Message

In modern times, the role of central bank is changing regularly. The central bank has to perform multiple duties. Bangladesh Bank is no exception of that kind. Bangladesh Bank as the apex organization for regulating the banking system has been performing its duties under immense pressure. As a regulatory body, Bangladesh Bank perform the job of formulating & implementing monetary policy, regulating & supervising of banks & non-bank financial institutions, management of FOREX reserve etc. In the recent crisis of Russia-Ukraine war, Bangladesh Bank as a central bank is increasingly looking to align its operations with sustainability objectives, not only to ensure financial stability, but in terms of managing its own investment portfolios. On the other hand, as a pro-active central bank, during the pandemic period (COVID-19), Bangladesh Bank took numerous steps to continue the economic development of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Bank strongly believes that sustainability has become one of the mainstream considerations in the financial sector. Sustainable banking involves strategic planning and execution of banking operations and business activities while taking into consideration the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) impact. On this perspective, Bangladesh Bank has set its development priorities through CSR right in 2022 to achieve SDGs by 2030. To achieve sustainable development through sustainable financing under CSR activities, Bangladesh Bank is committed to supporting the vulnerable and underprivileged groups by promoting the social responsibility framework approach. In this context, banks and FIs must adopt a strong commitment to ensuring sustainable development through positive supports towards social, economic and environmental responsibility to the society and the country as well. On this view, Bangladesh Bank donates from CSR budget for the publication of ‘Banking Almanac’.

‘Banking Almanac’ is an effort to publish the data of our financial sector. It has taken the great responsibility of collecting & accumulating the data of banks & financial institutions. Bangladesh Bank believes it is a great endeavor which can add certain values to the financial sector. One thing we should remember that in the upcoming days, data will be much more important in financial sector. For assessing the real scenario and judging the financial health of bank & financial institutions, data are valuable than any other thing. An accurate data can show the real condition of a financial institution. ‘Banking Almanac’ is doing this great job with a meager amount of help from Bangladesh Bank. We are very much delighted to be a part of this great journey. This publication will be very helpful for the bankers, investors, researchers, teachers, students and the person who are related to financial sector.

Finally, I would like to express my heartiest gratitude to the Board of editors and the publisher of Banking Almanac for this timely initiative to bring the Almanac out and wish them all success. I trust and hope that the Almanac will be useful to all of us, especially who are very dedicated and passionate to know about the banking and financial sector in Bangladesh.

Abu Farah Md. Nasser
Deputy Governor, Bangladesh Bank