Views Exchange Meeting between Inspector General of Police, Bangladesh & BAB

With a view to promoting economic stability, addressing emerging challenges in the banking sector, and strengthening good governance and discipline across the financial industry, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Bangladesh, Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, BPM, held an exchange of views with a delegation of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB).

The meeting was held today at the Hall of Pride at Police Headquarters, Bangladesh. Discussions focused on the overall economic situation, contemporary challenges in the banking sector, the current status of loan classification, and the growing volume and rate of non-performing loans (NPLs).

To address these challenges, enhance mutual cooperation and find effective solutions to existing problems in the banking sector, BAB leaders proposed holding quarterly coordination meetings between the Bangladesh Association of Banks and Bangladesh Police. They observed that such regular engagements would help facilitate loan recovery, ensure the implementation of court verdicts and directives, identify challenges in the banking sector, and promote coordinated initiatives to address them.

Welcoming the proposal, IGP Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, BPM, said that economic stability and law and order are closely interconnected. A sound economic environment creates opportunities for investment and employment, contributing to improved socioeconomic conditions and greater social stability. He noted that a stable economy is an important driving force behind the improvement of the country's overall law and order situation. The IGP assured the delegation of Bangladesh Police's fullest lawful cooperation in supporting national development and promoting good governance, discipline and stability in the banking sector.

The IGP also called upon entrepreneurs and leaders of the banking sector to undertake collective initiatives to protect the environment, promote cleanliness and expand green initiatives. He underscored the importance of a coordinated role by both public and private sector banks in building a clean, green and liveable Bangladesh.

Emphasising the role of community policing in enhancing public safety and awareness, the IGP also called for jointly funded nationwide awareness programmes involving banks. He particularly highlighted the need for coordinated initiatives to prevent drug abuse, improve road safety, address juvenile gang activities, combat cybercrime and tackle other social offences. In this regard, he stressed the importance of multimedia campaigns, documentary production and various public awareness initiatives to engage citizens and promote a safer society.

The meeting was attended by Abdul Hai Sarker, Chairman of Dhaka Bank PLC and Chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB); Monzurur Rahman, Chairman of Pubali Bank PLC and Vice Chairman of BAB ; Romo Rouf Chowdhury, Chairman of Bank Asia PLC and Vice Chairman of BAB ; Md. Nurun Newaz, Chairman of NCC Bank PLC; Dr. Arifur Rahman, Chairman of The Premier Bank PLC; and Mohammad Younus, Chairman of Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC.

Representing Bangladesh Police were Additional Inspector General (Administration) A K M Awlad Hossain; Additional Inspector General (Finance) Md. Akram Hossain, BPM (Sheba); Additional Inspector General (Development) Sarder Nurul Amin, BPM (Sheba); Deputy Inspector General (Administration) Md. Humayoun Kabir; and Additional Deputy Inspector General (Confidential) Mohammad Sharif Uddin. Also present was Mohammed Emtiaz Uddin, Managing Director of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC.

Both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh Police and the banking sector to accelerate the country's economic progress, promote good governance and discipline in banking, ensure lawful assistance in implementing court verdicts and directives for loan recovery, and enhance public safety and social awareness through coordinated initiatives.