NCC Bank plans to become fully Shariah-compliant by 2027

NCC Bank has begun preparations to transform itself from a conventional bank into an Islamic bank full-fledgedly by 2027. As part of the transition, the bank has converted four branches into full-fledged Islamic banking branches and plans to convert several more branches and introduce additional Islamic banking windows this year.
It is also training employees and recruiting experienced professionals to strengthen its capacity to operate entirely under Islamic banking principles. The bank has submitted a transition roadmap and the necessary documents to Bangladesh Bank.
According to information submitted to the central bank, NCC Bank launched Shariah-compliant banking operations on 20 November 2022, by opening its Islamic Banking Gulshan Branch. It subsequently introduced full-fledged Islamic banking services at its Muradpur branch in Chattogram on 20 March 2025, followed by its Feni and Thakurgaon branches on 29 December 2025.
Between March and May 2025, the bank also introduced Islamic banking windows at 32 conventional branches.
In a letter to Bangladesh Bank in September, NCC Bank sought permission to introduce Islamic banking windows at 62 conventional branches, with plans to gradually convert them into full-fledged Islamic banking branches. Following the application, the central bank has permitted another 40 branches to introduce Islamic banking windows, according to the bank.
A bank official said Islamic banking operations were being expanded gradually in consultation with the central bank. The bank is strengthening its services and training employees, expecting Bangladesh Bank to approve the full conversion once the necessary preparations are complete.
NCC Bank has also submitted financial information on its Islamic banking operations to Bangladesh Bank.
According to the bank, deposits under its Islamic banking operations have reached Tk1,437 crore. It is awaiting the release of a further Tk800 crore for investment and has invested Tk448 crore in sukuk bonds, Shariah-compliant financial instruments used to raise funds.
The bank said business through its Islamic banking windows was expanding steadily.
To develop the necessary expertise, NCC Bank has provided six-day training courses to 363 officials through the Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Finance (BIIF). Around 1,200 officials have also received training through online and in-person programmes. The training initiative is ongoing, with plans to bring employees at all levels under the programme.