Foreign Exchange Activities of IBBL

This report covers details about Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited, Kawranbazar Branch, main focus on Foreign Exchange operation of the bank. Other objectives are to identify the formalities maintained by both the bank and client in processing and receiving Foreign Exchange products. Finally identify the major problems the bank encounters in handling foreign exchange activities in Kawranbazar Branch and find out recommend some suggestions based on findings.

Objectives of the study

The Study has been conducted with the following specific objectives:

• To know the foreign exchange activities of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited, Kawranbazar Branch;
• To identify the formalities maintained by both the bank and client in processing and receiving Foreign Exchange products;
• To have an depth idea regarding the requirements and the limitations at the time of applying for Foreign Exchange procedures and other formalities;
• To identify the major problems the bank encounters in handling foreign exchange activities in Kawranbazar Branch of IBBL; and
• To recommend some suggestions based on findings.

Sources of Data

The primary sources of Data:

• Face to face conversation with the respective officer of the branch.
• Face to face conversation with Department wise.
• Liaison with Foreign Exchange Department.
• Relevant file study as provided by the officers concerned.

The Secondary Sources of Data:

• Annual reports of the MBL.
• Periodicals published by the Bangladesh Bank.
• Different books, articles etc. regarding Financial Analysis.
• Daily summary sheet.
• Various type of statement.
• Various resister books.
• Various printed form.
• Web page.

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) at a glance

Islam is not only a religion but also a complete code of life and Islami Banking & finance is an integral part of life of a Muslim. Similarly Shari’ah Concept and principles are unavoidable code of business operations of the Bank. An Islami Bank is a financial institute whose status, rules and procedures expressly state its commitment to the principles of Islamic Shari’ah and to the banning of the receipt and payment of interest on any of its operation. Islamic bank is essentially a normative concept and could be defined as conduct of banking in consonance with the ethos of value system of Islam.  The principle sources of Islamic Banking are “Quran” and “Hadith”. Islamic banking is systems of financial intermediation that avoids receipt and payment of interest in its transactions and conducts its operations in a way that it helps achieve the objectives of an Islamic economy. Alternatively, this is a banking system whose operation is based on Islamic principles of transactions of which profit and loss sharing (PLS) is a major feature, ensuring justice and equity in the economy. That is why Islamic banks are often known as PLS-banks.

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited is a Joint Venture Public Limited Company engaged in commercial banking business based on Islamic Shari’ah with 58.03% foreign shareholding having largest branch network (236 Branches & 30 SME/Krishi Branches i.e. total 266 Branches) among the private sector Banks in Bangladesh. It was established on the 13th March 1983 as the first Islamic Bank in the South East Asia.

It is listed with Dhaka Stock Exchange Ltd. and Chittagong Stock Exchange Ltd. Authorized Capital of the Bank is Tk. 20,000.00 Million ($244.87 Million) and Paid-up Capital is Tk. 10,007.71 Million ($122.53 Million) having 63,001 (30.06.2011) shareholders as on 31st December 2011.

Historical Background of IBBL

In August 1974, Bangladesh signed the Charter of Islamic Development Bank and committed itself to reorganize its economic and financial system as per Islamic Shariah. In January 1981, the President of People’s Republic of Bangladesh While addressing the third Islamic conference held at Mecca and Taif suggested “The Islamic countries should develop a separate banking system of their own in order to facilitate their trade and commerce”. This statement of the president indicated favorable attitude of the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh towards establishing Islamic banks and financial institution in the country.

In early November 1980, Bangladesh bank, the country’s Central Bank, sent a representative to study the working of several Islamic Banks abroad.

In November 1982, a delegation of IDB visited Bangladesh and showed keen interest to participate in establishing a joint venture Islamic bank in the private sector. They found a lot of work had already been done and Islamic banking was in a ready from for immediate introduction. Two professional bodies of Islami Economics Research Bureau (IERB) and Bangladesh Islami Bankers’ Association (BIBA) made significant contribution towards introduction of Islami banking in the country.

They came forward to provide training of Islamic banking to top bankers and economists to fill up the vacuum of leadership for the future Islami bank in Bangladesh. They also had seminars, symposiums and workshops on Islami economic and banking throughout the country to mobilize public opinion in favor of Islami banking. Their professional activities were reinforced by a number of Muslim entrepreneurs working under the support of the then Muslim Businessmen society (now reorganized as Industrialist & Businessmen Association). The body concentrated mainly in mobilizing equity capital for the emerging Islami bank.

At last, the long drawn struggle to establish an Islami bank in Bangladesh become a reality and Islami bank Bangladesh limited was established in march 1983 in which 19 Bangladeshi national, 4 Bangladeshi institutions and 11 banks, financial institutions and government bodies of the middle East and Europe including IDB and two eminent personalities of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia joined hands to made the dream a reality.

Mission, Vision, Objectives and Strategies of IBBL

Mission

• To establish Islami Banking Through the introduction of a welfare-oriented banking system.
• To ensure equity and justice in the field of all economic activities.
• To achieve balance growth and equitable development through diversified investment operations particularly in the priority sectors and less development areas of the country.
• To encourage socio-economic upliftment and financial services to the low income community particularly in the rural areas.

Vision

IBBL’s vision is to always strive to achieve superior financial performance, be considered a leading Islamic Bank by reputation and performance.

• To establish and maintain the modern banking techniques, to ensure soundness and development of the financial system based on Islamic principles and to become the strong and efficient organization with highly motivated professional, working for the benefit of people, based upon accountability, transparency and integrity in order to ensure stability of financial systems.
• To encourage people savings in the form of direct investment.
• To encourage investment particularly in projects those are more likely to lead to higher employment.

Strategic Objectives

• To ensure customers’ satisfaction.
• To ensure welfare oriented banking.
• To establish a set of managerial succession and adopting technological changes to ensure successful development of an Islamic Bank as a stable financial institution.
• To prioritize the clients welfare.
• To emerge as a healthier & stronger bank at the top of the banking sector and continue stable positions in ratings, based on the volume of quality assets.
• To ensure diversification by Sector, Size, Economic purpose & geographical location wise Investment and expansion need based Retail and SME/Women entrepreneur financing.
• To invest in the thrust and priority sectors of the economy.
• To strive hard to become an employer of choice and nurturing & developing talent in a performance-driven culture.
• To pay more importance in human resources as well as financial capital.
• To ensure lucrative career path, attractive facilities and excellent working environment.
• To ensure zero tolerance on negligence in compliance issues both sharia’h and regulatory issues.
• To train & develop human resources continuously & provide adequate logistics to satisfy customers’ need.
• To be excellent in serving the cause of least developed community and area.
• To motivate team members to take the ownership of every job.
• To ensure development of devoted and satisfied human resources.
• To encourage sound and pro-active future generation.
• To achieve global standard.
• To strengthen corporate culture.
• To ensure Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) through all activities.
• To promote using solar energy and green banking culture and ecological balancing

Organization structure of IBBL

Management of IBBL:

A Board of Directors consists of 13 directors those are elected from the foreigners and local shareholders. They provide policy guide lines to Islami Bank Bangladesh limited.  The Board of Directors forms an Executive Committee for smooth and efficient operations of the Bank Executive Committee consists the members of the Board. Besides, a Management committee consisting of the senior executives headed by the chief executive looks after the actual operations of the Bank.

Shari’ah Supervisory Committee

The Shari’ah Supervisory Committee of the Bank plays a vital role in framing and exerting policy for strict adherence of Shari’ah principles in the Bank. As per Islamic Banking Guideline circulated by Bangladesh Bank, The Shari’ah Supervisory Committee is represented by 12 members consisting of prominent Ulama having adequate knowledge in Fiqhul Moamalat, renowned lawyers and eminent economists. The Shari’ah Supervisory Committee of IBBL gives opinions and guidelines to implement and comply of Shari’ah principles in all activities of the Bank particularly in the modes of investment. The Committee is governed by a bye-laws approved by the Board of Directors.

As part of major responsibilities of the Committee, Shari’ah inspections is also conducted in all the branches under its direct supervision to ensure Shari`ah compliance in all activities of the Bank.

Functions of IBBL

Islami Bank Bangladesh limited is performing the following functions:

• To maintain all types of deposit accounts.
• To make investment.
• To handle foreign exchange business.
• To extend other banking services.
• To conduct social welfare activities through Islami Bank Foundation.

Features of IBBL

The bank is committed to run all its activities as per IslamiShariah. IBBL through its steady progress and continuous   success has earned the reputation of being one of the leading private sector banks of the country. The distinguishing feature s of IBBL is as follow:

• All its activities are conducted on interest-free banking system according to Islamic Shariah.
• Establishment of participatory banking instead of banking on debtor-creditor relationship.
• Investment is made through different modes permitted under IslamiShariah
• Investment income of the Bank is shared with the Mudaraba depositors according to a ratio to ensure a reasonable fair rate of return on their depositors.
• Its aims are to introduce a welfare-oriented banking system and also to establish equity and justice in the field of all economic activities.
• It extends Socio-economic and financial services to the poor, helpless and low-income group of the people for their economic up liftmen particularly in the rural areas.
• It plays a vital role in human resource development and employment generation particularly for the unemployed youths.
• Its aim is to achieve balanced growth and equitable development of the country through diversified investment operations particularly in the priority sectors and in the less developed areas.
• It extends co-operation to the poor, the helpless and the low-income group for their economic development.

Nature of Business

The Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited is pioneer in introducing Shari’ah based interest free utiliz banking in Bangladesh with a mission to establish welfare oriented banking system and to ensure equity and justice in the field of all economic activities. All of its activities are directed on principles of Islamic Shari’ah.There is Shari’ah council, which is entrusted with the responsibility for ensuring that the activities of the bank are being conducted on the precepts of Islam.IBBL is one of the leading first generation private sector banks in Bangladesh, which provides all kinds of commercial banking service.

Principle Products & Services

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. offers all types of commercial banking services based on Islamic Shari’ah.Main products of the banks are as follows:

Deposit Products:

• Al-Wadiah Current Account.
• Mudaraba Hajj Savings Account.
• MudarabaWaqf Cash Deposit Account.
• Mudaraba Special Savings (Pension) Account.
• MudarabaMohor Savings Account.
• Mudaraba Savings Bond.
• Mudaraba Monthly Profit Deposits Account.
• Mudaraba Term Deposits Account.
• Mudaraba Savings Deposits Account.
• Mudaraba Special Notice Deposits Account.
• Mudaraba Foreign Currency Deposits Account etc.

Investment Products

• Bai-Murabaha
• Bai Muazzal
• Bai Salam
• Hire Purchase
• Hire Purchase under Shirkatul Melk
• Musharaka
• Mudaraba

Foreign Exchange

• Export
• Import
• Remittance

Others

• Issuance of T.T, D.D, P.O
• Locker Service
• Bankers to the Issue etc.

Strategic, operational, legal issues and problems

The implementation of an interest-free banking raises a number of questions and potential problems if seen from the macro and micro operational point of view. A partial list of the issues confronting Islamic banks includes:

Issues related to Macro Operation

• Liquidity and Capital
• Valuation of Bank Assets
• Credit Creation and Monetary Policy
• Financial Stability
• The Ownership of Banks
• Lack Capital Market and Financial Instruments
• Insufficient Legal Protection

Issues Related to Micro Operation of Islamic Banks

• Increased Cost of Information
• Control over Cost of Funds
• Mark-up Financing
• Excessive Resort to the Murabaha Mode
• Utilization of Interest Rate for Fixing the Profit Margin in Murabaha Sales
• Financing Social Concerns
• Lack of Positive Response to the Requirement of Government Financing

These are some of the immediate problems confronting policy makers and regulators. Of course, it has to be kept in mind that these issues are at their elementary level of discussion. Much work has to be undertaken in terms of procedures, infrastructure and allowing a new framework to develop and mature. The ensuing analysis should make some these issues clearer, but the progress so far has been less than substantial.

CONSTRAINTS FACED BY ISLAMIC BANKS IN BANGLADESH

• Constraints faced by Islamic banks in Bangladesh are analyzed as below.
• Problem with legal reserve requirement
• Lack of opportunities for profitable use of surplus funds
• Apprehension of liquidity crisis and possibility of liquidity surplus
• Problems in capital market investment
• Absence of inter-bank money market
• Predominance of Murabaha financing
• Depression of Profit
• Absence of legal framework
• Absence of Islamic insurance company

Banking Philosophy

There seems to be a gap between the ideals and actual practice of Islamic banks. In their reports, booklets, bulletins and posters these banks express their commitment to striving for establishing a just society free from exploitation. The present study shows that a little or no progress has been achieved so far in that regard. Though this failure is attributed mainly to the pervasive influence of conventional banking system itself, lack of vigilance of the promoters of Islamic banking in realizing the objective is no less to blame. The shortcomings need to be identified. Particularly, it has to be seen whether there is any scope to open up alternative avenues to arrest the causes of efficiency erosion. There should be a thorough review of policies that have been pursued by these banks for about a decade, and points of departure have to be identified to redesign their course of action. This is a very crucial issue because of the fact that people at the mass level find very little difference between the banking operations of Islamic banks and that of their conventional counterparts. Until and unless a quick change in policy followed by clear actions takes place, the credibility that Islamic banks have achieved so far may be tarnished away very soon.

The first action that deserves immediate attention is the promotion of the image of Islamic banks as PLS-banks. Strategies have to be carefully devised so that the image of Islamic character and solvency as a bank is simultaneously promoted. The following strategies are suggested for immediate application:

• Pilot schemes in some selected areas should be started to test innovative ideas with profit-loss -sharing modes of financing as major component. This type of scheme may be experimented both in urban and rural areas. The strategy will serve as a ready reference that Islamic banks are in the process of transforming themselves as PLS-banks. Side by side, they will gain experiences from real situation as to the problems that might come up while implementing profit-loss-sharing modes on trial and error basis.

• Islamic banks should clearly demonstrate by their actions that their banking practices are guided by profitability criterion thereby establishing that only Islamic banking practices ensure efficient allocation of resources and provide true market signals through PLS-modes.

• Islamic banks should continuously monitor and disseminate through various media the impact of their operations on the distribution of income primarily between the bank and the other two parties: the depositors and the entrepreneurs and then on different income groups of the society. These presuppose establishment of a fully equipped research academy in each Islamic bank.

Stepping up for Distributional Efficiency

The task is more challenging for Islamic banks, as they have to promote their distributional efficiency from all dimensions together with profitability. Islamic banks, step by step, have to be converted into profit-sharing banks by increasing their percentage share of investment financing through PLS-modes. The Islamic banks, to do that, can be selective in choosing clients for financing under PLS-modes.

Islamic banks should establish a direct functional relationship between the income of the bank and that of the depositors and between the income of the bank and that of the entrepreneurs. The relationship improves with the share of bank financing under PLS-modes increases. Islamic banks should immediately take measures to revert the trends of resource transfer from both low-income groups to high-income groups and from rural to urban areas. This is extremely important from the viewpoint of their banking philosophy as well as for their tacit commitment for distributional equity. They should develop a monitoring mechanism by which distributional impact of their banking operation could be traced out and necessary policy can be formulated to continuously improve the equity situation. Banking inequality index developed in the present study might be useful for this purpose particularly in the case of inter group transfer of incomes.

The Islamic banks should actively consider utilization of rural potentials from both efficiency and equity grounds in the context of the present-day socio-economic conditions of Bangladesh. Strong commitments and stepping up through experiment and implementation of innovative ideas are the appropriate ways to do that.

Promotion of Allocative Efficiency

The Islamic banks can improve their a locative efficiency by satisfying social welfare conditions in the following manner.  (a) They should allocate a reasonable portion of their investible funds to social priority sectors such as agriculture (including poultry and fishery), small and cottage industries and export-led industries such as garments, shrimp cultivation, etc. (b) When the percentage shares of allocation of investible funds are determined, profitability of the projects should be the criterion for allocating loan able funds. The criterion would be best satisfied if more and more projects were financed under PLS-modes.

Welfare Activities of IBBL

Welfare is a condition of having good health, comfortable living and pleasant working conditions (Hornby). Hence, it can be said that welfare services are those which ensure conditions of having good health, comfortable living and working conditions, which are generally one’s basic needs. Islam views work as the primary means of earning and acquiring income and wealth. But if real income is not sufficient to purchase necessities of life, then welfare services become essential in a society to maintain the minimum standard of living of the people. In fact, in every society, there are many people who lack the necessary income and, consequently, face inadequate lifestyles due to unemployment and under-employment. Their condition cannot improve if welfare services remain absent and concentration wealth remains in certain segments of society. The Quran states the principle that “wealth should not circulate only among the rich” [59:7]

The Quran also encourages people to contribute generously to social welfare and helping the needy in society. Thus the Quran establishes the general principle of generous welfare spending while encouraging sacrificial levels of spending perhaps for social crises and for conditions demanding high financial support. Thus Islam calls for the meeting of the basic needs of the poverty groups through welfare services, which might include –

Care for others:

Abdullah, A.1987mentioned that care for others, or helping behavior, is another cardinal principle of Islamic economic behavior. It tempers the self-interest that is ingrained in human nature to ensure survival. It is a natural concomitant of trusteeship, since one serves the Master by caring for His people. The Prophet, peace is upon him, said: “Mankind is God’s dependents, so the most beloved of people in the Sight of Allah are those who do good to His dependents. “Helping behavior is required because of the interdependent nature of manhood life. There is no fulfillment in life without interaction with others; individual facility requires socialization. The exclusive pursuit of self-interest in social relations is counter-productive; it defeats its own purpose. Men serve their individual and collective interest best when each individual cares for the welfare of others while striving to protect and promote his own interest. This is what religion teaches. Those who deny it, deny religion.

Zakat:

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. In a broad sense, it is only for social welfare purposes as specified by the Quran: “The Zakat is (meant) only for the poor and the needy, those who collect the tax, those whose hearts are to be won over, for the freeing of human beings from bondage, for the relief of those overwhelmed by debts, for the cause of God (all priority social needs), and for the wayfarer: (this is) an ordinance from God and God is all-knowing, Wise”[9:60].

Qard Hasan(benevolent loan):

Since interest on all kinds of loan is prohibited in Islam, a loan, which is to be given in accordance with the Islamic principle, has to be, by definition, a benevolent loan (Qard Hasan), i.e. a loan without interest. It has to be granted on the grounds of compassion; to remove the financial distresses caused by the absence of sufficient money in the face of dire need. Since banks are profit-oriented organizations, it would seem that there is not much scope for the application of this technique. However, Islamic banks also play a socially useful role. Hence, they make provisions to provide Qard Hasan besides engaging in income generating activities. However practices differ in this respect. Some banks provide the privilege of interest free loans to the holders of investment accounts at the bank. Some other banks have the provision to provide interest free loans to needy students and other economically weaker sections of the society. Yet, some other banks provide interest free loans to small producers, farmers, entrepreneurs who are not qualified to get financing from other sources. The purpose of these interest free loans is to assist them in becoming financially independent or to assist in raising their incomes and standard of living.

Mobilization of Zakah:

A pioneering experiment putting the principles of Islamic banking into practice was conducted in Mit-Ghamr in Egypt from 1963 to 1967, in which three types of accounts were operated. A Zakah account was one of them. The Zakah account attracted the stipulated amount of Zakah for redistribution amongst the poor (Ahmad, K. (2000)). Since Islamic banks follow the rules of The Islamic Shari’ah, they have to pay Zakah on their own resources (capital assets etc.), which paved the way for mobilization of financial resources for the needy and poor. “An Islamic bank accumulates its Zakah in the Zakah fund and distributes amongst the poor as per Islamic Shari’ah”.

Rotating Savings and Credit Associations:

This credit program is intended to alleviate poverty. Under this program a small number of individuals, typically six to forty, form a group and select a leader who periodically collects a given amount (a share) from each member. The money collected (the fund) is then given in rotation to each member of the group. The leader receives no special consideration (other than possibly getting the first fund). He may also get commission, who in return may assume liability for defaults. Loans are interest-free. This program helps to generate economic activities among the poor in the non-corporate sector. It deals with informal finance and credit packages that improves the situation of poorer families and creates local income opportunities for the people. It also discourages internal migration. At a grass root village and local level it is directed towards landless laborers, marginal farmers, fishermen, small artisans, (e.g. blacksmith, carpenter, potter and handicraft producer), urban unemployed, small traders, rural industries and small to medium scale business enterprises.

Empowerment and Humanizing Family Credit Program:

Under this program, the bank is operating with a human face. For example, it offers financing of consumer durable assets for the newly married couple provided marriage is dowry free.

Environmental Friendly Business Program:

This credit program is directed towards small traders of Tokai (mainly street children of distressed parents) with a recovery rate of 100%

Social Fund:

Every IB has already established its social fund by mobilizing voluntary social saving, linked to its all Formal, Non-formal and Voluntary Sector Banking operations. IB has been able to mobilize a surplus Social Fund for social investment purposes in the family empowerment action program, social education fellowship program, and in the health and social services sector.

Cash Waqf Certificate:

IBBL has already introduced the Cash Waqf Certificate Scheme intended to empower the family heritage of the rich and to benefit society as a whole. It could, be the most effective and perpetual mode of deposit mobilization and use of its profit for perpetual social investment and benefits is virtually unlimited. A waquif can choose the purpose (s) to be served by his investment from the list of some purposes identified by IB; which are related with Family Rehabilitation, Education and Culture, Health and Sanitation, Social Utility Service, or any other purpose(s) approved by Islamic Shari’ah.

Welfare Oriented Special Investment Schemes

1. Household Durables Scheme
2. Housing Investment Scheme
3. Real Estate Investment Scheme
4. Transport Investment Scheme
5. Car Investment Scheme
6. Investment Scheme for Doctors
7. Small Business Investment Scheme
8. Agriculture Implements Investment Scheme
9. Rural Development Scheme
10. Micro Industries Investment Scheme
11. Women Entrepreneurs Investment Scheme
12. Mirpur Silk Weavers Investment Scheme

Equity and Entrepreneurship Fund of Bangladesh Bank.

Definition of  Foreign Exchange

Foreign Exchange means exchange foreign currency between two countries. It we consider ‘Foreign Exchange’ as a subject, then it means all kind of transactions related to foreign currency. In other wards foreign exchange deals with foreign financial transaction.

H.E Evitt defined ‘Foreign Exchange’ as the means and methods by which rights to wealth expressed in terms of  the currency of one country are converted into fights to wealth in terms of the currency of another country.

Description of the foreign exchange

Foreign Exchange Department is international department of the bank. It deals with globally and facilities international tread through its various modes of services. It bridges between importers and exporters. Bangladesh bank issues license to scheduled banks to deal with foreign exchange. These banks are known as Authorized Dealers. If the branch is authorized dealer in foreign exchange market, it can remit foreign exchange from local country to foreign country. This department mainly deals with foreign currency. This is why this department is called foreign exchange department.

Regulations of foreign exchange :

Foreign Exchange Regulation (FER) Act,1947 enacted on 30th march, 1983 in the then British India provides the legal basis for regulating certain payments, dealings in foreign exchange and securities and the import and export of currency and bullion. This Act was first adapted in Pakistan and then, in Bangladesh. The Act is reproduced at Appendix. Bangladesh bank is responsible for administration of regulations under the Act. Appendix  provides a list of Bangladesh bank’s offices and their jurisdiction.

* Basic regulations under the FER Act are issued by the Government as well as by the Bangladesh Bank in the form of  Notification which are published in the Bangladesh Gazette. Notification issued by the Bangladesh government and erstwhile Government of Pakistan and the Bangladesh bank and the erstwhile state bank of  Pakistan are reproduced at Appendices   and     .directions having general application are issued by Bangladesh Bank in the form of notifications, foreign exchange circular letters.

* Authorized Dealer (Ads) in foreign exchange are required to bring the foreign exchange regulations to the notice of their customers in their day-to-day dealing and to ensure compliance with the regulations by such customers. The Ads should report to the Bangladesh bank any attempt, direct or indirect, of evasion of the provisions of the Act, or any rules, orders or directions issued there under.

* The Ads must maintain adequate and proper records of all foreign exchange transactions and furnish such particulars in the prescribed returns for submission to the Bangladesh bank. They should continue to preserve the records for a reasonable period for ready reference as also for inspection, if necessary, by Bangladesh bank’s officials.

Sub-Section of Foreign Exchange in IBBL:

IBBL shymoli branch foreign exchange department has three sub-sections. There are as follows:

• Import Section
• Export section
• Remittance section

Foreign Trade (Import and Export):

Foreign trade can be easily defined as a business activity, which crosses national boundaries. These may be between parties or government ones. Trade among nations is a common occurrence and normally benefits both the exporter and importer. In many countries, international trade accounts for more than 20% of their national incomes.

Foreign trade can usually be justified on the principle of comparative advantage. According to this economic principle, it is economically profitable for the country to specialize in the production of that commodity in which the producer country has the grater comparative advantage and to allow the other country to produce that commodity in which it has the lesser comparative advantage. It includes the spectrum of goods, services, investment, technology transfer etc. this trade among various countries calls for lose linkage between the parties dealing in trade.

Letter of credit:

Letter of credit (L/C) can be defined as a “Credit Contract” whereby the buyer’s bank is committed (on behalf of the buyer) to place an agreed amount of money at the seller’s disposal under some agreed conditions. Since the agreed conditions include, amongst other things, the presentation of some specified documents, the letter of credit is called Documentary Letter of Credit. The Uniform Customs and Practices for Credit (UCPDC) published by international chamber of commerce (1993) Revision Publication NO.600 defines documentary credit:

Any arrangement however named or described whereby a bank (the “issuing bank”) acting at the request and on the instructions of a customer (the “Applicant”) or on its own behalf,

1. is to make a payment to or to the order of a third party (the beneficiary) or is to accept and pay bills of exchange (Drafts) drawn by the beneficiary, or
2. Authorizes another bank to effect such payment or to accept and pay such bills of exchange (Drafts)
3. Authorizes another bank to negotiate against stipulated documents provide that terms and conditions are conditions are complied with.

Types of Documentary Credit:

Documentary Credits may be of two types such as:

1. Revocable Credit.
2. Irrevocable Credit

Revocable Credit:

A revocable credit is a credit that can be amended or cancelled by the issuing bank at any time without prior notice to the seller.

In case of seller (beneficiary), revocable credit involves risk, as the credit may be amended or cancelled while the goods are in transit and before the documents are presents, or although presented before payments has been made. The seller would then face the problem of obtaining payment on the other hand revocable credit gives the buyer maximum flexibility, as it can be amended or cancelled without prior to the moment of payment buy the issuing bank at which the issuing bank has made the credit available. In the modern banking the use of revocable credit is not widespread.

Irrevocable credit:

An irrevocable credit constitutes a definite undertaking of the issuing bank (since it can not be amended or cancelled without the agreement of all parties thereto), provided that the stipulated documents are presented and the terms and conditions are satisfied by the seller. This sort of credit is always preferred to revocable letter of credit.

Parties to a letter of credit:

The parties are:

• The Issuing Bank,
• The Confirming Bank, if any, and
• The Beneficiary.

Other parties that facilitate the Documentary Credit are:

• The Applicant,
• The Advising Bank,
• The Nominated Paying/ Accepting Bank, and
• The Transferring Bank, if any.

Terms those are related to the letter of credit transactions are as follows:

1. Importer – seller who applies for opening the L/C.
2. Issuing Bank – It is the bank which opens/ issues a L/C on behalf of the importer.
3. Confirming Bank – It is the bank, which adds its confirmation to the credit and it is done at the request of issuing bank. Confirming bank may or may not be advising bank.
4. Advising / Notifying Bank: is the bank through which the L/C is advised to the exporter. This bank is actually situated in exporters country. It may also assume the role of confirming and / or negotiating bank depending upon the condition of the credit.
5. Negotiating Bank – is the bank, which negotiates the bill and pays the amount of the beneficiary. The advising bank and the negotiating bank may or may not be the same. Sometimes it can also be confirming bank.
6. Paying / Accepting Bank – is the bank on which the bill will be drawn (as per condition of credit). Usually it is the issuing bank.
7. Reimbursing Bank – is the bank, which would reimburse the negotiating bank after getting payment- instructions from issuing bank.

Foreign Remittance:

On March 24, 1994 Bangladesh Take was declared convertible for current account International Transaction. As a prelude to this wide-ranging reforms were made in the country’s foreign exchange regime to lay  the ground for a market friendly environment to induce investment, growth and productivity. Following liberalization under convertibility, most remittances are now approved by the Authorized Dealers themselves on behalf of the central bank. Only a few remittances of special nature require Bangladesh Bank’s prior approval.

Foreign remittance means remittance of foreign currencies from one place/ persons to another place/ persons. In broad sense  foreign remittance includes all sale and purchase of foreign currencies on account of Import, Export, Travel and other purposes. However , specifically Foreign remittance means sale and purchase of foreign currencies for the purposes other than export and import. As such, this chapter will not cover purchase and sale of foreign currencies on account of Import and Export of goods.

All foreign remittance transactions are grouped into two broad categories:-

• Outward Remittance
• Inward Remittance

Outward Remittance:

The term “Outward Remittance” include not only remittance i.e. sale of foreign currency by  TT.  MT, Drafts, Traveler’s cheque but also includes payment against imports into Bangladesh and local currency credited to non-resident taka accounts of Foreign Banks or convertible taka account.

Private Remittance:

Family Remittance Facility:

• Foreign National working in Bangladesh with approval of the Government may remit through an Authorized Dealers 50% of salary and 100% of leave salary as also actual savings and admissible person benefits. No prior approval of bank is necessary for such remittance.

• Remittance of moderate amounts of foreign exchange for maintenance abroad of family members (spouse, children, parents)of Bangladesh Nationals are allowed by Bangladesh Bank on written request supported by certificate from the Bangladesh mission in the concerned country.

Remittance of Membership fees/registration fees etc:

Authorized Dealers may remit without prior approval of Bangladesh Bank, membership fees of foreign professional and scientific institutions and fees for application registration, admission, examination (TOEFL,SAT etc.) in connection with admission into foreign educational institutions on the basis of written application supported  by demand notice/Letter of the concerned institution.

Education:

Prior permission of Bangladesh Bank is not required for releasing foreign exchange in favor/on behalf of Bangladesh students studying abroad or willing to proceeds abroad for studies.  Authorized Dealers shall allow exchange facilities for this purpose according to the following drill:

• Application duly filled in by the student as per prescribed format of Bangladesh Bank.
• Original and photocopy of admission letter issued by the concerned institution in favor of the student.
• Original and photocopy of estimate relating to annual tuition fee, board and lodging incidental expenses etc. issued by the concerned institutions
• Attested copies of educational certificates of the applicants.
• Valid passport.

Remittance of Consular Fees:

Consular fees collected by foreign embassies in Bangladesh Taka and deposited in a taka account maintained with an AD solely for this purpose may be remitted abroad without prior approval of  Bangladesh Bank.

Remittance of evaluation fee:

Authorized Dealers without prior approval of  Bangladesh Bank may remit evaluation fee on behalf of Bangladesh desiring immigration to foreign countries for getting educational certificates of the person concerned evaluated by a foreign institution. A demand note of the foreign immigration authority is required for this purpose.

Travel:

Private travel quota entitlement of Bangladesh Nationals is set at US doller 3000/- per year for visit to countries other than SAARC member countries any Myanmar is US doller 1000/- for travel by air and US doller 500/- for travel by overland route. Authorized Dealers may release this travel quota in the from of foreign currency notes up to US doller 500/- or equivalent and balance exchange in the from of TCs or total quota in the from of TCs the applicable quota will be half the amount allowable to adults.

Authorized Dealers may release above travel quota without prior approval of Bangladesh Bank subject to observation and satisfaction of following points-

• The intending traveler is a customer of the AD bank or is sufficiently well known to the AD Bank or the intending traveler has paid relevant Travel Tax. The intending traveler has a valid passport.
• The AD should verify and satisfy itself that may foreign exchange released for an earlier travel was utilized with he journey being actually undertaken or was duly enchased unutilized.
• The intending traveler  is in possession of confirmed air ticket for journey to be undertaken and that the intended journey to be undertaken not later than two weeks after date on which exchange is issued.
• The amount releases is endorsed on the passport and air ticket of the traveler with indelible ink, with the signature and the name of the AD branch embossed in the passport and ticket. However, while issuing foreign exchange to the Diplomats/privileged persons/ UN personnel, Govt. Officials travel ling on officials’ duties, such endorsement in the passports need not be made.
• In each case of release of foreign exchange for travel aboard, photocopies of first six pages of the passport and the page recording endorsement of foreign exchange and photocopies of the pages of ticket showing name of the passenger , route and date of journey and endorsement of foreign exchange along with the relative T.M. form should be sent to Bangladesh Bank along with monthly returns.

Health and Medical:

Authorized Dealers without prior approval of Bangladesh Bank may release foreign exchange up to US dollar 10,000/- for medical treatment abroad on the basis of the recommendation of the medical Board set up the Head Directorate and the cost estimate of the foreign medical institution.

Seminars and Workshops:

Without prior approval of Bangladesh Bank AD may release US dollar 200/- per diem and dollar 250/- per diem to the private sector participants for attending seminars, conferences and workshops organized by recognized International bodies is SAARC member countries or Myanmar and in other countries respectively for the actual period of the seminar/workshop/conference to be held on this basis of invitation letters received in the names of the application or their employer institutional.

Foreign Nationals:

The Authorized Dealers may issue foreign currency TCs to foreign nationals without any limit foreign currency notes up to US dollar 300/- or equivalent per person against surrender of equivalents  amounts in foreign  currencies . The TCs and foreign currency notes should however ,be delivered only on production of ticket for a destination outside Bangladesh and the amount issued should be endorsed on the relative passports.

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Authorized Dealers may allow recon version of unspent Taka funds of foreign tourists into foreign exchange on production of the enchashement certificate of foreign currency Reconversion  shall be allowed by the same AD with which the foreign currency was encashed earlier. AD should retain the original encashment certificate and relative FMJ forms where reconversion exceeds US dollar 5000/-.

Remittance for Hajj:

Authorized Dealers may release foreign exchange to the intending pilgrims for performing Hajj as per instructions/circulars to be issued by the Bangladesh Bank each year.

Other Private remittance:

Application for remittances by private individuals for purposes other than those mentioned above should be forwarded to Bangladesh Bank for consideration and approval after assessing the bonafides of the purpose of remittance on the basis of documentary evidence submitted by the applicant.

Official and Business Travel:

1. Official Visit.
2. Business Travel Quota for New Exporters
3. Business Travel Quota for Importers and Non-exporting Producers
4. Exporter’s Retention Quota.

Commercial  Remittance :

1. Opening of branches or subsidiary companies abroad
2. Remittance by shipping companies airline and courier service
3. Remittance of royalty and technical fees
4. Remittance on account of training and consultancy
5. Remittance of profits of foreign firms/ branches
6. Remittance of Dividend
7. Subscriptions to foreign media services
8. Costs/ for Reuter monitors
9. Advertisement of Bangladeshi products in mass media abroad
10. Bank Charges.

Inward Remittance:

The term “Inward Remittance” includes not only purchase of Foreign Currency by TT, MT, Drafts etc. but also purposes of bills, purposes of Travellr’s cheques.

Types of inward from:

Two from as prescribed by Bangladesh Bank are used for purchase of Foreign Currency such as:

EXP Form:

Remittances received against exports of goods from Bangladesh are done by from EXP.

From c:

Inward Remittances  equivalent to US dollar 2000/- and above done by From C. However, declaration in From C is not required in case of remittances by Bangladesh Nationals working abroad.

Utmost care should be taken while purchasing currency notes, travelers cheque, Demand Draft and similar Instrument for protecting the bank from probable loss as well as safety of the Bank officials concerned.

Types of Inward foreign Currency:

Purchase of Currency Notes, Travelers Check, Drafts etc.:

Following General observations are required in addition to common judgment/ intelligent/ vigilance of the dealing officers:-

1. Currency notes to be very carefully so as to avoid risk of purchasing counter fiet Notes.
2. While purchasing Travelers cheque signature of the holder to be obtained on the TC/s in front of the bank officials and should be verified with the signature  of the holder already given at the time of issuance of TC/s,
3. Drafts should not be purchased under any circumstances unless the holder is a regular/ valued customer of the bank. Indemnity Bond to be obtained for revering the amount paid in advance to the holder in case of dishonor of the instrument.
4. Private cheque should not be purchased under any circumstance without prior approval of Head Office.

Dealing In Foreign Currency Notes and Coins:

Only Authorized Dealers and Authorized Money changer are permitted to deal in foreign currency notes and coins Authorized Dealers and Money changers may freely buy  foreign currency from incoming passengers regardless of nationality and regardless of whether or not a declaration on from FMJ is produced at the time of encashment. If this from is produced, the amount encased should be endorsed on it.

Disposal of Foreign Currency Notes/Coins and other by Incoming Passengers:

Incoming passengers may bring in may amount of  foreign exchange with declaration FMC at the time of arrival. No declaration is necessary for amount upto US dollar 5000/- for non residents, the entire amount brought in with declaration may be freely taken out at the time of departure or may deposit the amount in F.C account subject to submission of from FMJ for excess of US dollar 5000/- or equivalent.

Foreign Exchange Performance Evaluation:

Islamic Bank Bangladesh Limited has glorious history in mobilizing foreign exchange Business. Over the year the bank’s Foreign Exchange Business was a record high amount among all banks in Bangladesh. The bank has a wide network of  Authorized Dealers through out the year. Well- equipped and international network with skilled manpower, the bank is confident of running foreign exchange business efficiently to the satisfactory of importers, exporters and Bangladeshi expatriates working abroad.

IBBL has a good network of correspondent banks around the world for its foreign exchange business. The performance are given in the following page.

Yearly Import:

Table:                                                         Amount in tk. million

Source: International wing, IBBL

As above table show that . the Import amount in Tk. Million from 2005-2011. The import business witnessed a much better performance in 2011; the amount was Tk.1248.28 million. Before that year amount was Tk.619.06 and the year 2005 the amount was Tk.103.44. So through out the year 2005-2011, the Import business is increasing.

Import Items:

During the year 2011 bank opended 35,929 import Latter of Credit for Tk.1248.28 million as against 32,991 letter of Credit for Tk. 619.06 million in 2010 showing 22.79% growth in amount. Major items of Import consist of the following:

(Amount in Million Taka)

Table: Import Items

Yearly Export:

Table                                         Amount in TK.million

Source: International wing, IBBL

The above table show that the yearly export amount form 2005-2011 by the Bangladeshi exporter. In 2005 the Export amount was Tk.40.04 million. Afrer the year 2006 this amount increased by amount 38.37%, amount was Tk. 104.35. The last year it also increased but the growth was 40% due to inflation, political unrest and rescission in world economy.

Commodity Wise- Export:

During the 2005 bank handled 32,749 Export Bills for Tk.753.82 million as against 29,087 Export Bills for Tk. 497.17 million in 2010 showing 41% growth in amount. Major export financed items are the following:

Table-                                                                        (Amount in Million Taka)

Yearly Remittance

The remittance of IBBL has been increasing year. From 2008-2011 it’s increasing gradually:

Table-                               Amount in TK million

Source: International wing, IBBL

As above the table shows that, the remitted amount of IBBL Kawranbazar Branch in the million of Taka form 2005-2011. As in the year 2005 the remilled amount from abroad amount was Tk. Million 143.19. In the 2006 the amount was increased figured Tk.247.93 million, which also grater than the previous year. In the 2011 the growth rate was too high than the previous two years, volume Tk.582.28 million.

Foreign Exchange Business of IBBL

Table                                                                 Amount in TK. million

Source: International wing, IBBL

As the above shows, that the coverall Import, Export and Remittance business of IBBL Kawranbazar Branch. From this table we can compare, which business perform more, also gather the idea about the turnover of the foreign exchange business. For better look, the following graph show the foreign exchange business for the past three years.

Over all  problem for Islami Banking:

• Lack of Capital Market and Financial Instrument:

Islamic bank working under conventional banking framework in different countries lack capital market instrument of their surplus liquidity. Availability  of Islamic capital  market instruments help growth of they are constrained. Growth of Islamic capital  market and financial instruments also helps creating environment for government financing.

• Insufficient Legal Protection:

A comprehensive system of Islamic banking requires legal protection. That means a through review of all relevant laws having a bearing business in needed. Laws relating to companies, commerce, investment and courts and legal procedures need to be reviewed and reformulated to suit the requirement of the efficient functioning of Islamic banks. It is not acceptable that company law continues to talk about bonds and interest while ignoring participating deeds and profits. Investment promotion laws should accommodate rules regulations which permit Islamic Banks to apply their profit/ loss sharing modes so that they can participate in partnership business either in the from of or Musharaka or direct investment.

• Financing Social Concerns:

Islamic Bank are accused of following the same course of line as pursued by conventional banks as regards financing of social aspects. There banks are usually found to be interested in extending credit facilities as well as commercial establishments, which often obtain credit facilities from both conventional as well as  Islamic banks without real commitment or attempt to free themselves from the prohibited means of finance. In this way, Islamic banks have in general become a figure that is added to the number of traditional banks, which do business in the country concerned. No clear prescription has so far emerged on the role of Islamic banks in the promotion of new projects needed by the society as follows:

• Enabling those who have no property, providing employment opportunities to all categories of people.
• Demonstrating the impact of Islamic investment on the unemployment problem; and
• Lack of positive response to the requirement of government financing.

• Failure of Islamic banks to Establish Co-operation among themselves:

Not all Islamic banks are members of the International Association of Islamic banks. The idea of establishing a “Bank or Islamic Banks” is still a mere idea, although there is an urgent need for its establishment. As a result of its absence, Islamic banks have lost hundreds of millions with the collapse of the BCCI.

Islamic funds continue to sneak out by hundreds of millions into investment houses doing business in the West while Muslim world remains thirsty for investment resources.

Funds of expatriates from Islamic countries do not find their way back to their own countries to contribute to the development of their original homelands.

Trade among countries of Muslim world is completely paralyzed as the Islamic financing system goes along with the traditional trend in financing imports from foreign countries without giving any preference to products of the Muslim world. Only the Islamic development Bank has been paying due attention and care to the need for preferential treatment for the products of Muslim countries.

• Islamic Banks Operating Under Conventional Banking System:

Problem faced by Islamic banks operating under conventional banking framework have been identified in a  recent study are as follows (IBID).

• Failure of Islamic banks to finance high-return projects.
• Sacrifice of allocative efficiency.
• Loss of distributive efficiency.

• Constraints Faced By Islamic Banks In Bangladesh:

Constraints Faced By Islamic Banks In Bangladesh are analyzed as below:

• Problem with legal reserve requirement
• Lack of opportunities for profitable use of surplus funds .
• Apprehension of liquidity crisis and possibility of liquidity surplus.

There are some other constrains:

• Absence of inter-bank money market
• Predominance of Murabaha financing
• Absence of legal framework
• Absence of Islamic insurance company

Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade problem:

Remittance:

1. PC connect at Branch sometimes become inoperative due to inept handing by the operator.
2. Some Branch do not sent their message in their standard formats.
3. Because of volatility of the Foreign Exchange Market the remittance inflow has been affected substantially and encourages remitters to send money through illegal channel.
4. Introduction of new Islamic Banks is another cause of loss.
5. IBBL is facing stiff competition because third generation bank is entering to the business.
6. Due to non-automation of all remittance services and logistics supports in some Branches customer services have not yet fulfilled the requirement of Exchange House.
7. Shortage of skilled manpower is another problem to achieve higher income in remittance.
8. No conduction of the proper market research.
9. Lack of innovation of foreign exchange products.
10. In some Branches mass marketing is being proven problematic to handle.
11. Absence of promotional effort to keep pace with the stiff competition.
12. The Higher Exchange rate causes lose in more remittance.
13. Limited transaction to be made.
14. Decrease/ fall in foreign currency occurs in huge loss through it happens rarely.

Export and Import:

• Chamber of commerce may not permit the sub-section of the conditions of the L/C. Issuing bank. So the exporter may not export the goods to the importer.
• Some profitable goods are prohibited.
• Some rules and regulations of Government work as a barrier for the free flow of Remittance, export and import of profitable goods.
• Rate is very competitive.
• Untimely shipment due to lack of backward linkage.
• Labor problem causes huge problem for the bank.
• WTO imposes unjust rules on the transaction system.
• Delay payment in export.
• Discontinuity of same type of transaction which occurs in infrequency of work resulting in slow dynamics of work.
• Technical problems reduce the performance of the branch and extend the span of time resulting in loss (Financial) and providing less service to both the bank and customers.
• Environmental problem also causes slow pace.
• Restriction imposed for sometimes on new investment due to the sudden rise of assets rise of the bank.
• Restrictions imposed by Indian Government on Export of food items of Bangladesh in which IBBL has a good share, led to decline in business growth from April to August and it went down to 20%.
• Discretionary power for L/C and MPI is not same.
• Some faults and irregularities exist in the AD branches.

Others:

1. Proper Division of manpower in the desk.
2. Reserve fund of foreign currency can’t utilize at the time of dealing with foreign exchange and foreign trade.
3. Lack of Islamic money market.
4. The tax structure of the country is not more conductive to the spirit of Islam.
5. Human Resource recruitment.
6. Proper maintenance of files and office premises.
7. Proper sitting arrangement.
8. Proper communication system and maintenance of machineries.

Prospects of Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade:

The Prospects of Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade are as follows:

1. Restrictions imposed by Chamber and Commerce make the dealing fair and thus authenticate and guarantee the dealing and in this way reduce risk.
2. Foreign currency of IBBL is very strong which lets the bank to invest without the help of other banks.
3. The foreign countries can be targeted for more remittance through skills manpower business.
4. More knowledgeable employees are recruited and existing employees are trained in regular basis by IBTRA.
5. IBBL is trying to get more licenses for AD branches though creating more pleasing report with Bangladesh Bank.
6. Expanding various services like sport cash etc.
7. Specially driving for increasing import and export business initiated through Zones and AD/ Forwarding branches.
8. Introducing of Web based global remittance.
9. Enhancement of Internet and E-mail connectivity that is gearing the speed of income gain.
10. Placement of new Representative.
11. Open position limit enhancement that will let the bank invest more largely.
12. Utilization of FC fund in overseas investment.
13. Utilization of FC fund effectively and efficiently.
14. Automated reconciliation of all NOSTRO A/C.
15. Computer ledger positive and balancing.
16. Centralization of Foreign Trade process that will decrease the loss of time.
17. Major steps have been taken to make solution of the technical and managerial problems.
18. Preparation of client profile which will help to take decision if any problem arises and other things concerning investment in export and import.
19. Hunting EPZ client will open new open new sectors for investment which ultimately increases fund.
20. Innovation of foreign exchange products is going on.
21. IBBL is going to expend the coverage countries.
22. IBBL is going to open Exchange House abroad.
23. IBBL is going to manage round the clock remittance operation.
24. offering competitive terms to cope with the components.
25. Entrepreneurship development is another prospect of F-Ex department.

Analysis  and Major Findings :

The major findings and analysis of the study are as follows:

• Lack of manpower in Foreign Exchange Department especially in export division of Shymoli  Branch is a big problem. The manpower of that section is not sufficient for prompt service.

• As IBBL is not a foreign bank, it cannot attract as much as clients for Foreign Trade. Because clients prefer Global bank for foreign transactions.

• Lack of promotional initiatives to expand the foreign exchange business was observed.

• From the previous years it has been  observing that frequently the currency of taka is devaluating and dollar currency is going very high and devaluation of taka is hampering  import business and other sectors too.

• Government new regulations like as L\C margin reduce the  Foreign Exchange transaction.

• Strict controlling of central bank in foreign currency endorsement is a major problem.

• The employees of Foreign Exchange department of this branch are outfacing from insufficient computer facilities.

Recommendations:

In light of the findings, the recommendations are as follows:

• The bank should arrange more training programs for their officials. Quality training will help the officials to enrich them with more recent knowledge of foreign currency activities.
• Margin and commission on L/Cs varies from  customer to customer. A few customers are allowed to open L/C even with nil margin and fees commission. I think the bank should review the customer transaction behaviors for a period of time and should develop a certain policy in this regard.
• In case of L/Cs, sometimes customers insist on giving their payments though their documents are found discrepant. In some cases bank has to give payment to these customers for different reasons. But it lessens the creditability of the bank. I think the bank should be strict as possible about giving payment against discrepant documents without hurting the customers.
• In case of export L/Cs, the government encourages the exporters by giving different facilities like tax-cuts. I think the bank should also think about such type of facilities to be given to the exporter because Bangladeshi Exporters like readymade garments exporters are going to face a tough situation in coming years from the exporters of the others countries.
• In cases, the foreign banks want confirmations from other foreign banks with which this bank has correspondence. This proves the poor financial condition of the country. Bank should try to improve this situation.
• Over burden of work and ill defined assignment unable the employee to discharge their duties in cool manner. It also creates a hazardous situation in the work process. So, all the employees should be assigned with proper and specific assignment.
• The manager may also provide sufficient sophisticated computers to the employees in the foreign exchange department of this branch.
• The manager should take some promotional activities so that the businessmen will feel interest to open their L/C in the foreign exchange department, Shymoli Branch of IBBL. As a result, the manager can successfully expand the activities of foreign exchange department of this Branch.

Conclusion:

As an increase of IBBL. I have truly enjoyed my internship form the learning and experience viewpoint. I am confident that this two months internship program at IBBL will definitely help me to realized my further carrier in the job market.

Islamic Bank Bangladesh Limited is a new generation bank. It is committed to provide high quality financial services/ product to contribute to  the growth of GDP of the country through stimulating trade commerce, accelerating the pace of  industrialization, boosting up export, creating employment opportunity for the educated youth, poverty alleviation, raising standard of living of limited  income group and overall sustainable social-economic development of the country. Though it is a new bank, IBBL makes a strong position through it’s varies activities. Its number of clients, amount of deposit and investment money increases day by day. This bank already has shown impressive performance in investment. The bank now should think to start new services and take different types of marketing strategy to get more customers in this competition market of banking.

SWOT Analysis

STRENGTH

• Adequate finance:

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. has adequate finance. That is why; they need not to borrow money from Bangladesh Bang or any other.

• More funds for investment:

For adequate financial ability, they can provide more investment facility to their rather than other Banks.

• Honest and reliable employees:

All of the employees of Islami Bank are honest and reliable. They are always devoted themselves to the clients for better customer.

• Religious feelings of Bangladeshi people:

Most of the people of Bangladesh are Muslims and they are trusted in  superior performance of IBBL as Sharia based bank.

WEAKNESS

• Lack of adequate employees:

Islami Bank has very limited human resource compared to its financial activities.

• Lake of up-to-date equipment:

IBBL has lack of modern technologies and equipment like adequate online facilities as well as cash card and credit card system.

• Deficiency of expertise:

Many of the employees are unskilled and from them, superior performance is unexpected to survive in the national economy as well as in the world economy.

• Lack of Advertisement:

IBBL has lack of aggressive advertisement compared to other banks.

• Centralized decision making:

The decision making of the bank is too many centralized. No decision is made without the organization head office.

OPPORTUNITY

• Innovative and modern customer service:

This bank can introduce more Innovative and modern customer services to its customers to survive better in the competition market.

• Retaining vast customer:

IBBL has a vast opportunity to hold most of the customers by extending its banking operation all over the country as most of the people of Bangladesh are religious minded

• Poverty alleviation:

IBBL has a great opportunity to save the county’s poor people from being taking loan from different NGOs or few banks with higher interest rate.

• Special Image:

IBBL has created special image to the people as a more reliable bank. People believe that if they keep their money in Islami bank it will be more secured than other banks.

THREATS

• Rules and regulation:

Rules and regulation of Bangladesh Bank defers with Islamic banking system. So they have to face various regulation of Bangladesh Bank defers with Islamic banking system. So they have to face various problems to operate their activities according to the Islamic Sharia.

• Lower Salary Structure:

Now many of the Banks are hiring young talent and expertise employees with higher remuneration where IBBL could not hire skilled manpower because of lower salary structure compare to other banks.

• Islami banking system introduced by conventional banking:

Few other conventional banks have opened their Islamic Banking Branch so far.