A policy meeting in Dhaka on Sunday explored how Islamic finance could play a pivotal role in rebuilding Bangladesh’s economy. The event, organized in collaboration with a private bank, gathered over 100 junior scholars and industry experts to discuss how principles of Islamic finance can promote economic resilience and sustainable development.
Participants delved into the history of Islamic finance, tracing its journey from the founding of Dubai Islamic Bank in 1975 to its growth in Bangladesh since the 1980s. Discussions focused on Shariah-compliant banking, equitable financial solutions, and the development of a skilled workforce to support the sector.
Speakers at the event included Nazeem Anwar Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director of Prime Bank PLC, and Dr. Muhammad Amir Hossain, Director of Statistics at Bangladesh Bank. Prof. Md. Abul Kashem Miah, Vice Chancellor of United International University (UIU), emphasized the importance of bridging academic and industry gaps to meet the increasing demand for Islamic financial products.
“Islamic finance can be a cornerstone of national rebuilding, offering ethical, inclusive, and sustainable solutions,” said Prof. Kashem Miah. “Collaboration between academia and industry is essential to unlock this potential.”
The workshop featured sessions led by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Omar Farooq, Founding Director of the Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance Education (IIBFE) at UIU, and other prominent figures, such as Dr. Md. Mahabbat Hossain from the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management and Syed Ibne Shariar, Head of Islamic Banking at Prime Bank PLC. Topics ranged from the fundamentals of Shariah compliance to innovative products like Prime Bank’s Hasana program, designed to align with social and economic goals.
A panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Farooq, underscored the need for coordinated efforts to build a resilient Islamic Finance ecosystem in Bangladesh. Participants received certificates of completion, with Abir Hasan Jisan, an economics student, earning special recognition for his insightful contributions during the discussion.
This workshop, jointly organized by UIU and Prime Bank has set the stage for future initiatives aimed at integrating Islamic finance into Bangladesh’s economic rebuilding strategy, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive financial system.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
