29-10-2020

THURSDAY, OCTOBeR 29, 2020 10
Premier Bank : Bank of mass people
MD. TAReq UDDIN
Banking has become the main driving
force of any country's economy. The
Premier Bank Limited, one of the
major private sector banks, has been
playing a similar role in the country's
economy. This third generation top
bank is not only contributing to the
development of business but also
playing a commendable role in
alleviating poverty and creating selfemployment
for the poor and the
destitute at the grassroots level.
The main reason behind this is the
founder of this bank, the heroic
freedom fighter, former MP Dr. H. B.
M. Iqbal. The philosophy that is
constantly stirred in this heroic
freedom fighter is that we fought the
war of liberation under the direction of
Bangabandhu, with the aim of
establishing a happy, prosperous, selfreliant
and exploitation-free
Bangladesh. Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman has spoken in every one of his
speeches about changing the destiny of
the poor and miserable people.He
spoke of the creation of their selfemployment,
the establishment of a
happy and prosperous self-reliant
Sonar Bangla. In that light he has
added these to the basic policy of the
state.He said that Premier Bank
Limited is the product of this
ideological thinking. The bank is not
only investing in the development of
industry and commerce, but is also
directly helping the poorest to change
their fortunes by providing interest /
low interest loans, which is bringing
huge benefits to the economy of
Bangladesh.
The third generation bank has 120
branches. In fact, this bank is a bit
different than other banks. Because
this bank is not only giving importance
to profit making, it is also giving
important initiatives and role in
poverty alleviation.
Efficient and experienced leadership
is the main condition for the smooth
running of any organization. No
organization can move forward
without visionary and efficient
leadership. From that point of view,
Premier Bank has a skilled and
experienced board of directors and
management authority. The bank's
advisor is the renowned banker,
economist Mohammad Ali, and the
managing director and CEO is the
eminent banker M.S. Reazul Karim,
FCMA.In their overall management,
the Bank has made unprecedented
progress in massive infrastructural
development, enhanced human
resource excellence and diversification
of customer service and products to
make the best use of modern
information technology.
Premier Bank Limited has come out
of the traditional conventional banking
system of the country. A few years ago,
this bank used to conduct traditional
banking like ten other banks. The bank
has made many changes in this regard.
As per the instruction of valiant
Freedom Fighter and Bank Chairman
Dr. H. B. M. Iqbal, Premier Bank has
now reached out to the masses.In
particular, the bank is working to bring
a large number of customers, including
cottage, small, medium, agricultural
and women entrepreneurs, under
banking. Not only have that, for the
last three years, more importance has
been given to alternative banking
channels than the conventional ones.
Digital apps have already been
launched. Customers get better service
through these apps.
ATM booths, agent banking, subbranches
have been introduced as
alternative channels. The number of
accounts has also increased. RMG is
making a huge contribution in the
sector. The growth of this bank in
import and export is better than many
other banks.
Premier Bank Limited continues to
make significant contributions to the
country's garment industry. The bank
has accounts of more than 260 exportoriented
garments industries. From
this it can be realized that this bank is
making important contribution in the
development of garment industry of
the country. Apart from this, the bank
is also providing grassroots banking
services in other sectors of industrial
trade. The bank's chairman Dr. H. B.
M. Iqbal believes that today's child is
the citizen of tomorrow and has the
potential entrepreneurial mentality
hidden in him or her. That is why he
has introduced school banking.
Premier Bank is a pioneer in school
banking in Bangladesh. So far 53,743
student accounts have been opened in
different branches of the bank. The
amount of their deposit is also above
Tk 11 crore 15 lakh. This deposit saves
their tiffin money they are
depositing.It is through the initiative of
this bank that children and adolescents
have become accustomed to the
banking system and have not been able
to develop themselves as worthy
citizens of the future. Even during the
coronavirus epidemic, the bank has
been able to contribute to the country's
economic activities and continues to
do so.
The government has tasked the
banking sector with disbursing Tk
5,000 crore as an incentive for the
export sector, including garments, to
cope with the economic crisis caused
by the coronavirus infection. Premier
Bank has opened accounts for about
40,000 garment workers and
distributed salaries for the three
months of April-May-June through
those accounts. These employees are
now involved in the banking system
and have access to modern banking.
The bank has also opened a bank
account of Tk 10 in the light of
government directives and farmers are
getting government assistance through
this account. Farmers now have
deposits of around Tk 1.5 crore in
4,000 accounts.
Premier Bank Limited has given
more importance to the SME sector.
Mohammad Ali, an advisor to the
bank, thinks that today's successful
SME borrowers will emerge as the
biggest corporate customers of the
future. At the same time, the country's
economy will expand, employment
will grow and it will have a positive
impact on national production.
Premier Bank has been leading the
digital banking business since its
inception. At present, that trend has
accelerated, resulting in increased
customer service. Customers are able
to enjoy a variety of benefits, including
transactions, from the comfort of their
own home. It is integrating the
country's banking sector with
international banking and has been
able to establish itself on a par with
banking in developed countries.
Premier Bank Managing Director
and CEO, eminent banker personality
M. Reazul Karim, FCMA said, "With
the foresight of our Board of Directors,
we have moved forward with our
duties and in continuation of this,
Premier Bank has come forward with
an exceptional work plan during
coronavirus pandemic." We have
deployed manpower where it is needed
and all kinds of facilities including
annual increment of all officers and
employees as per rules continue.We
are working to cut the coronvirus
recession and make an effective
contribution to the domestic economy
through other banking activities,
including state debt incentives. "
This private sector bank is operating
with utmost care and confidence. It
has been able to set an example of
consistent financial results, corporate
good governance, ethics, transparency,
accountability and proper
performance in social responsibility.
The main person behind these
achievements is the efficiency of the
chairman of the board of directors Dr.
H. B. M. Iqbal. He guarded the bank
like a guardian angel.
He said, "It is true that we are the
founders of the bank and we have
established the bank. But we do not
own this bank. Owners are the
customers who have deposited here. It
is our responsibility to protect the
deposited money. He constantly
reminds the bank executives about
this". He further said, "Father of the
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman has made the country
independent and we have become
entrepreneurs of the bank. You can
become officers of the bank including
MD and DMD." If the country was not
independent, then one would have
been a clerk. So much development, so
many banks, so many industries could
not have been possible if the country
did not get freedom".
So everyone has to work with
honesty and dedication. Under his
guidance, Premier Bank has been
able to establish itself as a people's
bank. Rural farmers and even the
poorest of the poor have been able
to join the bank and improve their
quality of life through micro-credit.
The modern bank of the time
Premier Bank Limited is entering
its 22nd year of establishment.
Marking this great occasion we
wish good luck to all and constant
love to everyone.
The writer is Md. Tareq Uddin,
SVP, Head of Brand Marketing
and Communication, The
Premier Bank Limited.
Premier Bank celebrates 21 years of growth
The Premier Bank Ltd celebrated their 2 decades of successful operations
at a spectacular event held under the banner of "Celebrating 21 years of
Growth Together" recently. The event, held at the bank's head office, was
inaugurated by the Premier Bank's founder Chairman, Freedom Fighter
Dr. H.B.M.
Photo: Courtesy
The Premier Bank Ltd
celebrated their 2 decades of
successful operations at a
spectacular event held under
the banner of "Celebrating 21
years of Growth Together"
recently. The event, held at the
bank's head office, was
inaugurated by the Premier
Bank's founder Chairman,
Freedom Fighter Dr. H.B.M.
The event rejoiced all the
significant milestones of their 21
year journey with special
emphasis on how they are
proud and humbled to have
played an important role in
transforming the economic
sector and facilitating the
development of the country as a
key financial player. It is this role
that has contributed to earning
the trust, appreciation and
respect of the people and other
organizations solidifying their
position as one of the leading
private banks now-a-days, a
press release said.
Dr. H.B.M. Iqbal, who is a
renowned Freedom Fighter
and one of the pioneers of the
country's financial sector, led
the celebrations of the day as the
events Chief Guest. Joining him
as special guests were M. Reazul
Karim (FCMA), the Managing
Director and CEO of the
Premier Bank; Golam Awlia,
Additional Managing Director
of the bank. In his speech at the
celebration, Chairman Dr.
H.B.M. Iqbal stated, "Ever since
we started way back in 1999, we
strived every single day to
perform our best and keep our
promise of "Service first" which
has helped us rise to a position
of trust while earning the love
and respect of the people. Our
bank has been playing an
important role in the
development of various sectors
of the country and we have
garnered massive success in
many different areas. However,
without your continuous help
and support for the last 20
years, we would not have
reached recent position."
The Managing Director and
CEO of the bank M. Reazul
Karim (FCMA) thanked
everyone and said, "Despite
the effect of pandemic, our
deposit has grown by 9.67%
from the year end of 2019
(from BDT 20,977.62 crore as
on 31.12.2019 to BDT
23,005.41 as on 25.10.2020).
During the same time, our
loans and advances has grown
by 10.01% (from BDT
18,824.74 crore as on
31.12.2019 to BDT 20,709.73
crore as on 25.10.2020). We
hope that within the next five
years, premier bank will
achieve all the parameters and
become one of the top most
profitable banks in the
country."
The Horishchar Bazar Sub-branch of First Security Islami Bank Ltd. recently started its operation
recently at Hanif Tower, Horishchar Bazar, Lalmai, Cumilla with a view to providing shariah based
modern banking services to its clients. Syed Waseque Md Ali, Managing Director of First Security
Islami Bank inaugurated the sub-branch through Video Conference. Among others, Abdul Aziz and
Md. Mustafa Khair, Additional Managing Director(s), Md. Zahurul Haque, Deputy Managing
Director along with other officials were present at the occasion. A Doa Mahfil was organized in this
regard.
Photo: Courtesy
Jamuna
Bank gets its
New DMD
Md. Fazlur Rahman
Chowdhury appointed as the
Deputy Managing Director
recently. Chowdhury will
take the role of the Head of
Corporate Banking Division
as well as the Regional Head
Md. Fazlur Rahman
of Chattogram Zone, a press
release said.
Prior to joining Jamuna
Bank, Chowdhury was the
Additional Deputy Managing
Director & Head of
Chattogram Zone leading 27
(twenty seven) branches.
Chowdhury has around 25
years of experience in
banking service and has held
senior management
positions in different
capacities mainly focused in
Corporate Banking, Credit
Management and Branch
Banking. He started his
banking career in 1995 as
Probationary Officer (2nd
Batch) with Eastern Bank
Ltd and joined ONE Bank
Ltd, Agrabad Branch as AVP
& Branch Credit Head in
2000. He worked as
Agrabad Branch Manager
for seven years and was
honored with "Best Manager
Award" during his tenure.
Chowdhury completed his
Masters in Accounting from
University of Chittagong. He
completed CA Article ship
from Rahman Rahman
Huq. He was awarded as one
of the Top Class Deputy
Governors of the Year 2017 -
18 in Rotary International
under Rotary District 3282.
He attended many training
and workshops in home and
abroad.
Standard Bank Ltd donated 75,000 pcs blankets for the cold stricken
people to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. Prime Minister & Leader of the
People Sheikh Hasina joined the program through video conferencing.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Standard Bank Ltd. Kazi Akram
Uddin Ahmed handed over the blankets to Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, Principle
Secretary of Prime Minister.
Photo: Courtesy
Trumps says will pass 'best
stimulus' after election
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump
said Tuesday that Republicans will approve a
pandemic rescue package for the US
economy after the November 3 election,
seeming to concede defeat on efforts to reach
a deal this week, reports BSS.
He also improbably predicted Republicans
would regain control of the lower house of
Congress, and blamed House Speaker Nancy
Pelosi for the impasse in talks over steps to
help counteract the devastating impact that
the health crisis has had on households and
businesses.
"She's not interested in helping the
people," Trump told reporters at the White
House.
"But after the election we will get the best
stimulus package you've ever seen because I
think we're going to take back the House,"
said Trump, who is trailing well behind
former vice president Joe Biden in the polls.
After months of negotiations between
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven
Mnuchin, and despite signs of recent
progress, there appears to be no time left to
get the deal approved before Trump and
Biden go before voters next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Republican Senate Majority
Leader Mitch McConnell adjourned the
upper house of Congress after rushing
through confirmation of a conservative
Supreme Court justice, Amy Coney Barrett,
late Monday. And though he could still call a
vote, he has opposed another massive
stimulus package.
The two sides are looking at a package of
measures that would total around $2 trillion,
but remain divided over provisions to
combat the coronavirus and help struggling
state and local governments.
But Trump again indicated he opposes
providing aid to Democratic-led cities and
states.
With Covid-19 cases on the rise
nationwide, the need for stimulus has taken
on a new urgency, especially as many
support programs have expired or are about
to, including a moratorium on foreclosures
and evictions as well as loans for small
businesses. This threatens to spark a wave of
bankruptcies and homelessness.
Whether a measure can be approved in the
"lame duck" session before the new Congress
is seated in January is unclear.