IGP, BAB leaders discuss banking sector challenges, loan recovery

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir, BPM, held a meeting with a delegation of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) to discuss economic stability, emerging challenges in the banking sector and ways to strengthen good governance and discipline in the financial industry.

The views exchange meeting was held at the Hall of Pride at Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Monday.

Discussions focused on the overall economic situation, contemporary challenges in the banking sector, the status of classified loans and the rising volume and rate of non-performing loans (NPLs).

To strengthen cooperation and find effective solutions to existing challenges, BAB leaders proposed holding quarterly coordination meetings between the association and Bangladesh Police.

They said regular engagements would help facilitate loan recovery, ensure the implementation of court verdicts and directives, identify challenges in the banking sector and coordinate efforts to address them.

Welcoming the proposal, IGP Md Ali Hossain Fakir said economic stability and law and order were closely interconnected. A sound economic environment creates opportunities for investment and employment, contributing to improved socioeconomic conditions and greater social stability.

He said a stable economy was an important driving force behind improvements in the country's overall law and order situation.

The IGP assured the delegation of Bangladesh Police's full lawful cooperation in supporting national development and promoting good governance, discipline and stability in the banking sector.

He also called on entrepreneurs and banking sector leaders to take collective initiatives to protect the environment, promote cleanliness and expand green initiatives. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by public and private sector banks to build a clean, green and liveable Bangladesh.

Highlighting the role of community policing in improving public safety and awareness, the IGP called for nationwide awareness programmes jointly funded by banks.

He particularly emphasised coordinated initiatives to prevent drug abuse, improve road safety, address juvenile gang activities, combat cybercrime and tackle other social offences. He also highlighted the importance of multimedia campaigns, documentary production and other public awareness initiatives to engage citizens and promote a safer society.

The meeting was attended by BAB Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker, also chairman of Dhaka Bank PLC; BAB Vice Chairmen Monzurur Rahman, chairman of Pubali Bank PLC, and Romo Rouf Chowdhury, chairman of Bank Asia PLC.

Other bank representatives included 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 Inspectors General (Administration) A K M Awlad Hossain, (Finance) Md Akram Hossain, BPM (Sheba), and (Development) Sarder Nurul Amin, BPM (Sheba); Deputy Inspector General (Administration) Md Humayoun Kabir; and Additional Deputy Inspector General (Confidential) Mohammad Sharif Uddin.

Mohammed Emtiaz Uddin, managing director of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, was also present.

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