BRAC Bank recenty came up with the medical facility for its employee and opened a medical centre at its head office annex building in Tejgaon. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of the bank inaugurated the center. Senior officials of the bank were present at the inaugural ceremony. Through this medical center, more than 7,850 employees of BRAC Bank will get preliminary medical services at the time of office hour.

News Source: Daily Sun/16 Dec 2010

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited launched a Shariah-compliant financial service 'HSBC Amanah' with full range of products in the country Wednesday. This is recognized as the first Shariah-compliant flagship branch of the bank which was launced at Gulshan in the city.

As banking as per Islamic rules and regulations is getting popular now a days, HSBC, with the goal of providing a range of Islamic financial services to its customers, introduced the product that was developed under supervision of independent, competent Shariah scholars, the high officials of the bank said at a press conference at a city hotel. Head of International, HSBC Asia Pacific, Guy Harvey-Samuel, Global Deputy CEO, HSBC Amanah, Razi Fakih, CEO of Bangladesh Sanjay Prakash and Head of Amanah, Personal banking, Laila F Rahim were present at the press conference.

   From left, Sanjay Prakash, CEO of HSBC, Bangladesh; Guy Harvey-Samuel, head of international, HSBC Asia Pacific, and Razi Fakih, global deputy CEO of HSBC Amanah.Inauguration Programme at Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka yesterday. Photo: HSBC

The bank executives said, Amanah offers personal banking products including deposits, account services and financial solutions for vehicle, home and other purposes. For commercial customers, it offers world-class Shariah-compliant corporate accounts, deposit services, term financing and term investment services.
It also has comprehensive trade and supply chain services through HSBC Amanah export and import finance.

Guy Harvey-Samuel has highlighted the fact that HSBC is one of the most globally connected banks in the world and HSBC Amanah customers will enjoy the same "HSBC world-class" service and international connectivity from the service. Razi Fakih described in details of Shariah structure of the HSBC Amanah. He said a team combined by world's leading independent scholars is monitoring the service. The Amanah service is available in eight countries including Bangladesh, the UAE, Malaysia and the United Kingdom, Fakih said. An exhibition of Islamic calligraphy presented by renowned artist Murtaza Basheer is taking place in its Amanah branch, which will continue until December 31. The income of the sale will be donated to Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital fund.

News Source: The Financial Express/16 Dec 2010

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) inaugurated its 249th branch at Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar on Sunday.

AHM Hamidur Rahm- an Azad, MP inaugurated the branch as chief guest, said a press release.

Engr Muhammad Dawood Khan, sponsor director of the bank presided over the function.

Chairman of Moh- eshkhali Upazila Pari- sad Abu Bakar Siddique and Vice Chairman Advocate Mushtak Ahmed and Mayor of Moheshkhali municipality Sarwar Azam attended the function.

Mohammed Monirul Moula, executive vice president and head of Chittagong south zone, Faridul Alam, Principal, Moheshkhali College, Badiul Alam, President, Gorokghata Bu- sinessmen Welfare Association, among others, spoke.

Meanwhile, a seminar on “Islamic Economics and Banking” was held on Saturday on the occasion of inauguration of Moheshk- hali SME/ Krishi branch of the bank.

Source: daily-sun, Bangladesh/15th Dec 2010

Bangladesh Krishi Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Tea Board (BTB) on financing Small Holding Tea Cultivation in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The MoU was signed at the board room of Bangladesh Krishi Bank on Tuesday, said a press release.

Under the MoU, the initiative of tea cultivation would be implemented in the three hill districts.

Deputy development director (DMD) of Krishi Bank Md Joynal Abedin, general manger (Operation) Masud Alam Khan were present on the occasion.

Source: daily-sun, Bangladesh/15th Dec 2010

DHAKA : Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Atiur Rahman on Wednesday asked the banks to fix a focal point while carrying out their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He gave the directive while addressing a meeting on ‘CSR Presentation’ at Hotel Sheraton in the city.

Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) and Association of Bankers, Bangladesh Limited (ABBL) jointly organized the meeting.

Speaking as chief guest, Dr Atiur said the image of a particular bank would increase significantly if they conduct their CSR properly.

“Employees of such banks then feel proud and its impact contributes a lot in their business,” he said.

The Bangladesh Bank governor, however, mentioned a problem concerning an SRO that makes it obligatory for the recipient to inform the NBR that they have got the CSR benefit from a particular bank. He suggested the NBR to incorporate the donor bank for providing information on the CSR.

As per the existing rule, banks get 10 per cent tax rebate for the money they spend on CSR.

Dr Atiur also suggested the NBR to provide other facilities if they can not give more tax rebate to the banks on their CSR money. — UNB

Source: daily-sun, Bangladesh/15th Dec 2010