Could you provide a brief journey of how you arrived where you are today?
On May 2010, I was appointed as the managing director and CEO of Islami Bank Bangladesh (IBBL), the largest private bank in Bangladesh. Before this, I worked in multiple capacities at the bank for 28 years.
In my capacity as a deputy managing director, I headed the bank’s investment wing for three years, responsible for expanding and consolidating its credit portfolio as per Shariah guidelines. From 1995 to 2000, I served as the bank’s marketing and development representative in Saudi Arabia overseeing the entire Gulf region, and did the extensive groundwork for facilitating expatriate remittance to the country as well as to the bank.
My role and unique contribution towards the expatriate Bangladeshis and official remittance has earned me the reputation of a ‘remittance ambassador of Bangladesh’.
What does your role involve?
My role includes policy formulation and implementation, ensuring the interests of stakeholders. I am also currently heading the task committee of the Islamic Banks Consultative Forum – the apex body of Shariah-based financial institutions in Bangladesh.
My role also involves leading the Islamic banking industry in Bangladesh to grow, arranging professional training for the manpower to ensure service excellence and popularizing Islamic financial products among the people.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
As a professional banker, I have tried to contribute as much as I could for the betterment of the institution and the Islamic banking industry. Now I work towards the fulfillment of Shariah objectives for Islamic banking through human development and financial inclusion.
I also led the bank’s international banking practice for two years and helped it attain its top position in the trade finance and foreign exchange business. I was awarded with gold medals as the best manager of the bank on different occasions.
Which of your products/services deliver the best results?
I believe that all of our products (both deposit and investment) deliver astounding results that have made IBBL a leader in the banking industry.
Our adherence to Shariah principles, dedicated manpower, corporate management, efficient board of directors, the support and guidance of the regulatory authorities as well as the confidence of depositors and investment clients in us are the strengths of our business.
What are the factors contributing to the success of your company?
Observance of Shariah principles in all of our operations, honesty, sincerity and dedication and competency of our employees, experienced and efficient management, adequate liquidity and high asset quality are the main facts contributing to the success of IBBL.
What are the obstacles faced in running your business today?
Although there are no major obstacles, the absence of a legal framework for Islamic banking, the absence of an Islamic money market and the lack of Shariah compatible regulatory and supervisory standards can sometimes affect the progress of the industry.
Where do you see the Islamic finance industry in the next five years?
I believe that there are tremendous prospects for the Islamic finance industry, particularly in Bangladesh. The Islamic microfinance model can be a better option in alleviating poverty.
Name one thing you would like to see change in the world of Islamic finance.
Consequent upon worldwide protest against capitalism and slow growth in major economies, I hope that the Islamic financial system will emerge as the superior alternative for global development and human well-being.