General Banking Operations of Islamic Banking System

General Banking Operations of Islamic Banking System: Study on AB Bank

AB Bank Limited, the first private sector bank under Joint Venture with Dubai Bank Limited, UAE incorporated in Bangladesh on 31st December 1981 and started its operation with effect from April 12, 1982. It has established Islamic Banking Wing and started its functioning by opening full-fledged Islamic banking branch on 23.12.2004 to provide the Islamic banking services in accordance with the principles of Islamic Shari’ah.

The Islamic Banking is an integral part of Islamic Economic system and Islamic way of life as the Holy Quran has condemned and banned ‘Riba’ i.e. interest, the main component of conventional banking. Thus the Islamic Banking is naturally different from the principles of traditional banking and its goal is to establish the tenets of Islamic Shariah for well-being (falah) of all human beings by offering contemporary financial services in conformity with Shariah, by contributing towards economic development and poverty alleviation undertaking financial activities which are officially, socially desirable and profitable and lastly to serve Ummat Al-Islam and other nations having Muslim population.

I have worked to understand all the key areas of Islamic Banking to depict the basic Comparisons between Conventional and Islamic banking. And to show the differences I have comprised the report into seven parts wherein the first, second and third chapter of the report shows the introduction part of the report, the bank and its Islami Banking branch orientation and lastly an overall idea of Islamic Banking from its beginning.

Origin of the Study

This report titled “A Comparative Study between Conventional and Islamic Banking with reference to General Banking Operations of Islamic Banking System: A Case Study on AB Bank Ltd (Islami Banking Branch)” is prepared to fulfill the requirement if internship program of the BBA Program in the Department of Business Administration in IIUC,DC. This topic has been assigned and supervised by Mr. Md. Tarikul Islam Lecturer, Department of Business Administration IIUC(DC). I have tried my level best to present my experience of the practical orientation in this report.

Objectives of the Study

Primary Objective

The primary objective of this report is to fulfill the requirement of BBA program containing the completion of three-month internship program and preparation of internship report accordingly.

Specific Objectives

The secondary objectives of the study are as follows:

To get an overview of the banking system of AB Bank Ltd.
To know the history and development of ABBL.
To gain practical experience on different functions of different departments like General Banking especially from the perspective of Islamic Banking.
To know about the rules and regulations of ABBL.
To acquaint with the over all services which are provided by AB Bank Ltd
To analyze the year wise performance and depict the contribution of Islamic banking Branch of ABBL to its overall performance.
To analyze the performance of the bank in terms of the profitability of the Islami Banking branch over the overall banking performance.
To get a clear idea about the Comparisons between Conventional and Islamic Banking.

Methodology of the Study

This report has been prepared on the basis of the experience gathered during the period of internship. For preparing this report, I have undergone group discussion, collected data and asked some questions and have taken interviewed to the bank officials. I have also gone through different brochures, circulars and reports of the bank. However, I have collected my data from the following sources which helped me to prepare this report.

i) The primary sources of data include the followings:

Face to face conversation with the bank officers and staffs
Direct conversation with the clients
Practical Deskwork.

ii) The secondary sources of data include as under:

Annual report of AB Bank Limited
Different manuals and publications of Islamic Banking System
Unpublished data received from the Branch
Different text books
Different circulars sent by Head Office of AB Bank Limited and Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited.

Company Profile

Background of AB Bank Limited

Dubai Bank Limited (name subsequently changed to Union Bank of the Middleast Limited) decided to off-load their investment in AB Bank Limited with a view to concentrate their activities in the UAE in early part of 1987 and in terms of Articles 23A and 23B of the Articles of Association of the Company and with the necessary approval of the relevant authorities, the shares held by them in the Bank were sold and transferred to Group “A” Shareholders, i.e. Bangladeshi Sponsor Shareholders.

As of December 31, 2006; the Authorized Capital and the Equity (Paid up Capital and Reserve) of the Bank are BDT 2000 million and BDT 2582.76 million respectively. The Sponsor-Shareholders hold 50% of the Share Capital, the General Public Shareholders hold 49.43% and the rest 0.57% Shares are held by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. However, no individual sponsor share holder of AB Bank holds more than 10% of its total shares.

Since beginning, the bank acquired confidence and trust of the public and business houses by rendering high quality services in different areas of banking operations, professional competence and employment of the state of art technology.

During the last 26 years, AB Bank Limited has opened 70 Branches in different Business Centers of the country, one foreign Branch in Mumbai, India, two Representative Offices in London and Yangon, Myanmar respectively and also established a wholly owned Subsidiary Finance Company in Hong Kong in the name of AB International Finance Limited. To facilitate cross border trade and payment related services, the Bank has correspondent relationship with over 220 international banks of repute across 58 countries of the World.
AB Bank Limited, the premier sector bank of the country is making headway with a mark of sustainable growth. The overall performance indicates mark of improvement with Deposit reaching BDT 42076.99 million, which is precisely 53.78% higher than the preceding year. On the Advance side, the Bank has been able to achieve 46.32% increase, thereby raising a total portfolio to BDT 31289.25 million, which places the Bank in the top tier of private sector commercial banks of the country.

On account of Foreign Trade, the Bank made a significant headway in respect of import, export and inflow of foreign exchange remittances from abroad

Management of ABBL

The management of the bank is vested on a broad of Directors, for over all super vision and directors on policy formulation by the board. The power of general supervision and control of the affairs of the bank is exercise by the president and the managing director of the bank who is the chief executive. The board establishes the objectives and policies of the Bank. The board has the authority to declare dividend, to approve the Balance sheet, etc. Chairman keeps board of directors informed, on the progress of the bank and implements the policies established. The Board consists of 11 members.

Strength of AB Bank Ltd

Customer’s satisfaction is the top priority of the Bank.

AB Bank being the first private sector bank is always one step ahead of the other competitors in serving the customers need.

Bank in its goal has mentioned that customer’s expectations will be met through innovative financial products and services.

A bunch of young and energetic work force is engaged to serve the valued customers.

Offerings of the Bank

AB Bank offers different type of services to its customer. And day by day they are expending the area of services. From the very beginning they gave more emphasis on satisfaction of customers. They offer the general banking facilities such as –receive deposit, giving loan etc. Otherwise they also offer –

online Banking system
Western Union money transfer
ATM
Pay order
Demand Deposit
Credit Card
Debit Card
Visa Card
Sonchoypottra
Easy loan
Gold Grace
Islamic Banking facilities
Foreign exchange
Remittance etc.

Branch Orientation

Islami Banking Branch of AB Bank Ltd

To provide the Islamic banking services in accordance with the principles of Islamic Shari’ah, AB Bank has established Islamic Banking Wing and started its functioning by opening full-fledged Islamic banking branch on 23.12.2004. The branch is known as AB Bank Islami Banking Branch, Kakrail, and is situated at 82, Kakrail, Ramna, Dhaka.

Conduction of Islami Banking

Prominent Islami Banker Mr. M. Azizul Huq has joined the Bank as its Islamic Banking Consultant. A dedicated team of experienced Islamic bankers is working under his active guidance both at head office and branch level. A competent Shari’ah Council consisting of Islamic scholars, Ulema, Fukaha and Islamic bankers headed by Mr. Shah Abdul Hannan, a prominent Islamic scholar and former Secretary, Government of Bangladesh has also been formed to guide the Islamic banking affairs. Board of directors as well as management of the bank are very much interested to promote Islamic banking system in the bank aiming at opening more Islamic branches in the near future. AB Bank has already obtained membership of Islamic Banks Consultative Forum (IBCF) and Central Shari’ah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh.

Goals and objectives of Islamic Banking Branch

To facilitate the Islamic banking system in the country
To create new entrepreneurs and to arrange required finance for them
To play effective role for socio economic development of the country
To give assistance in launching welfare oriented economic system under Islamic values

Islamic Banking Services

The services are mainly of two types like-

Deposit services
Investment services

Deposit services

Under Deposit services the following services are being rendered:

Mudaraba Savings Account
Mudaraba Short Noticed Account
Mudaraba Term Deposit Account (with different terms)
Mudaraba Monthly Profit Account
Al-Wadiah Current Deposit Account
Mudaraba Deposit Pension Scheme
Mudaraba Hajj Deposit Scheme

Investment Services

AB Bank Islmic Banking Wing provides investment facilities for project finance, working capital finance, SME finance, consumer / retail baking finance etc. under following modes:

Hire-Purchase under Shirkatul Melk (HPSM):

Under this mode the Bank and the client procure asset such as machinery, land , car etc. on equity participation basis. The Bank rents out its portion of assets to the client for a certain period. The client pays the rental with a part of principal amount on monthly / quarterly basis. The client gets its proportionate ownership with the payment of monthly / quarterly installments. On maturity, total ownership of the assets automatically goes to the client as and when final payment of the account is made.

Ijara or Leasing:

It is more or less like the HPSM. In this case equity participation may or may not exist. Ownership of the asset is not automatically transferred to the client with the payments of installments. On maturity, the bank transfers the ownership to the client on payment of certain transfer fees.

Bai-Muajjal / Bai-Murabaha:

These modes are applicable for working capital finance. Under these schemes bank purchases goods / raw materials as per requirement of the client. In case of Bai-Muajjal bank receives the sales proceed on deferred payment basis. On the other hand in case of Bai-Murabaha Bank receives the sale price at the time of delivery of the goods / raw materials. Before handing over the goods / raw materials the bank generally keeps the same in its custody under pledge.

Musharaka :

this mode the Bank and clients jointly participate in a project, in a scheme or project. Profit is shared between the Bank & the concerned client as per pre-agreed ratio. On the other hand loss is shared according to capital ratio.

Mudaraba:

Under this mode bank finances the scheme as a Shaheb-Al-Maal (owner of the capital). Profit is shared between the two sides as per pre-agreed ratio.

Sector of Investment
Islamic Banking Wing of the bank finances in all sectors i.e., Industry, business, Agriculture, Real Estate etc. if purpose of the investment is permissible under Islamic Shari’ah.

Limit of Investment
Investment is offered to the extent of single borrower exposure limit as fixed by the Bangladesh Bank from time to time.

Foreign Trade
Islamic Banking Wing provides the following services at its foreign trade desks:

Opening of LCs
Post -Import Finance
Export bill purchase and negotiation
Pre-shipment financing etc.

AB Bank Islamic Banking Wing has been continuously trying to expand its service horizon keeping the necessity of valued clients in view and upholding the principle of Islamic Shari’ah.

Progress of Islami Banking Branch

Islamic Banking Business (IBB) has made remarkable progress in its third year of operation in 2007. The single branch of Islamic banking Window of AB has been able to earn confidence through its efficient service and products designed to cater to particular segment of customers. Three new deposit products were launched after being cleared by the Shari’ah Council of the bank.

Islamic Banking Software

Islamic Banking Software named “ABABIL” has been procured and as in the final stage of implementation/ roll-out. This will enable our bank to extend its Islamic banking services throughout the country by utilizing the the existing online branches.

Shari’ah Compliance

The Shari’ah council of the bank assigned with the overall supervision of the Islamic Banking business comprises of eminent Ulema, Fuquah, Islamic Scholars and bankers. There is a Standing Committee of thecouncil to address operational issues in light of the Shari’ah principle. During 2007, Shari’ah council met three times while the standing met twice.

Branch Performance of IBB

Introduction

The concept of Islamic Banking represents a radical departure from traditional banking. Islamic banking has to derive its inspiration from the religious edicts of Islam and has to mould its operation within the framework of the teachings of Islam. The most distinctive features of Islamic Banking are its total abstinence from interest in observance of Islamic prohibition of all interest-based transactions. The Islamic banks organize their operation on the basis of profit/ loss sharing and other modes that are permitted in Islam. Alongside the conventional interest bearing banking system, Bangladesh entered into an Islamic banking system (profit-loss sharing) in 1983. At present, out of 48 banks in Bangladesh, 7 private commercial banks are operating as full-fledged Islamic banks and 10 conventional banks are partially involved in Islamic banking in a total of 20 branches.

Concept of Islamic Banking

The General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) defines an Islamic Bank as “Islamic Bank is a financial Institution whose statutes, 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 operations.”

All OIC countries including Bangladesh have approved the above definition of Islamic Bank. The Islamic Development Bank and other national and multi-national Islamic Banks have also adopted the above definition as their operating guide.

Essential features of Islamic banking

Prohibition of Interest:

The traditional capitalist banking system depends on interest. It receives interest for providing loans and pays interest for taking loans. The spread between these two interests is the source of its profit. But according to Islamic Shari’ah all types of interest is banned. So, Islamic Bank does not carry on business of interest and it completely avoids the transaction of interest.

Investment based on profit:

After departing from interest, the alternate ways of income for Islamic Bank are investment and profit. Thus Islamic Bank gives up any transaction of interest and makes investments based on profit. Bank distributes its profit to its depositors and shareholders.

Investment in Halal Business:

Islamic Shari’ah has banned the business of haram goods. For example Islam not only forbids the drinking of alcohol but also banned any business of alcohol. Therefore Islamic Bank does not get any haram business and only do halal business.

Halal Paths and Procedures:

Islamic Shari’ah also reject any haram path or process in case of a halal business. Therefore Islamic Banking system only allows the halal path procedures of Halal business.

History and Growth of Islamic Banking

The Islamic banking movement as we know it today is recent phenomenon. The history of modern Islamic Banking dates back to the 1950s when a small private Islamic Bank appeared in Pakistan but subsequently windup. In the decade of 1950s, the concept of Islamic banking was a matter of thinking and research and the result was preserved in the papers of different scholars of the Muslim world. The 1960s was the decade of practical experiment and 1970s was the decade for establishment. The decade of 1980s was the decade of success and expansion at a faster rate.

During 1960s, it was observed that the Muslims of Malaysia used to save primarily for performing Hajj and such savings are mostly kept idle in pillows, under mattresses and floors for avoiding interest, which was unproductive and damaging for the growth and development of the economy. For utilizing these savings, the Malaysian Government in 1962 establish an interest free financial institution known as “Pilgrim Savings Corporation”. Though it was not a full-fledged bank, even then we can say that it was the beginning of an institution free of interest, which is unconditionally prohibited in Islam.

‘Mitghamr Bank’ is pioneer of modern Islamic Banking which was established by Dr. Ahmed-El-Naggar in 1963 by his personal endeavor at Mitghamr in Egypt with a view to bring some development in socio-economic field in the process of Islam. The conducted its banking operation successfully in the light of Islamic Shari’ah for about of five years. Now the Islamic Bankers of the world has treated the short life of Mitghamr Bank as the first model of Islamic Banking. A survey report by the national Institute for management development, Cairo, Egypt shows that the Mitghamr Bank was tremendously successful in achieving its objectives. In addition, the tremendous success of the bank was the cause of closure by the vested interest in 1967.

Islamic Development Bank (IDB) was established in 1975 and during the following the years 7 (seven) Islami Banks and financial institutions namely (i) Dubai Islami Bank , (ii) Kuwait Finance House, (iii) Faisal Islami Bank, Sudan (iv) Jordan Islami Bank for Finance and Investment (v) Islamic Banking System International Holding S. A., Luxembourg, (vi) Faisal Islami Bank of Egypt and (vii) Islamic Investment Corporation Ltd, Sharjah were established.

In 1978, Islamic Foreign Minister Conference in Dakar (senegal) recommended to the members of OIC to make systematic efforts to establish Islamic Banks gradually and during the next three years of their recommendation, 20 Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions came into being.

Till now near about 300 hundred Islamic Banks and financial Institutions in about 40 countries of Asia, Africa, Europe, America and countries like U.K., U.S.A., Germany, Argentina, Denmark, Luxembourg, Switzerland and India have been established. The banking system of Iran and Sudan has been totally remodeled on the basis of Islamic shari’ah.

Islami Banking in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the largest Muslim Countries I the world. The people of this country are deeply committed to Islamic way of life as enshrined in the holy Qur’an and Sunnah. Naturally, it remains an ordeal desire in their hearts to fashion and design their economic lives in accordance with the prospects of Islam. With this end in view, in August 1974, Bangladesh signed the charter of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and committed itself to recognize its economy and financial system as per Islamic Shari’ah.

In November 1980, Bangladesh Bank, the country’s central bank, sent a representative to study the working system of several Islamic banks abroad.

In January 1981, the president of peoples Republic of Bangladesh while addressing the 3^rd Islamic Summitr Conference held at Makkah 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 reflected the people’s desire, attitudes and commitment of Bangladesh towards establishing Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions in the country.

In November 1982, a delegation of Islamic development Bank (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 works have already been done and Islamic banking was in a ready form for immediate introduction. Two professional bodies namely Islamic Economic research Bureau(BIBA) made significant contribution towards introduction of Islamic Banking in Bangladesh.

At last the long drawn struggle to establish an Islamic bank in Bangladesh became a reality and Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) was incorporated on 13^th March, 1983 and commenced banking operations on and from 30^th March1983 as the first Islamic Bank in the south East Asia. It is the first joint venture in Bangladesh with the equity participation of Islamic Development bank (IDB), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Thereafter as of now, six other Bangladeshi Banks have launched banking operations in the private sector based on Islamic shari’ah. Some other newly established traditional private banks have also set up some Islamic banking branches in the country.

Growth of Islamic Banking in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is the third largest Muslim country in the world with around 139 million populations of which 90 percent are Muslim. Islamic banking system started operation in Bangladesh in 1983 with the establishment of first Islamic bank “Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited”. The growth of Islamic banking in Bangladesh is progressing day by day. The remarkable shifting or conversion of the conventional banks and their branches into the Islamic lines, signals high acceptance of the interest-free banking by the public in general. The Islamic banking industry continued to show strong growth since its inception in 1983 to June 2008 in tandem with the growth in the economy, as reflected by the increased market share of the Islamic banking industry in terms of assets, financing and deposits of the total banking system. The products being offered by these banks range from consumer credit to long term finance for big investment projects using Islamic modes of financing such as Marahaba, Bia-Muazzal and Ijarah.

The Islamic banks in Bangladesh started from a very limited resource base right from the beginning. But with the passage of time, they have excelled strong performance in respect of mobilization of deposits as well as in investments. Total deposits of the Islamic banks and Islamic banking branches of the conventional banks stood at Taka 232981.00 million at end June 2006. This was 28.46 percent of the deposits of all private commercial banks and 9.67 percent of the deposits of the total banking system at the end of June, 2006. Total investment of the Islamic banks and the Islamic banking branches of the conventional banks stood at Taka 210493.80 million at end June 2006. This was 29.35 percent of all private banks and 14.88 percent of the total banking system of the country.

The Statutory Liquidity Requirement (SLR) for the Islamic banks is fixed at 10 percent since inception of first Islamic Bank in 1983. This has remained unchanged till date while SLR for the traditional commercial banks has been changed several times which presently is fixed at 18 percent. The low requirement of SLR for Islamic banks is due to the non-holding of interest bearing types of eligible securities. In order to overcome the situation, the Bangladesh Bank has issued an Islamic Bond on behalf of the government namely “Government Islamic Investment Bond (GIIB)” in October 2004, which is governed by the Islamic Shari’ah. It is evident from the Table that Islamic banks have been facing excess liquidity problems. Excess liquidity of the Islamic banks and Islamic banking branches as well stood at Taka 8956.80 million as at end June 2006 (19.08 percent of private banks and 8.19 percent of all banks) which originated due mainly to the non-responsiveness of the good borrowers for investment demand and absence of adequate interest free financial instruments and an organized Islamic money market in the country as well. However, efforts are underway to develop Islamic inter-bank market instruments to help banks in managing their liquidities.

The role of Bangladesh Bank in regulating, guiding and supervising the Islamic Banks in Bangladesh in accordance with Islamic Shari’ah is at the preparatory stage. The inspectors and supervisors of Bangladesh Bank have been undergoing massive training programme on Islamic banking both at home and abroad to be equally familiar with the technicalities of the different operational methodologies of the Islamic banking system.

Characteristics of Islamic Banking

Islamic Banking is a progressive and revolutionary banking system, working effectively and reputedly in modern days in many parts of the globe. Sin developed and de3veloping countries, this unique banking system works side by side with other conventional banking.

An Islamic bank may be defined as a financial intermediary whose objectives and operations as well as principles and practices must conform to the principles of Islamic Law (Shari’ah) and consequently is conditioned to operate all its activities without interest. The introduction of Islamic Banking in modern world is based on the principles of Islamic economics. The aim of Islamic economics, as observed by the Muslim Scholars, is not only the elimination of interest-based transactions and the introduction of Zakah (Contribution to poor) system but also the establishment of just and balanced social order free from all forms of exploitation. Islamic Banks play a vital role in achieving this balanced and social order and establishing ideal Islamic societies in Muslim countries.

An Islamic bank is not only a banker but also a partner in business. The system essentially involves sharing of risk between the owner of capital and entrepreneurs, as well as sharing the result of the collective efforts. Thus, it differs from a interest-free system in which the risk is mainly borne by the entrepreneur or by the user of capital. In other way we may call Islamic Banking as participatory banking.

Objectives of Islamic Banking

The fundamental objective of Islamic banking is to bring about departure from the conventional system moving from debt-based relationship to an equity based and stake taking economy. While there are scopes for some debt-based transactions of the principle of quard-e-hasana, the overall trust of the Islamic banking towards equity based and risk sharing arrangements. This is distinct from the capitalist approach where the whole economy is revolved round making money by manipulating, managing the evils of interest and compounding interest mechanism. This is the root cause of exploitation in society and leads to inequitable distribution of income and wealth in the economy generally the objectives of Islamic banking are-

Providing banking services of the highest standard according to Islamic Shari’ah without dealing in Riba (interest on money) and by using the-state-of-the-art technology in computer, telecommunication and information system.
Investing funds prudently to achieve optimum profits for the mutual benefit of customer and the bank.
Coordination, cooperation and integration with other financial bodies that apply Islamic Shari’ah in their dealings, in order to support creating a base and regulation for an Islamic financial system
Development of the Islamic society in all fields of the economy by investing in the industries, agriculture, commerce and real estate in order to provide job opportunities.
Promotion of social benevolence through its Islamic methods particularly through Zakah.
Contributing to the welfare of the society in line with the five main tenants of Islam, namely protection of life, purity of mind, property, honour and social justice.
Promoting the savings habit and encouraging people to invest wisely within the parameters of Islamic Shari’ah through investment and finance instruments to suit individual requirements.
Making available the necessary capital for entrepreneurs for the establishment of economic projects and creation of alternative instruments according to Islamic Shari’ah

Financial Framework of Islamic Banking

Islamic banking is based on an ethical framework. It is not only a shifting from a debt-based economy to an equity-based economy but also a movement from pecuniary situation to an economy of ethical norms and social commitments. There is a framework of Halal and Haram within which all economic activities, private and public has to take place. The activities like pornography, gambling, prostitution, the promotion of alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, cinema etc would be treated in the capitalist system as productive because it is supposed to be satisfying some demand but in the Islamic framework which would be unacceptable. Therefore ethical and social dimensions are integral to the Islamic Banking approach.

Methods/ Process of investment in Islamic Banking

the first process is direct Investment through which the people who have money in excess of their needs and the other who have productive ideas and expertise join hands to pool their resources for production and exchange. This is the oldest and one of the most common forms of productive cooperation between money and entrepreneurship.
The second is financial intermediation. In this process, there emerges a series of banks and financial Institutions, which act as intermediaries between savers and producers. In principle, direct investments as well as financial intermediation are accepted as part of the Islamic framework.

General banking

General banking department is the “heart” of all banking activities. The general Banking section is what keeps the overall banking going. All sorts of day- to-

day transactions are performed in here as it plays a vital role in banking. The general banking department that consists mainly of the following are given below:

Account opening section
Clearing & Remittance
Cash section
Financial Control Department

Account opening section

Account is the systematic record of transaction. Bank Account is a contract between the Bank and the client, allowing the customer to use Bank Service against a cost of fees.

This is the best way a Client can build relationship with the Bank.

Deposit of different kinds and schemes are accepted on the Mudaraba principle of islamic shari’ah. Under the above principle the client is the shaheb-al-mal and the bank is mudareb. As per contract the bank is authorized to Mudaraba funds at joint risk of the client and the bank. The client can not interfere/ participate in the management of the fund. Any profit resulting from the investment of Mudaraba fund is distributed between the client and the bank as per principle of distribution of profit announced by the bank as at the beginning of the year or as per contract. Loss is to be born by shaheb-Al-Mal after adjustment of the same from equity and the bank does not get any remuneration for the management of fund.

The main purpose of opening account is to deposit money. Deposit account can take on a various forms.

They consist of two forms-

Demand or Al-Wahdia current deposit.
Time or Mudaraba Savings deposit.

The basic things that any accounts require are:

A valued client’s Introduction.
Two photographs of the concerned party.
Taka 1000 cash deposit for Mudaraba Savings deposit and Taka 5000 cash deposit for Al-Wahdia current deposit.

Deposit

Al-Wahdia Current Account

Most businessmen maintain current in order to make their daily business activities. This account’s funds change most frequently than any other accounts because customer used to withdraw and deposit funds in regular basis.

Types of AWD Account:

Individual Account
Proprietorship A/C
Partnership A/C
limited company A/C
Cooperative A/C
Special A/C

The summery of the rules and regulations to open a current account as follows :-

A minimum deposit of TK. 5000.00 is needed to open a current account.
Deposit is accepted on Al wadiah principles which mean Al amanah with permission to use. According to this principle, bank can use the fund of the account along with other funds as per Islamic Shari’ah at bank own risk. Account holder will not share any profit/loss.
The bank charges an incidental charge of TK.50.00 for every 6 months for the maintenance of the account.
In case of the closure, the bank charges TK. 100.00 as closing charge of the account.
Withdrawal of money is allowed only through the leaves of the cheque book issued by the bank

Mudaraba Savings Account

This account is a popular account maintained in Banks. The different matters relating SB account are described in the following discussion. The summary of the Rules and regulations to open a savings account is as follows:-

A minimum deposit of TK. 1000.00 is needed to open Mudaraba Savings
This type of Deposit account will be conducted on Mudaraba Principles of Islamic Shari’ah. Account holders shall share income derived from investment made out of the Mudaraba funds in economic activities permitted by Islamic Shari’ah.
The Mudaraba Saving Deposit Account holders along with other Mudaraba depositors shall get premium 65% of the income derived from the deployment of Mudaraba fund in the investment according to their proportion in the total investment during an accounting year applying the weightage rate of 0.75.
Provisional profit will be credited twice a year i/e. on 30the june and 31^st Final profit is determined and adjusted at the end of the year i.e. after finalization of account.
Any person of more than 18 Years having sound mind can open and operate this account singly or jointly.
In case of a minor (a person below 18 years), a guardian can open and operate this account on his or her behalf.
Clubs, societies, sole proprietorship firms, partnership firms, Limited Companies either public or private and other similar organization are eligible to open such account.
More than one account can not be opened in the same name.
Money would be withdrawn through cheques. Withdrawal cannot be more than twice a week and generally the amount will not be more than 25% of the balance available, subject to maximum TK.15000.00.
The closing charge is TK.50.00.

Mudaraba Short Notice Deposit

This special types of account is just in between CD and MSD which gives profit at the rate of 6%(simple rate of profit calculated annually on daily balance) but requires 7 days-30 days prior notice of cash withdrawal. It is notice, the amount of money is withdrawn without notice, and then profit won’t be given on the said money. If any financial organization or autonomous bodies open this A/C hen no excise duty will be deducted but source tax will be deducted.

Mudaraba Short Notice Deposit is conducted on Mudaraba Principle of Islamic Shari’ah. Account holders shall share income derived from investment made out of the Mudaraba funds in economic activities permitted by Islamic Shari’ah.

Mudaraba Term Deposit Receipt:

In this types of deposit, a large amount of money is deposited in the bank for comparatively higher rate of interest (simple, not communed but calculated annually) is offered to the depositor for the period of 3 months, 6 month, 1year with the condition that s/he can not withdraw the amount before maturity but can draw the profit on a monthly basis.

If the client not applies for renewal after maturity then the interest will be imposed after every three month.

The summary of the Rules and regulations to open a MTDR account is as follows:-

Terms Deposit Account will be conducted on Mudaraba Principles of Islamic Sariah Account holders shall share income derived from investment made out of the Mudaraba funds in economic activities permitted by Islamic Sariah.
Term of deposit are Three months, six months, twelve months Twenty four months, Thirty six months and above.
Benefits of full weightage with yearly cumulation of profit shall become payable if withdrawn on maturity.
The deposit receipt is not transferable except to this bank and the MTD receipt must be preserved with due care by holder of the MTDR. The bank will not be responsible if the lost receipt is paid by way of cheating/ deception.
Funds covered by the Deposit Receipt are payable in accordance with the laws and regulations current at the time of withdrawal or repayment. The depositor will be bound to receive the profit at the provisional rate if the account is closed before finalization of yearly profit.
The bank can deduct any Govt. tax & levies to be imposed by the Govt of Bangladesh any time from time to time.

Deposit Scheme

Mudaraba Pension Deposit Scheme

This is an attractive deposit scheme of Islamic banks. It is governed by Mudaraba principles also. All categories of particularly the small income group can be able to make savings on monthly installment basis at a very higher rate. Generally the term is for 5 to 10 years and size of installment is minimum Taka 500 to maximum Taka 20000.00.

Mudaraba Hajj Deposit Scheme

Hajj is one of the basic pillars of Islam.Islamic banks are accepted deposit on installment basis or in peacemeal from the intending pilgrims under Mudaraba principles. Considering the religious aspects of this account and to inspire the individual to perform hajj, a better rate of profit camparing to other Mudaraba Accounts is given to this Hajj Account. The aim of this deposit is only to perform hajj. The intending pilgrim may choice different terms from 1 to 25 years as per his capacity and age.

Mudaraba Monthly Profit Deposit

For the benefit of the retired service holders and wage earners residing abroad who want to help their departments/ relatives by contributing a certain amount of money on monthly basis from the of their one time deposit, this bank has introduced this Mudaraba Monthly profit Deposit Scheme in accordance with the Mudaraba principles of Islamic Shari’ah. Any individual may open account under this scheme by depositing a minimum amount of taka 100000.00 and multiples thereof at a time for a specified term. Monthly provisional profit, is given to the account just after completion of thirty days from the date of opening of the account.

Mudaraba Probable Millionaire Scheme

It is a Mudarba term deposit account where the depositor deposits on a monthly basis and including profit they can get more or less 1000000.00(Ten Lac). The period for this account would be minimum three years and maximum six years.

Mudaraba Third-Terminal Profit Scheme

This is an attractive deposit scheme of Islamic banks. It is governed by Mudaraba principles also. The depositor can open this account by depositing minimum taka 25000.00 or any multiples of this amount. Generally the term is minimum three years and the depositor can get 70%investment opportunity against this account

Remittance and Clearing

Remittance Section

Remittance means transmission of money from one place to another. There are different modules of remittance. They are as follow:

TT-Telegraphic Transfer
DD-Demand Draft
PO-Pay Order

TT-Telegraphic Transfer

TT is the quickest method of transferring funds from one place to another. The remitting branch sends a telegraphic/ telephonic/ Fax message to the branch at the other end, to pay a certain sum of money to a named payee.

DD-Demand Draft

It is an instrument containing an unconditional order of one bank office to pay certain amount of money to the named person or order the amount therein on demand. DD is very much popular instrument for remitting money from one corner to another.

Charges of DD & TT

Commission @10% but minimum taka 25.00

Postage Charge: taka 25 for DD

Mail/ Phone Charge: Taka 50.00for TT

PO-Pay Order

It is process of money transfer from payer to payee within a certain clearing area through banking channel. A person can purchase payment order in different models such as Pay Order by cash, Pay Order by cheque

Pay Order can be issued in favor of the payee with commissions paid. The Pay Order can be made either from the account of the issuer or by giving the account to the Bank if the issuer has no account with Bank.

The pay order is presented to the bank either through clearance or for credit to the clients accounts. When payment, relative entry is given in the pay order register with the date of payment.

In case of collecting DD, PO following things are to be carefully checked: –
Instrument of ABBL, IBB.
Crossing seal
Clearing seal
Branch name
Amount same in the word and figure.
Signature verification
Avoid the stop order P.O, D.D
Test key verification. Every T.T must have test key. D.D over tk.25000 must have test key.
Maintenance of T.T / P.O /D.D issue and payable books.
Balancing at the end of the month.

Clearing section

Clearing stand for mutual settlement of claims made in among member banks at an agreed time place in respect of instruments drawn of each other:

Clearing House is an arrangement under which member banks agree to meet, through their representatives, an appointed time and place to deliver instruments drawn on the other and in exchange to receive instruments drawn of them.

The nit amount payable or receivable as the case may be, is settled through an account kept with the controlling bank (Bangladesh Bank).

Types of clearing

Outward Clearing
Inward Clearing

Out ward Clearing

When a particular branch receives instruments drawn on other bank within the clearing zone and sends those instruments for collection through the clearing arrangement is considerate as Outward Clearing for that particular branch.

This branch knows as collecting branch.

Cash Department

Cash Department is the most important part of General Banking. Cash department should be placed in a branch from where manager can watch everything from his table either clients or the vault. It is the most important department of the bank since from desk cash department has direct interaction with customers. Usually cash department receives and pays cash directly which work as a media to communicate with the clients. In the Islami Banking Branch I have got acquainted with cash receiving and cash payment procedures. Some register books uses in the cash department are mentioned bellow:

Receiving Cashier’s Book
Payment Cashier’s Book
Cash Balance Book
Vault Register or safe–in and safe-out Register
Key Register
Remittance Registers.

In addition, I have also learnt the procedure of cash-in and cash-out from the vault. I have also got acquainted with systematic procedure of cash receiving through different vouchers as well as payment procedure by different cheque and vouchers.

Cash Receive:

Cash is the blood of a branch. It is the life of a bank. Cash may be received by-

Cash Receiving by Pay Slip
Cash Receiving by TT, DD, Pay-Order, MTDR.

Cash Receiving by Paying-Slip:

By paying slip we receive cash of AWD or MSD account. When we receive cash by paying slip, officers check the paying slip if there is any discrepancy, if everything is found to be in order, then they make entry of the amount in the scroll register and put receiving seal on paying slip.

Cash Receiving by TT, DD, Pay-Order, MTDR:

At first the form filled up by the party should be checked to verify whether is any discrepancy, if everything is found to be in order, then officers make entry of the amount in the scroll register and put receiving seal on the respective form.

Cash payment

Usually cash is paid against cheque, pay-slip, pay-order, DD and debit voucher. While paying cash against any instrument, officers first verity whether there is any material alteration on the instrument. He also check the instrument if it is in holder in due course and holder in due time. Then he verifies the signature of payee. If everything is in order, he pays the amount to the respective payee.

Position of the Cash Department

The position of the cash department is very important. The cash department should be at a safe place. If should be at the middle position of the branch. The cash counter and vault should be a close to cash department. The cash position of the Islamic Banking Branch AB Bank Limited is in the front side of the branch and its safe and vault is at the back side of cash department.

Duties and Responsibilities of Cash in Charge

Holds the key of cash safe.
Receive cash from other bank/Branch and acknowledge, where necessary. Opens the cash safe before commencement of business along with other personal holding the key.
Supervise receipt and payment of cash.
Supervise the carrying of the cash to the cash Department.
Delivers cash to the paying cashier against receipt on a memo.
Countersigns the credit vouchers if he is an attorney.
Arranges sending cash to other Branch.
Check the receiving cashier’s and paying cashier’s receipt/payment sheet and collect cash from them.
Writes the cash balance book and cash position memo and signs them
Maintains record of stamped forms.
Investigate and inform the manager about excess or shortage of cash.
Gets books and cash checked by manager or authorized officer.
Supervise the custody o f cash in the safe and books in the strong room.
Checks the drawers of the cashiers before leaving the office

Financial Control Department

This is the most confidential department of a bank. Recording all kind of transaction of the branch, confirming their accuracy and preparing statements are the main job of this dept. Now a day, under computerized banking system, the jobs of account dept. become very easy. Now the computer directly prepares the clean cash statement and the supplementary statements on party ledger vouchers. The account also manually doses other works as for extra security.

The function of the accounts dept. can be divided into two parts:

Daily Function,
Periodical Function.

Daily Functions

Posting the a/c to a/c transfer transaction in transfer register,
Preparation of supplementary statement,
Computer posting of different transactions that occur in a day the account officer examines whether cashbook has agreed or not.

Periodical Functions

The routine periodical tasks performed by the Financial Control Department are as are given in the following:

The periodical function of this dept. is to prepare different types of statement for its own branch, Head Office, Bangladesh Bank.
Prepare the monthly salary statements for the employees
Publish the basic data for the branch, which is sent to the Head Office to maintain Cash reserve requirement
Prepare the monthly position for the branch, which is sent to Head Office to maintain liquidity requirement
Prepare the weekly position for the branch comprising of the break of sector wise deposit, credit etc.

Other Services Provided by General Banking

Account Transfer

Account can transferred from one branch of a bank. This is applicable to all sorts of account except MTDR. In transferring account, the following formalities are to be maintained:

An application containing the following matters is to be submitted:

Reason
Name of he branch where the account is to be Transferred
Date of Effect (from when account holder wants the account to be effected)

Signature in the application should be same as that in the SS Card.

Permission of the manager is needed.
The account holder has to surrender the Bank will give the account statement before transferring it. Profit will also be applicable here. This profit will be calculated, but is not written in the IBCA, it may be mentioned separately as the interest amount.

With some exception, it is almost same as the transferring of an account. The exceptions are:

Here a commission is charged. In case of MSD and AWD it is Tk. 100 and in case of three-stage account it is Tk.200.
The account holder has to pay an excise duty to the government regarding this purpose of closing the account.
Profit is directly to the account.

Stop Payment

Stop payment is only done when party applies mentioning specific cause. For stop payment the signature is verified with the SS card signature by the officer. Then in the computer the stop payment is done and in the instruction the name and the time date cheque (in case of specific Cheque) number is noticed.

Cheque-Book Issue

Cheque-book is a material to withdraw money from the bank. It is a very convenient way to transact money from one place to another without any accident. If anyone opens an account, s/he will apply for a cheque-book of requisition slip. After verifying the signature of the account holder by the officer we shall issue the cheque-book my maintaining the procedures. Then the cheque-book is delivered to the party after taking the signature on the register book.

Duplicate cheque-Book

When a party looses his/her cheque-book, then h/she is provided a duplicate cheque-book. In this case, the party will apply to the manager for a duplicate cheque-book. In this case the party will also give indemnity bondage referring that s/he will be liable for any fraud-forgery by the lost cheque.

Comparisons between Conventional and Islamic Banking

“Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury” Sura-Al-baqarah- 275

Interest which has been the basis of conventional banking is prohibited by Islam in unqualified term. Reminding this thing in mind and to harmonize banking practices with the requirements of Islamic ideals of social and economic life, Islami banking has been emerged. Islami banks operate on Islamic principles of profit and loss sharing and strictly avoiding interest which is the root of all exploitation and responsible for large scale inflation and unemployment.

So one of the basic difference between Conventional/ Interest based banking and Shari’ah based banking is:

The former (Conventional Banking) provides the depositors with a return of a predetermined rate known as interest rate on the amount deposit irrespective of the utility of the concerned deposit/ fund. Thus conventional bank offers its depositors a fixed return (rate/ percentage) of the deposit (say 10% on deposit). Such a return is called Interest.

The latter (Islamic Banking) provides the depositors with a share of income/ revenue the bank earns by deploying those funds. Islamic banking, among other prohibitions, permits neither to pay nor to receive interest. It offers its depositors an agreed share/ proportion of income it earns through investment of their fund (say 40% of earned income unlike a conventional rate variable such as 10% on deposit). In other words under Islamic Banking profit to depositors is essentially a consequence of Return on Investment (ROI)/ Return on Asset (ROA). In terms of cause and effect such profit is the effect. It is neither the cause nor is it the independent. The share of (gross) income/ revenue (fetched by the bank) thus paid to the depositors is called/ known as profit.

However the Islami banking is completely separate and distinctive from conventional in regard to its principles, objectives, goals, procedures and methodologies.

Though my internship was going on general banking operation of Islami banking branch of AB Bank Ltd, I have also studied including investment the other sides of banking for seeking the differences between the Conventional and Islami banking. Because the difference is very little in banking operation and deposit collection. Rather the differences are mainly on the mechanism, principles, objectives, goals, procedures, investment, return etc. I have also showed some graphical presentation of performance for practicing Islamic banking in my branch over Conventional banking.

However the overall differences from different perspective are shown by my best efforts-

Comparisons on the basis of Definition

DEFINING A conventional Bank

“A bank is dealer in debt – his own and of other people” – Crowther
“ We can define a bank as an institution whose debts are widely accepted in settlement of other peoples’ debt to each other” – Sayers
“A commercial bank is dealer in capital or more properly a dealer in money. He is intermediate party between the borrower and the lender. He borrows from one party and lends to another and the difference between the terms at which he borrows and those at which he lends form the source of his profit.” —-Prof. Gilbert

DEFINING an Islamic Bank

“Islamic Bank is a financial institution whose statutes, 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 operations.” – OIC.

In the April of 1978 this definition was approved in the conference of foreign ministers of Muslim countries held at Dakar the capital of Senegal.

Islamic banking is essentially a normative concept and could be defined as conduct of banking in consonance with the ethics of the value system of Islam

Comparisons on the basis of Deposit

The Mudaraba deposit accounts of Islamic banks I different from the Savings Bank account of a conventional bank. Mudaraba is a form of business contract where one party supplies money and the other manages the business by investing labour, skill and time. The Financier is called Shahib-al-Maal and the person who undertakes the venture is Mudarib.

Mudaraba principles implies that the bank receive deposits from the depositor with the authority that the bank will have exclusive right to manage the fund and the profit resulting from such deposit will be shared between the bank and the depositor at a pre-agreed ratio and the loss, not the resulting from the negligence of the bank or any of its representative, will be borne by the depositors. Profit-loss sharing i.e. Mudaraba saving Account and various term deposits of Islamic banks are conducted on this principle. Through this account the depositors do not acquire any management (voting right) on the bank or on the deposits

Rate of Profit Distribution on Deposit

Income derived from the use of Mudaraba deposits i.e. any benefit outy of investment activities of the bank using Mudaraba funds are shared by the bank and by the all types of Mudaraba depositors as per agreed ratio. These activities of the bank are done under the principles of Islamic shari’ah. The depositors are not entitled to share any income of the bank derived from miscellaneous services other investment. Also the depositors will not share any income derived from investing bank’s equity and other cost-free income.

Benefits of full weightage of yearly cumulation of profit shall become payable if withdrawn on maturity.

But in case of Conventional Banking the deposit rate is fixed even if the bank can not employ the deposits of the depositors. It is not the matter of depositors’ headache whether the bank can make profit or not.

Findings

Though the entry of Islamic Banking into the field of local financial market of Bangladesh and international financial markets has been well received, it has yet to cross many hurdles before it can claim to be an institution capable of handling the needs of world financial markets. I have identified those positive and negative findings during my study of differentiating Conventional banking from Islamic Banking. However those findings are tried to depict below-

The Islamic Banks in Bangladesh have good prospects in our country. As the Islamic Banks meet both banking & ethical expectation, the people of the country have reposed a great deal of trust & confidence on them.
Islamic banks operate on Islamic principles of profit and loss sharing, strictly avoiding interest, which is the root of all exploitation and is responsible for large-scale inflation and unemployment.
An Islamic bank is committed to do away with disparity and establish justice in the economy, trade, commerce and industry; build socio-economic infrastructure and create employment opportunity.
But like their counterparts around the world, the Islamic Banks in Bangladesh as well as in Islami Banking branch of ABBL are also facing some legal and practical constraints.
Absence of Islamic money market, shortage of skilled manpower, lack of regulatory supervisory framework & shortage of link institutions are some of example of constraints for practicing Islamic banking operation
Sometimes people become discouraged to deposit their money to the Shari’ah practiced bank as are to share the loss if any, incurred out of investment made from Mudaraba Deposits

The Islamic Banks need a distinct organization & management structure to suit their purposes, but the branch is established on traditional organization & management structure.
The Islamic Banks (full fledged) and Islamic Banking Branches are facing serious problems of lack of manpower having proper Islamic Banking knowledge due to non existence of appropriate and institutional supply line of Islamic Bankers.
Sometimes some investment clients even being Muslims have no Shariah knowledge especially in respect of Riba, Permissible, and Prohibition etc. in financial transaction. It is a fact that without the basic knowledge of Shariah and adherence of the clients to the concepts of Halal and Haram Islamic Banking has become a difficult task.
Most of the Islamic Banks operate on Bai- Murabaha, Bai Muazzal, Bai- Salam, Istisna, Hire Purchase/ Leasing mode of Investment i.e. Islamic Banks prefer to run on markup/ guaranteed profit basis. For this reasons, some times, the conventional Economists and general people fail to understand the real difference between the Islamic Banking and conventional Banking.
Due to the application of limited modes of investments v.z. Bai-Murabaha Bai-Muajjal ,clear distinction could not yet be made to the general people between Islamic Banks & Conventional Banks.

Conclusion

The concept of Islamic Banking is a very recent innovation to the Banking world. At the beginning the world was not familiar with Islamic Banking. In the very recent stage banking system was only understood a Capitalist system based on interest. Islamic Banking system emerged with its unique feature of interest free system. The focal point around which Islamic banking system revolved is the straight departure from interest. Based on the Shari’ah law all dealing, transaction, business approach, product feature, investment focus, responsibility of Islamic Banking lead to the significant difference in many part of the operations with as of the conventional. The growth of Islamic banking in Bangladesh is progressing day by day. The remarkable shifting or conversion of the conventional banks and their branches into the Islamic lines, signals high acceptance of the interest-free banking by the public in general. Moreover like their counterparts around the world, the Islamic Banks in Bangladesh as well as in Islami Banking branch of ABBL are also facing some legal and practical constraints. But with only minor changes in their practices, Islamic banking can get rid of all their cumbersome, burdensome and sometimes doubtful forms of financing and offer a clean and efficient interest-free banking. All the necessary ingredients are already there. The modified system will make use of only two forms of financing — loans with a service charge and Mudaraba participatory financing — both of which are fully accepted by all the Muslims. Thus such a system will offer an effective banking system where Islamic banking is obligatory and a powerful alternative to conventional banking where both co-exist. Additionally, such a system will have no problem in obtaining authorization to operate in non-Muslim countries.

Recommendations

To sustain and develop the Islamic banking system with its ethical and intrinsic values system, Islamic banking practiced banks and branch of the country have to strive to solve the problems mentioned in the findings, which stand in the way of their growth and survival. However, the recommendations may be the following-

It requires complete examination on the Islamic Banks whether they are run by Shari’ah Council and competent professionals who are really practicing Muslims.
The initiative, drive, farsightedness and relentless efforts of the people who are associated with the Islamic banking system may give it a great boost & momentum.
The personnel should be equipped enough with proper Islamic Banking knowledge to meet the growing demands of Islamic Banking
All of the people working in Islamic Banks should be well conversant with Islamic Banking modes and its operations
The inspection and supervision of Bangladesh Bank and its massive training program on Islamic banking both at home and abroad should be equally familiar with different operational methodologies of the Islamic banking system.
People should be made convinced and understood about the justification of real meaning and practice of Islamic Banking. They should really understand the basic difference between Conventional and Islamic banking.
Lack of Regulatory and Supervisory Framework for Islamic Banking, Shortage of Supportive and Link Institutions are to be met up to meet the growing demand and sustain the growth of Islamic Banking.