Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman Tuesday said the country's economy is on the right track and progressing the way it was expected.

“The economy has broadened and become inclusive this year. The agricultural sector has seen wide growth through landmark changes in it. The credit surely goes to the banks,” he added.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a function of Bank Asia titled “Promise to Build Technology-driven Country: Setting up School-based Computer Learning Centres in Rural Areas” at Hotel Purbani in Dhaka.

Recognising the banking sector's contribution in strengthening economy, Rahman said the banks and financial institutions have done well except wrongdoings by a few banks. “The central bank has taken firm stand against the wrongdoers.”

Bank Asia Chairman A Rouf Chowdhury, President And Managing Director Erfan Uddin Ahmed, D.Net Executive Director Ananyo Raihan and schoolteachers from different regions also spoke.

The central bank chief said technology has simplified banking operations with the introduction of different services including ATM banking, online banking, e-banking, mobile banking and net-banking. But risks have also increased in such operations at the same time, he added.

“Banks and financial institutions will have to remain alert to face the risk of hacking and cyber crimes.”

He said the banking sector's contribution in corporate social responsibility may cross 100 percent this year that increased about 35 percent in 2009, compared to 2008.

The bank has set up 25 such centres since 2006 including 12 in this year that provide computer training to 3,000 students, said the Bank Asia boss.

Later, the central bank governor handed computers and accessories to the headmasters of 12 schools.

Source: The Daily Star

Social Islami Bank Ltd (SIBL) has opened its 64th branch in Narayanganj yesterday.

Sultan Mahmood Cho- wdhury, Chairman of the bank formally inaugurated the branch, said a press release.

Muhammad Ali, managing director of SIBL presided over the inaugural function which was also attended by Bank's Vice Chairman Nargis Mannan, Chairman of Board audit committee Rezaul Haque, Additional Managing Director Abu Sadek Sohel, Directors Shah Alam and Kamaluddin Ahmed, several others senior executives, clients and local elites.

Source: Daily Sun

City Bank has shifted its Tanbazar branch at BB Road in Narayanganj as a better and state-of-the-art premises.

This branch, to be named as Narayangonj Branch, will provide all sorts of retail banking and SME services from an online platform, said a press release.

Deputy managing director of the bank and Head of Business Sohail R K Hossain inaugurated the branch at its new premises.

Mashrur Arefln, head of retail banking and chief communication officer and Javed Amin, head of branches, and a large number of distinguished personalities of Narayangonj were present.

Source: Daily Sun

Shahjalal Islami Bank Ltd (SJIBL) opened a branch in Tangail yesterday.

Former Chairman of Tangail Zila Parishad and Tangail Pourasava Shawkat Ali Talukder formally inaugurated the branch at Main Road (Nirala Mour) in the district town, said a press release.

SJIBL Chairman Moh- ammed Solaiman was present as special guest at the inaugural function.

Abdur Rahman Sarker, managing director, Mukhter Hossain, additional managing director and Director Nazmul Islam Nuru of SJIBL, Syed Nurul Arefeen, director and vice chairman of the EC, Sponsor share holder Md Abdul Mannan and a good number of clients and well-wishers were also present in the ceremony.

Standard Chartered Bank has launched a new Financial Kiosk at West Hajipara in the city recently.

The Kiosk is equipped with an ATM, a Billspay machine, a contact centre hotline and an internet banking stall. In addition, there are service staffs at the kiosk to address customer queries and requests, said a press release.

Julian Fong, chief financial officer for Asia and global head for country finance of Standard Chartered Bank, formally inaugurated the Kiosk where Imtiaz Ibne Sattar, chief financial officer, and Hassan Rashid, general manager, SME Banking and acting HoCB and other senior officials of Standard Chartered Bangladesh were also present.

Hassan said at Standard Chartered, the key pillar of the bank's strategy is 'customer centricity' and over the past, consumer banking has taken many steps towards becoming a business that effectively puts its customers at the heart of everything we do. Introducing the concept of Financial Kiosk in Bangladesh once again reiterates our commitment to our customers in this country.

Source: Daily Sun