BIBM workshop stresses governance, Shariah compliance in Islamic banking
The Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management and the Islamic Banks Regulation and Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank jointly organised a workshop in Dhaka on Saturday, 4 July 2026, focusing on governance and Shariah compliance in the Islamic banking sector.
The workshop, titled "Discussion on Shariah Roles of Chairman of Board of Directors in Islamic Banking Operations", was held at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management campus.
Md Mostaqur Rahman, FCMA, Governor of Bangladesh Bank and Chairman of the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management Governing Board, attended the programme as the chief guest.
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Dr Kabir Ahmed, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and Abdul Hai Sarker, Chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks, attended as special guests.
Professor Dr Mohammad Tazul Islam, Director of Training at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management, delivered the welcome address, while Md Ashraful Alam, Executive Director of the Islamic Banks Regulation and Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank, delivered the inaugural remarks.
The session was chaired by Dr Ezazul Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management.
Speaking at the workshop, Md Mostaqur Rahman said a large proportion of depositors in Bangladesh prefer Islamic banking services. He said the Shariah Council must play a more proactive and effective role in safeguarding public confidence in Islamic banking.
Emphasising governance, he said Bangladesh Bank is giving the highest priority to strengthening governance standards to restore public trust and ensure that the banking sector remains free from political influence.
He also expressed confidence that Bangla QR would gain wider nationwide adoption in the coming year, further promoting digital financial transactions.
Abdul Hai Sarker said Bangladesh has a comparatively higher number of banks than many neighbouring countries. He said a more rational number of banks would contribute to better management, supervision and operational efficiency in the banking industry.
Speaking as a special guest, Doctor Md Kabir Ahmed said the new regulatory framework assigns broader responsibilities to the Shariah compliance function and significantly strengthens institutional mechanisms for ensuring compliance.
He said the popularity of Islamic banking continues to grow in Bangladesh, making robust Shariah governance essential for the sector's sustainable development.
Chairing the programme, Dr Ezazul Islam said the rapid expansion of Islamic banking requires stronger Shariah governance and effective Shariah compliance mechanisms.
He said adherence to Shariah principles enhances customer confidence and contributes to the stability, transparency and sustainable growth of the Islamic banking industry.
Dr Ezazul Islam also said closer coordination among the Board of Directors, management and Shariah supervisory functions is essential for developing an internationally competitive Islamic banking system.
He reaffirmed the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management's commitment to supporting the banking industry through research, professional training and knowledge sharing.
Md Ashraful Alam said the drafting of the Islamic Banking Act is now in its final stage. He expressed optimism that the proposed law would strengthen the regulatory framework and improve transparency, efficiency and accountability in Islamic banking operations.
The workshop featured three technical presentations by members of the Shariah Advisory Board of Bangladesh Bank.
The presentations focused on the application of Islamic legal maxims in Islamic banking and finance, the Shariah Governance Framework and its implications for Islamic banking operations in Bangladesh, and the Shariah roles of the Chairman of the Board of Directors in Islamic banking operations.
An open discussion session allowed participants to exchange views and make recommendations to strengthen governance, Shariah oversight, and the overall development of Islamic banking in Bangladesh.
Members of the Boards of Directors of Islamic banks, senior officials from Bangladesh Bank, scheduled banks and financial institutions, academics, researchers and banking professionals attended the programme.
