IIBFE-UIU and Joint CSBIB Seminar held at UIU
The Institute of Islamic Banking, Finance, and Economics (IIBFE) was inaugurated today as part of a joint conference with the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh (CSBIB) on March 15, 2025 (Saturday) at 9:30 AM at the UIU Campus, United City, Madani Avenue, Dhaka.
Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain, Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was present as the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony. Mr. Mohammad Abdul Mannan, Chairman, First Security Islami Bank PLC, Prof. Dr. M. Sadiqul Islam, FCMA, Chairman, Social Islami Bank PLC, Mr. Md. Fariduddin Ahmed Chairman, Union Bank PLC, Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Gias Uddin Talukder, Chairman, CSBIB and Mr. Nazmul Hasan, Chairman, United Finance were present as Special Guests. The Vice-Chancellor of UIU, Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia presided over the ceremony.
The inaugural speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Omar Farooq, Founding Director of the Institute of Islamic Banking, Finance, and Economics (IIBFE) and Head of the Department of Economics, UIU, while the welcome speech was delivered by Mr. Md. Abdullah Sharif, Secretary General of CSBIB.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain noted that the Islamic banking sector in Bangladesh faces various challenges, including disruptions in expansion and a shortage of skilled human resources. He expressed optimism that UIU’s newly established institute would play a crucial role in contributing toward developing skilled professionals and addressing the sector’s challenges.
The Special Guests elaborated on the challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh’s Islamic banking sector. They also emphasized how Islamic banking could contribute to transforming the country's economy.
At the end of the inaugural session, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIBFE-UIU and CSBIB. Additionally, two research papers were presented during the technical session in the second half of the day-long program.
The event was attended by faculty members, students, officials, academicians, senior government and non-government officials, Islamic scholars, journalists, and other distinguished guests.
