Bank Alfalah Ltd will intensify its brand activities in Bangladesh's growing market in testimony to the Bank's strong commitment.

"I am happy to see the economic development of Bangladesh and we are ready to strengthen our brand operation here aiming to satisfy Bangladesh clients in a more focused way," Hamid M Mirza, head of marketing of Bank Alfalah Ltd told the FE in an interview recently.

Mr Mirza arrived Bangladesh from Karachi on a three-day visit last week.

"Our Bank is a great supporter of cricket and we will definitely consider any sponsorship offer from the Bangladesh authority to finance the development of cricket in the country," Mr Mirza replied to a question on the recently held Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Bank Alfalah is a patron of prestigious cricket tournaments in Sharjah and Dubai for years.

Market insiders said the BPL has paved the way for the corporate entities of Bangladesh to be familiarized with the huge 'cash-provoked franchising method' of renowned cricket players.

S A A Masrur, country head of Bangladesh operations of Bank Alfalah said the Bank will widen its branch network in the country subject to the approval of Bangladesh Bank.

The Bank has now five branches operating in Bangladesh.

The Bank also remains active in CSR activities in Bangladesh specially in education and conservation of natural resources.

Bank Alfalah Limited was incorporated on June 21st, 1992 as a public limited company under the Companies Ordinance 1984. Its banking operations commenced from November 1st ,1997. The Bank is engaged in commercial banking and related services as defined in the Banking companies ordinance, 1962. The Bank is currently operating through various branches in Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh & Afghanistan, with the registered office at B.A.Building, I.I.Chundrigar, Karachi.

Since its inception, as the new identity of H.C.E.B after the privatization in 1997, the management of the Bank has implemented strategies and policies to carve a distinct position for the Bank in the market place.

Strengthened with the banking of the Abu Dhabi Group and driven by the strategic goals set out by its board of management, the Bank has invested in revolutionary technology to have an extensive range of products and services.

The Bank has branches in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bahrain.

Financial Express/Bangladesh/ 4th March 2012