Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman said the banking sector of the country has set an example in maintaining its financial health even during the global economic meltdown when banks in the developed countries suffered a severe liquidity crisis.

The banks in the country don’t have liquidity crisis even now, although few may be in such crisis due to aggressive banking, which he said should be mended immediately.

Talking about inflation, the central bank governor suggested that bank loans in unproductive private sectors be checked to prevent wastage and control inflation.

Atiur was speaking at the launching ceremony of the automation of 11 branches of Agrani Bank at a hotel in Dhaka yesterday.

Agrani Bank, a state-owned commercial bank (SCB), has already computerised around half of its 867 branches and also opened 97 ATM (automated teller machine) booths in different cities of the country as part of its digitising banking service, the governor told the function.

“I am happy to learn that Agrani Bank is doing well in digitising its activities,” he said.

The BB boss said works were underway to bring the head office, circle offices, corporate and authorised dealer (AD) branch including regional branches of the bank under online facilities soon.

He also lauded the bank saying its capital, deposit, branches and manpower hold a good position now.

He said the bank would soon introduce facilities like SMS banking, mobile banking, internet banking and tele-banking.

He urged the bank authorities to give importance on core banking solution like that of other SCBs to compete with the private commercial banks.

BB governor also made a call to all banks of the country to expedite their efforts in providing loans for SME and agriculture sectors as well as initiate green banking programmes.

Agrani Bank Chairman Dr Khondoker Bazlul Haque, its Managing Director Syed Abdul Hamid, among others, were also present on the occasion.

News: Daily Sun /Bangladesh/14 Feb 2011