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    Economic Development of Bangladesh:

    The Role of IBBL

    *Shafiqur Rahman ** Nicholas McDonald

    Abstract

    This paper presents the role of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) to the recent economic development inBangladesh. The study analyses published texts, articles, websites and annual report of IBBL through a contentanalysis. Key findings of this study manifest the different areas of economic development in Bangladesh by IBBL likegenerating employment, earning foreign remittance, strengthening rural economy, promoting ecology and greenbanking, boosting industrialization, developing the SMEs, assisting in foreign trade (import-export), developing thehousing sector etc. This study also identifies IBBLs contribution to Corporate Social Responsibility in Bangladesh aswell as significant contribution to the national exchequer. This paper contributes to the field of economic developmentof Bangladesh the role of IBBL behind it, especially where there is a lack of literature in this specific area.

    Keywords Economic Development, Bangladesh, Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL)

    * Shafiqur Rahman is an MBA Coordinator for International Islamic University Chittagong (Dhaka Campus);

    Director, Centre for Law Development and Governance, PhD Candidate, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

    Email:[email protected]

    ** Nicholas McDonald is a Management Consultant in Sydney, Australia.

    Email:[email protected]

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    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    1.0 Introduction:

    A bank is a financial institution, where people secure their money and use this institution as a source of

    possible finance. Banking in the form in which it exists nowadays is comparatively of recent origin [1].

    Before the advent of modern banking, direct finance, where the owner of capital deals directly with the user

    of capital, was the customary mode of transference of funds from savers to investors. Nowadays, banks are

    organizations engaged in any or various functions i.e., receiving, collecting, transferring, paying, lending,

    investing, dealing, exchanging, and servicing money and claims to money both locally and internationally

    [2].

    Bangladesh is a country suffering from immense social, political, economic and environmental issues and

    these issues need to be addressed for the overall development of this country. However, the economic

    development is one of the prime factors, which can resolve many of its current problems. The growth of

    business sectors and open market economy has created a great opportunity for Bangladesh for its

    development. The contribution of the banking sector is playing significant role in the development of this

    country. However, the emergence of Islamic banking in Bangladesh has added a new height in the banking

    sector. The role of IBBL seems to be magnificently surpassed among all the Banks in Bangladesh during

    last one decade.

    Economic Development refers to changes that affect a local economy's capacity to create wealth for local

    residents [3]. Economic development for Bangladesh can be identified through number of indicators,

    including GDP growth, poverty issues, employment, healthcare, environment, education, trade and

    commerce etc. This study clearly identifies that during last 28 years, IBBL has contributed in improving

    Bangladesh economy through making positive changes to all its economic indicators.

    The core question addressed by this study was: What role IBBL has been playing towards the economic

    development in Bangladesh? This study contains a few steps below. Firstly, the introduction of this paper

    has been placed; secondly, the relevant literature has been reviewed; thirdly, the research context,

    Bangladesh has been presented; fourthly, the origin and development of Islamic banking and the

    commencement of IBBLs journey has been briefed; fifthly, key information of IBBL has been included;

    sixthly, the theoretical framework, under which IBBL operates has been narrated; seventhly, methodological

    framework of this study and its relevance has been explained; eighthly, the role of IBBL in different business

    sectors of Bangladesh has been described; ninthly, noted the limitation and finally, summary and conclusion.

    2.0 Relevant Literature review:

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    Banking system has significant role in the economic development, historically (4). On one hand, banks give

    the security of savings of the general people; on the other hand, lend money to the entrepreneurs to start a

    news business or expand an existing business, which ultimately create velocity of money and generation of

    employment within an economic territory. Modern banking system is involved in numerous financial

    services activities starting from lending money to exchange money nowadays [5].

    The aim of Islamic economics is not only the elimination of interest based transactions and the introduction

    of the zakah (obligatory contribution to poor by Muslims) system but also the establishment of just and

    balanced social order free from all kinds of exploitation [6]. Zakah system takes the wealth from the rich

    according to the guideline of Shariah (Islamic Jurisprudence) and spreads the wealth among the deserving

    people that helps the society to sustain and grow.

    The principles of Islamic economics recommend interest-free and equity-based financing through the Islamic

    banking system. A great scholar on Islamic economics, Ahmad says that elimination of interest does not

    mean zero-return on capital [7]. Rather, Islam forbids a fixed predetermined return for a certain factor of

    production i.e. one party having assured return and the whole risk of an entrepreneurship to be shared by

    others. Instead of interest, Islamic economics introduced profit and loss based banking transaction which

    spreads the risk between borrower and the banks, which made Islamic banks fundamentally different from

    the conventional interest based banks.

    Referring to the existence of Islamic banking amid of conventional banking system and economy, anotherexpert of Islamic banking system, Sarkar expresses that Islamic banking system can provide efficient

    banking services if they are supported with appropriate banking laws, and regulations [8]. Islamic banks are

    operating facing immense national and global challenges, when it is making financial transactions, trading or

    as a working partner. However, when appropriate laws and regulations are persists in a society or at the

    global level, Islamic banks can manifest its performance well.

    Two prolific scholars of Islamic finance, Ahmad and Hassan remarks that Islamic banks in Bangladesh came

    into existence with certain objectives, in line with the philosophy of Islamic banking, that imply a direct and

    specific responsibility on their part to play an effective role in the socioeconomic development of the country

    [9]. Islamic banking in Bangladesh effectively following the Islamic philosophy of banking, performing

    better than the conventional banks in many cases, gained widespread support from the customers and

    contributing significantly in the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh.

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    Defining Economic Development, Pokrant refers to the raising of the productive capacity of a country

    through the introduction of policies designed to enhance the productivity of land, labour and capital, raise

    standards of living and reduce or alleviate the poverty of the inhabitants of the country [10]. Though there

    are a number of definitions of economic development exist, it is generally understood that the standard of

    living of the citizens can be improved by alleviating poverty through increased productivity. Also Kifle,

    Olukoshi, Wohlgemuth support this idea that there is a strong relationship between poverty elevation and

    economic development [11].

    A contemporary scholar on Islamic banking Hassan views that the successful launching and operation of

    Islamic banks in Bangladesh has established that banking with out interest is feasible. He also observes that

    Islamic banks have brought together many depositors and entrepreneurs under the banking system [12]. It

    has been found that these depositors and entrepreneurs have got the opportunity to practice Shariah based

    banking and fulfill their religious obligation.

    Another scholar on Islamic Banking in Bangladesh, Alam describes the reasons behind the success of IBBL

    and narrated that in addition of Shariah compliance, senior officials of the Bank also keep a regular contact

    with customers and bank managers frequently visit them in their places of business. Referring the chief of

    the Investment Department of the IBBL, Alam also commented that though IBBL initially faced some

    challenges, but the situation is getting better than before [13].

    3.0 Contextualizing the Proposed Research:

    Bangladesh is a country, the research context, where IBBL operates, suffers from immense economic, social

    and environmental challenges, has been described below.

    Economic situation of Bangladesh: Bangladesh has been facing severe economic problems.This country

    has a per capita income of only US$781 [14]. Feeding 160 million people with a piece of land measuring

    0.15 million square kilometers is really challenging. Having an annual budget of USD $ 23.37 billion the

    country is struggling to meet the basic needs for its citizens. However, over the past years, the economic

    situation of Bangladesh seems to be improving. For example, various steps by the private sector supported

    by the government has generated USD $36.44 million Foreign Direct Investment in CY 2010 and generated

    $ 22.93 billion export earning in [15].

    Social condition of Bangladesh: This country also suffers from severe social problems. Over two million

    female workers are employed in Bangladesh is its export oriented garments sector, which is low paid and

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    barely their salary meet the day to day expenditure. In Bangladesh, women workers in this garments sector

    have to survive particularly harsh working condition. Child labour is another major problem in Bangladesh.

    Among factors contributing to child labour are rapid population growth, adult unemployment, bad working

    conditions, lack of minimum wages, exploitation of workers, low standard of living, low quality of

    education, lack of legal provisions and enforcement, low capacity of institutions, gender discrimination,

    conceptual thinking about childhood, etc. One or more of the above contribute to the large numbers of

    children working under exploitative or hazardous conditions [16]. Another major social problem is acid

    attacks on women, mainly due to refusal of marriage proposal and failure to give dowry to the husband.

    These attacks are increasing at alarming rates as government has failed to prosecute the attackers. Easily

    available sulphuric acid, which can deeply injure a human face in seconds, has emerged as a weapon

    nowadays used to disfigure a womans body. Gradual increase of acid attacks suggests that legal provisions

    and their enforcement are not adequate, nor effective. Social awareness, economic and psychological

    support, rehabilitation, and strict enforcement of laws are key to combat acid violence in Bangladesh [17].

    Drug addiction is increasing in Bangladesh as well. It has been recognized as a social, health and also a

    political problem, and it needs to be addressed urgently. Bangladesh is a country where 40 percent of the

    people go to bed hungry every night, where 40 percent of the people are chronically malnourished and

    stunted. It is a country where too many mothers die in childbirth, where too many infants die before they

    reach their first birthday [18].

    Environmental challenges in Bangladesh: Bangladesh has a number of environmental concerns as well.

    Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country to climate change impact. Being the largest delta in the world

    located at the downstream of the second largest river system, the country is subject to a series of climatic

    events. The probable impacts of global climate change (GCC), particularly sea-level rise and the associated

    impact on ecosystems and economic loss, adds to the already daunting array of environmental issues.

    Climate change will change the physiography and demography of Bangladesh. By 2050, 70 million people

    could be affected annually by floods; 8 million by drought; up to 8% of the low-lying lands may become

    permanently inundated [19]. Bangladesh has been high risk prone area for last couple of years, for arsenic

    polluted water due to arsenic release in groundwater from the sediments deposited during the Holoceneperiod. So, supply of safe drinking water remains the most crucial issue in a large area in Bangladesh [20].

    In addition to its human caused environmental problems, Bangladesh has been severely affected by natural

    disasters in last few years. For example, in 1991, nearly 150,000 lives were taken by a cyclone. Hundreds of

    natural disasters, both large and small, occur each year in Bangladesh [21].

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    However, banking sector plays a vital role in Bangladesh economy. Islamic banking system is becoming

    popular since 1983 over the conventional banks in this country. In addition to the six Islamic banks (shariah

    based banks) in Bangladesh, almost all the banks (except Janata Bank) are having Islamic banking windows

    as well as a few foreign banks. Most of the Islamic banks are performing well. Islami Bank Bangladesh

    Limited is playing leading role in the banking sector for last one decade due to its excellent performance.

    Due to its outstanding acceptance among the banking consumers (both borrowers and depositors), it is

    contributing significantly in Bangladesh Economy. The Islamic banking system, specifically the IBBLs

    contribution to the economy may help improve current situation of the country.

    4.0 Origin and development of Islamic Banking System and the commencement of IBBLs journey:

    Islamic banking refers to a banking activity that is consistent with the principles of the Shari'ah (Islamic

    jurisprudence) and its practical application through the development of Islamic economics [22]. Islamic

    banks have the following specialized characteristics: a) to achieve certain philosophical missions of Islamicbanking (conforming with Islamic laws, practices and principles; b) to provide credit to those who have the

    talent and the expertise but unable to provide collateral to the conventional banks; and c) to create harmony

    in society based on the Islamic concept to achieve economic, financial, and political stability. Dubai Islamic

    Bank, worlds first fully-fledged Islamic bank, was established in 1975 [23]. In the same year, Islamic

    Development Bank was established as a follow-up of decision of Conference of Finance Ministers of Muslim

    Countries [24]. Today, there are 280 Islamic banks in 48 countries, whose total deposits have reached

    US$400 billion, in addition to 300 conventional banks, which opened branches, windows or provide Islamic

    financial products.

    Many conventional banks around the world opened Islamic banking windows. In Australia, both Westpac

    and National Australia Bank have taken steps to enter into Islamic banking parallel to their conventional

    system. Islamic banks are based onProfitandLoss Sharing (PLS) system, rather than interest. These banks

    are socially responsible while giving loans and monitored by expert bankers side by side guided by the

    Shariah (Islamic law) Board. Islamic banks do not lend money to the tobacco industry, gambling industry,

    production of goods that damage physical or mental health or harmful to the environment or any product orservice industry involve in unethical practices, which has a very close proximity to the SRI (Socially

    Responsible Investment) of the western world. The first Islamic Bank in Bangladesh, Islamic Bank

    Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) was established in 1983 and later five more banks have joined in the same

    journey with the growing demand of shariah based banking system in this country.

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    5.0 Overview of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL):

    Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited, a bank based on Islamic principles and shariah (Islamic law) started its

    journey with an authorized capital of TK. 500 million (12.5 million US dollars) in 1983. This is one of the

    first interest free banks in South Asia. The opening of an Islamic bank brought a new era in the history of the

    countrys financial market. The long cherished desire of many Muslims in the country was realized.

    Currently this bank has over 10,068 employees, 256 branches with a deposit of taka 32,193 crore (US $4.4

    billion) [25]. With the implementation of the expansion program in the year 1997, almost all-important

    commercial places of the country came under the operational activities of the bank.

    IBBL is a joint venture multinational bank with equity contributed by the Islamic Development Bank and

    financial institutions like Al-Raji Company, Kuwait Finance House, Jordan Islamic Bank, Islamic

    Investment and Exchange Corporation of Qatar, Bahrain Islamic Bank, Islamic Banking SystemInternational Holding, S.A, Dubai Islamic Bank and Kuwait Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. Two

    eminent personalities of Saudi Arabia namely Fuad Abdul Hameed Al-Khateeb and Ahmed Salah Jamjoom,

    were also the sponsors of the Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited. The responsibility for management and

    formulating policy of the IBBL is vested in the board of directors. As a rule in the Article of Association, a

    Bangladeshi director is to be elected as the chairman of the company. There is a Management Committee

    consisting of the most senior executives of the bank. In addition to these committees, a Shariah Council

    comprising famous Islamic scholars, economists and bankers, supervise the day to day affairs of IBBL from

    the viewpoint of the Islamic Shariah [26].

    6.0 Theoretical frameworks:

    The principle philosophy of Islamic Banking is based on Islamic Shariah, which prohibits interest. The role

    of Islamic banking is to establish the relationship with client is partnership and the operation followed Profit-

    Loss System (PLS). Under this principle, no payment is allowed to labor, unless it is applied to work, no

    reward for capital should be allowed, unless it is exposed to business risk. Considering the above matters,

    IBBL uses the funds in the following manners:

    6.1 Mudaraba (Capital Financing):

    Capital Trust financing is a contract between at least two parties in which the bank as the investor supplies

    the entire capital of the business. These two parties work together and share profits and losses. Under

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    Murabaha financing the investor is known as Rab-Al-Mal which means the owner of the property and the

    entrepreneur is called Mudarab, meaning the manager of capital. When the venture ends, the manager of

    capital i.e. the entrepreneur returns the entire capital to the bank, along with an agreed proportion of profit. If

    there is any loss, it is born by the bank.

    6.2 Musharaka (Partnership):

    The word Musharaka means a profit sharing joint venture, designed to limited production or commercial

    activities of long duration. In this case the bank and the customer contribute capital jointly. They also

    contribute managerial expertise and other essential services at agreed proportions. Profit or losses are shared

    according to the contract agreed upon. An individual partner does not become liable for the losses caused by

    others.

    6.3 Murabaha (Cost plus profit):The word Murabaha means a cost-plus Profit contract. In this system of financing the bank agrees to

    purchase for a client who will then reimburse the bank in a stated time period at an agreed upon profit

    margin. The mark-up price that the bank and the buyer agree to is mainly based on the market price of the

    commodity. Thus the bank earns a profit without bearing any risk.

    6.4 Ijara (Leasing):

    The word Ijara indicates leasing. In this case, the bank is called lessor and the customer is called lessee who

    wants to use the assets and pays rent. According to the Western leasing system the lessee pays specific

    rentals and a fixed rate of interest over a given period for the use of specific assets. But in the Islamic

    banking system of leasing the risk related to leasing has to be shared between the bank and the lessee, in case

    of any damage to the leased assets.

    6.5 Quard E Hasan (Interest free loan):

    Quard E Hasan means an interest-free loan given by the Islamic bank to the needy people in a society. The

    practice of dealing with this sort of investment differs from bank to bank. Quard E Hasan is normally given

    to the needy people like needy students, small producers, farmers, entrepreneurs and economically weaker

    sections of the society, who are not in a position to obtain loan or any financial assistance from any other

    institutional sources.

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    7.0 Methodological framework - Content Analysis:

    For the purpose of this study, Content Analysis has been considered as the most appropriate research

    method. Content analysis as a method used to record the extent and issues in different contents like relevant

    materials and documents. To understand the role and contribution of Bangladesh economy effectiveness of

    the principles, we explored the contents of the annual report - 2010 of IBBL including relevant articles,

    books, periodicals and websites. Content analysis engages the identification of particular issue within the

    texts, which can be classified under headings, and then analysed. Conducting a content analysis in the

    current study involves at least four important steps: choose the documents to analyse, select the categories/

    sections within the annual report/policy Manual and relevant documents measuring the reliability of

    data/information.

    8.0 Finding and Analysis:

    The authors, through a detailed content analysis, found the pieces of information that have been placed

    below which answers the research question, What role IBBL has been playing towards the economic

    development in Bangladesh?

    8.1 Role Towards Employment Creation:

    IBBL has significantly contributed it the employment generation in Bangladesh. This bank has employed

    over 10,000 people directly and a few million indirectly through financing in business including import-

    export, industrialization, SME financing and Rural development projects. So, it can be apprehended that a

    few million families are directly and indirectly benefited from IBBL and they are also contributing in the

    economy as a part of the whole economic system of Bangladesh. According to Rashid, Hasan and Ahmad,

    Islami Banks along with IBBL is providing satisfactory community service through job creation and

    ensuring consistency in service provisions [27].

    8.2 Role in Earning Foreign Remittance:

    Remittances by migrant workers earning sent back from the country of employment to the country of origin,

    play a vital role in the economies of many labour sending countries [28]. Also remittance help inmacroeconomic development process in the home country as the remittance provide significant sources of

    foreign currency, increase national income, finance imports and contribute to improve the balance of

    payment situation. Demand for migrant workers remittances to Bangladesh has now increased

    tremendously. FY 2010-11, remittance inflow to Bangladesh was 82,992 crore taka (US $11.53 billion).

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    Because of clients confidents on the performance, remittance of the IBBLs grew at 10% to 21,463 crore

    (US $2.98 billion) with 28% market share and helping Bangladesh economy to become healthier.

    8.3 Role in Strengthening Rural Economy:

    To make the rural poor people self-reliant, IBBL has initiated Rural Development Scheme. During FY 2010

    RDS performance got better than ever, which is operating in around 12,000 villages among more than 5 Lac

    members of around 21,000 centers of the country and will expand this business to all over the Bangladesh in

    the coming years [29]. The amount of cumulative disbursement through this Scheme stood at Tk. 3,184

    Crore up to December, 2010. Through RDS IBBL operates Humanitarian Assistance Program, Education

    Program, Capacity Building Program and Health & Medicare Program. A study conducted by Rahman,

    Jafrullah and Islam analyzed many facets of the RDS and they concludes that IBBLs RDS is a successful

    project. They also indentified that household income and expenditure of the RDS participants had increased

    significantly and clients had a positive opinion towards the micro investment program as it improved theiroverall standards of living [30].

    8.4 Role in Promoting Ecology and Green Banking:

    Green Bank is simply with social awareness. IBBL insists on going green to help the environment that

    promote its online banking, Mobile Banking or the idea of socially responsible investment funds for

    sustainable project finance activities. An important and easy aspect of green banking is online and

    investment in eco-friendly business projects. A truly green bank will reduce its carbon footprint by building

    more efficient premises, branches, implementing more efficient operational procedures promoting

    sustainable banking and increasing their investments in environment-sensitive industries.

    IBBL Green Banking practices are connected with both internal operation and product ecology. Product

    ecology is concerned with the impacts of the bank on the environment used by the clients. Green banking

    engaged in creating socially responsible investment funds and sustainable project finance activities. IBBLs

    green banking initiative is supported by Hassan and Latif who express that scope for Islamic banks can

    develop Islamic financial products (such as green product), which contributes to the environment, such as

    energy efficiency loans or leasing of environmental technology [31].

    8.5 Role in the Countrys Industrialization:

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    As per Investment Policy of IBBL, top priority has been given towards the Industrial development of the

    country. The Banks Investment portfolio is gradually being increased towards industrial finance along with

    commercial investment. IBBL's investment in industrial sector is substantially higher compared with those

    of other commercial Banks. Total Investment for projects finance together with Working Capital stood at

    Tk.14,911 crore as on 31st December 2010 as against Tk.11,488 crore as on 31st December 2009 resulting in

    29.80% growth. IBBL has invested at a wide range of businesses including in textile & garments, Steel &

    Engineering, agro based industries, food & beverage, Poultry & hatchery, chemical & petroleum, printing &

    packaging, plastics & ceramics, hotel & restaurants. A study conducted by Alam observes that the growth

    rate of investment in the industrial sector is very much significant than many other sectors [32].

    8.6 Role in the Development of SMEs:

    The role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is indispensable for overall economic development of a

    country particularly for developing countries like Bangladesh. Since this sector is labour intensive with shortgestation period, it is capable of increasing national income as well as rapid employment generation;

    achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) especially eradication of extreme poverty and hunger,

    gender equality and women empowerment. SME sector has played a vital role in economic development of

    some prosperous countries of Asia. Our neighboring countries have also given due importance on SME.

    Terming SME as employment generating machine they stressed on SME development for higher economic

    growth, narrowing the gap of income inequality and poverty alleviation. Besides the above, SMEs are

    considered as the driving force for industrialization.

    Total SME Investment of IBBL reached to Tk. 78,456 crore (US $11 billion) during 2010 which was 37.26%

    higher compared to Tk. 57,159 crore (US $8 billion) during 2009. Institutional Category-wise SME

    Investment increased at the end of September, 2010 in state owned banks (+75.66%), Foreign Banks

    (+53.49%), Private Banks (+31.56%), non-bank FIs (+24.43%) and specialized Banks (+20.06%) as

    compared to September, 2009. A study by Hamid reveals that IBBL provides an idea about how small

    entrepreneurs can be developed through an Islamic way [31].

    8.7 Role in International Trade (Import/Export):

    IBBL plays significant role in the Bangladeshs international trading business. IBBL is helping the economy

    by providing assistance in importing raw materials on one hand. On the other hand helping the export

    business and earning foreign currency for Bangladesh.

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    Import: During the year 2010 bank opened 46,736 import Letters of Credit for Tk.24,628 crore against

    38,717 Letters of Credit for Tk. 16,123 crore in 2009 showing 53% growth in amount. Major items of import

    consist of raw cotton, yarn, fabrics, capital machinery, fertilizer, metal, motor vehicle, chemicals, edible oil,

    rice, scrap ship etc. EXPORT: During the year 2010 bank handled 46,699 Export Bills for Tk.14,842 crore

    as against 44,291 Export Bills for Tk. 10,642 crore in 2009 showing 39.46% growth in amount. Major export

    financed items are readymade garments, frozen foods & vegetables, jute & jute goods etc.

    8.8 Role in Housing Investment scheme:

    IBBL has taken massive initiative to invest under the Housing Investment Scheme for the eligible citizens

    major metropolitan cities. With limited income, upper middle class and middle class can take the advantage

    of this program. This program is popularly known as Hire Purchase under Shirkatul Melk. Investment

    through this mode is solving accommodation problems in the major cities at the same time contributing to the

    economy through a wide range of backyard linkage industries including rod, cement, wood, tiles & fittings,

    equipment (like lifts and generators) as well as employs a large number of construction related staff.

    8.9 Contribution to the National Exchequer:

    IBBL has been able to contribute huge amount to the Government Exchequer as Income Tax out of its profit.

    IBBL paid the highest tax to the Govt. in the Banking Sector by paying corporate tax Taka 411 crore (US $57

    million) in the year 2010 and Taka 325.32 crore (US $45 million) in the year 2009. This revenue income is

    significant for Bangladesh government compared to its total review income, which is an indicator for the

    economic development of the country.

    8.10 Role in Perfoming Responsibility to the Society (CSR):

    A study by Rahman, Jahan and McDonald observe that it is a general belief in Bangladesh community that

    the contribution of Islami Bank Bangladeshi Limited in CSR is very significant among the financial

    institutions [32]. Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. (IBBL) being one of the best corporate citizen of the country,

    has been discharging its responsibilities to the society in general directly through its banking activities and

    through its fully owned subsidiary, Islami Bank Foundation, since its inception. The theme of such

    responsibility has been envisaged in the mission of the Bank since the day of establishment. IBBL renders

    responsibility towards Shareholders, Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Community and the environment.

    IBBLs CSR towards the society briefed below:

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    Healthcare Program: IBBL provides health care through six fully owned hospitals, 7 community hospitals

    consisting of 1,021 beds, 561 doctors and 411 staffs. In addition to these hospitals, it has been organizing

    mobile eye camps and charitable dispensaries. Thousands of patients, especially middle class and lower

    middle class families take benefits of these hospitals every year.

    Education Program: IBBL established 01 (one) Medical College, 01 (one) Health Technology Institute and01 (one) Nursing Training Institute in Rajshahi. IBBL has been operating 06 (six) Technical Institutes- two

    in Dhaka, one each in Bogra, Sylhet, Khulna and Chittagong. This bank has been operating 01 (one) English

    medium school, 01 (one) Bangla medium school and 01 (one) girls madrasha in Dhaka with a total number

    of 2,521 students employing 106 teachers and 49 staffs.

    Scholarship Program: IBBL provides Scholarship and lump-sum financial assistance for education purpose

    to the meritorious but poor students under its Scholarship Program. Since inception of the Program 6,459

    students received Scholarship/grant for Tk. 60.14 million till 2010. The bank has been providing Scholarship

    to the very poor students secured GPA 5 in SSC & HSC examinations from the year 2010 under its direct

    Scholarship program.

    Sports, Art, Literature & Cultural Program: IBBL sponsors various sports & cultural events every year.

    During the year 2010, Tk. 10.00 million was donated to Bangladesh Olympic Association for organizing

    South Asian Olympiad in Dhaka. The Bank contributed Tk. 2.00 million to Bangladesh Association of Banks

    (BAB) for taking initiatives to encourage the members of Bangladesh National Cricket Team for winning

    against New Zealand

    Humanitarian Assistance Program: IBBL always comes forward to assist the victims of natural or social

    disasters. During the year 2010, the Bank contributed an amount of Tk. 25.00 lac to the Prime Ministers

    Relief Fund for the victims of Nimtoly Fire Tragedy. Apart from it, consequence upon the tornado, tidal

    surge and river erosion during the period between September-October 2010 in the coastal areas, the Bank

    extended relief work directly in the effected areas under the districts Noakhali and Coxs Bazar for an

    amount of Tk. 3.00 million.

    9.0 Limitations:

    Though IBBL is playing significant role in developing Bangladesh economy, but all relevant data could not

    be identified from the relevant industries, who generated businesses from the investment made by IBBL.

    Authors could do more in-depth study, if they had more time to work on this project.

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    10. Summary and conclusion:

    IBBL is one of the fastest growing and best performing banks in Bangladesh. Because of its excellent

    teamwork among the top management, staff and clients as well as outstanding banking performance, this

    bank achieved a secured position in Bangladesh banking sector. IBBL has invested in a wide range of areas

    that not only reduced the risk of investment, but also providing services to a large number of citizens in the

    country as well as Bangladeshis working abroad. The above study has portrayed a picture of IBBLs role in

    the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. If this trend remains continued, IBBLs contribution will

    impact upon the social and environmental sectors, in addition to the economic well being of the country.

    This can be inferred from this study that this development of Bangladesh will benefit Bangladesh citizens

    and their future generations to live a better lifestyle.

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