M Shahjahan Bhuiyan, managing director of United Commercial Bank, won the country's first-ever best banker award for his outstanding contribution to steering a troubled-bank into a profitable one.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman handed over the award at a ceremony in Purbani Hotel co-organised by Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) and Institute of Bankers Bangladesh (IBB).

Bhuiyan also received a certificate and a cheque for Tk 1 lakh as the award money.

“He (Bhuiyan) has been recognised for his excellent efforts to turn a problematic bank into a very successful one,” Rahman said in his speech.

The governor said this recognition would increase competitiveness among the banks.

A six-member jury board led by eminent banker Khondker Ibrahim Khaled selected Bhuiyan for the award, Kriti Banker 2010, by assessing his performance. The jury board assessed deposit, lending and profit growth as well as the status of non-performing loans.

“The nominee's image was also considered in the selection,” said Khaled, chairman of Bangladesh Krishi Bank.

UCB's operating profit increased by an amazing average of 138 percent in four years since Bhuiyan took over the bank's charge in 2008.

Deposits and loans grew by 156 percent and 158 percent respectively between 2008 and 2011.

The BB governor said the banking industry is an important part of the economy. The economy, which faced turmoil in the past year, is slowly getting stabilised, especially due to prudent role played by the bankers, he said.

Rahman cited the example of the depreciation of the taka, interest rates and operation of banks in this regard.

“Banking is not only a monetary transaction but also a business of reliance and trust,” said Bhuiyan.

“I am aware that this award is a mere milestone in the never-ending journey of providing excellent services to our customers,” he said.

Humayun Kabir, managing director of Sonali Bank, chaired the event.

Prof Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of Centre for Policy Dialogue, Amjad Khan Chowdhury, president of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Towfiq Ahmed Chowdhury, director general of BIBM, and MA Yusuf Khan, a former banker, were the other members in the jury board.

The Daily Star/Bangladesh/ 16th Feb 2012