dhaka Bank to meet every banking need of the discerning customers.



The Chief Guest, M Saifur Rahman, MP, Minister for Finance and Planning congratulated Dhaka Bank for opening its 20th branch and 1st Islamic branch introducing a system which is being practiced successfully in the developed Muslim and non-Muslim nations. He reckoned the initiative as a step forward in providing a complete array of financial services through both conventional and Islamic banking systems across all segments of customers. He wished Dhaka Bank success in all its future endeavors through an extensive branch network and prudent baking practices. He also said that government always welcome the feedback and cooperation from the banking sector in reforming the industry.



Special Guest, Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works said Dhaka Bank is distinguished from others in quality services. He appreciated Dhaka Bank’s support to the reform programs undertaken by the Ministry of Finance.



Shahed Noman, Managing Director of Dhaka Bank Limited thanked the guests and customers for their valuable time and support. In his Vote of Thanks, he acknowledged the sincerity and hard work of the employees, support and cooperation of the Board of Directors and the confidence of the shareholders for the continued success of the bank.



The ceremony was closed by a prayer for the success of the branch conducted by Maulana Ubaidul Hoq, Chairman, Central Shariah Board and Khatib, Baitul Mukarram Mosque. In his speech, he recognized the growing popularity of Islamic way of life worldwide as a complete code of life. He expressed hope that the success of the first branch will lead to opening more Islamic Banking branches by Dhaka Bank and will encourage other banks to introduce the system.

Posted on 11/10/2003