Overview and Banking Services of Janata Bank

Background of Janata Bank Ltd.

Janata Bank Ltd. has its prosperous past, glorious present and prospective future. Established as the first public sector Bank fully owned by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, JBL has been flourishing as the largest public sector Bank with the passage of time after facing many stress and strain. The member of the board of directors is creative businessman and leading industrialist of the country. To keep pace with time and in harmony with national and international economic activities and for rendering all modern services, JBL, as a financial institution automated all its branches with computer network in accordance with the competitive commercial demand of time. Moreover, considering its forth-coming future the Bank has been rearranging. The expectation of all class businessmen, entrepreneurs and general public is much more to JBL. Keeping the target in mind JBL has taken preparation to open new branches by the year 2000-2001.

The emergence of JBL in the public sector is an important event in the Banking area of Bangladesh. When the nation was in the grip of service recession, Govt. took the farsighted decision to allow in the public sector to revive the economy of the country. Several dynamic entrepreneurs came forward for establishing a bank with a motto to     revitalize the economy of the country.

Janata Bank Ltd. was born as the first hundred percent Bangladeshi owned Bank in the public sector. From the very inception it is the firm determination of Janata Bank Ltd. to play a vital role in the national economy. We are determined to bring back the long forgotten taste of banking services and flavours. We want to serve each one promptly and with a sense of dedication and dignity.

The president of the people’s Republic of Bangladesh Justice Ahsanuddin Chowdhury inaugurated the bank formally on March 28, 1983 but the first branch at 48, Dilkusha Commercial Area, Dhaka started function on March 23, 1983.The second branch was   opened on 11^th May 1983 at Khatungong, Chittagong. Today we have total 76 Branches all over Bangladesh.

Considering the need for remittance by the expatriates Bangladeshis residing abroad the Bank during the year established drawing arrangement with the Pacific Bank Berhad, Malaysia (now May Bank), Security Exchange Company Limited, State of Kuwait and Dalil Exchange, State of Bahrain.

Our Bank invested 25% equity in Gulf Overseas Exchange Company LLC, a joint venture Exchange Company in Oman, operating since November 1985 under the management of our Bank. The Bank received Riyal Omani 12, 450 equivalent to TK. 1.74 million as dividend for the year 2000.

A representative Office was established in Yangon, Myanmar in October, 1996 by our Bank and obtained permission from the Government of Bangladesh to handle border trade with Myanmar. Opportunities are being explored for further business avenues there.

Now JBL is on line to establish trade and communication with the Prime Inter Janata Bank Ltd. companies oh the world. As a result JBL will be able to build a strong root in inter Janata Bank Ltd.ing horizon. Bank has been drawing arrangement with well conversant money transfer service agency “Western Union”. It has a full time arrangement for speedy transfer of money all over the world.

Banking is not only a profit-oriented commercial institution but it has a public base and social commitment. Admitting this true JBL is going on with its diversified banking activities. JBL introduced Monthly Savings Scheme, Special Deposit Scheme, Consumer’s Credit Scheme and Savings Insurance Scheme etc. to combine the people of lower and middle-income group.

Mission

Efforts for expansion of JBL activities at home and abroad by adding new dimensions to their banking services are being continued unabated. Alongside, they are also putting highest priority in ensuring transparency, account ability, improved clientele service as well as to their commitment to serve the society through which they want to get closer and closer to the people of all strata. Winning an everlasting seat in the hearts of the people as a caring companion in uplifting the national economic standard through continuous up gradation and diversification of their clientele services in line with national and international requirements is the desired goal they want to reach.

Vision

Ensuring highest standard of clientele services through best application of latest information technology, making due contribution to the national economy and establishing themselves firmly at home and abroad as a front ranking bank of the country are their cherished vision.

Objectives of the Bank:        

•     Alongside up gradation and diversification of banking service to provide maximum satisfaction to the respected clients, nourishing saving habit among the general people by offering them attractive savings oriented products, thereby assisting economic development.
•     To build up a deep-rooted and harmonious banker-customer relationships by dispensing prompt and improved services to the clients.
•     Use the hard-earned investment of their valued shareholders. Simultaneously, play their due part in developing a vibrant capital market by ensuring more effective participation of the Bank in the share market.
•     To make best use of latest technologies for giving the clients a taste of modern banking so as to encourage them to continue and feel proud of banking with JBL.
•     Respond to the need of the time by participating in syndicated large loans financing, thereby expanding the area of investment of the Bank.
•     To gain confidence of all quarters involved in the economic development of the country through pursuance of a policy of continuous adjustment and coordination of the Bank’s external trade programmers with the dynamism inherent in the international trade and payments system.

Business goal

To patronize, sponsor and encouraged games and sports, entertainment and other socio-economic activities alongside providing the best services to the client.

The Future Thrust

•     Full duplex on-line Banking
•     Introducing more innovative products and services
•     Opening new branches
•     Expansion of business network at home and abroad
•     SMS Banking
•     Introduction of new liability/Asset products

Corporate Culture

Employees of JBL share certain common values, which helps to create a JBL Culture.

•     The client comes first
•     Search for professional excellence
•     Openness to new & new methods to encourage creativity
•     Quick decision making
•     Flexibility and prompt response
•     A sense of professional ethics

Growth and Development of JBL

The JBL carries out all traditional functions, which a commercial bank performs such as mobilization of the deposit, investment of funds, financing exports and import business, trade and commerce and industry. The bank earn profit TK 275.07 million in the year 1997 and TK 400.64 million in the year 2001. However profit decreased in the year 1999 TK 197.55 million than the year 2004 TK 36896.64 million at the end of the year 2004, total advanced made by the bank was TK 15055.90 million and TK 20223.64 million at the end of the year 1997 and 2004 respectively. Foreign exchange business handled by the bank; import business was TK 18082.40 million in the year 1997 and TK 19264.50 million in the year 2003 and TK 18964.45 million in the year 2004. Export business is increasing continuously that is TK 12651.80 million in the year 1997, TK 21869.00 million in the year 2003 and TK 23071.00 million in the year.

Structure of the organization

Management Hierarchy of JBL

Products & Services

Product and services is the main assets of any organization. The following product and services are available of Janata Bank Ltd.

•     Consumer credit Scheme
•     Special Deposit Scheme
•     Monthly Saving Scheme
•     Saving Insurance Scheme
•     Credit Card
•     Western Union Money Transfer
•     JBL ATM Service
•     JBL Power Card

Consumer Credit Scheme

Janata Bank Ltd. Consumer Credit Scheme gives clients a great opportunity to buy household and office items on easy installments. This scheme gives clients the advantage of part payment to cope with the high price tags of many necessary home and office appliances.

Television, Refrigerator, VCR, Personal Computer, Photocopier, Washing Machine, Furniture, Microwave Oven, Car, and a number of other expensive items are now within their buying range. With this scheme JBL makes better living possible for people living on fixed income. Customers can buy those home and office equipment’s without over taxing their budget.

 Special Deposit

For most of the people on fixed income the opportunity to supplement their monthly earning is a golden one. And JBL Special Deposit Scheme gives a customer just that. Under this scheme, customers can deposit money for a term of 5 years. The deposited money is fully refundable at the expiry of the term. At the same time, during the term period they can enjoy a monthly profit corresponding to their deposited amount. As for instance, under this scheme a deposit of Tk, 55,000/- gives a monthly income of Tk.500/-.

Monthly Savings Scheme

This scheme is specially designed for the benefit of the limited income group members. This helps to accumulate small monthly savings into a significant sum at the end of the term. So, after the expiry of the term period the depositor will have a substantial amount to appreciate on.

A monthly deposit of Tk.500/- or Tk.1000/- for 5 or 8 years period earns in the end. Tk37, 896 /- or Tk.75, 791/- respectively.

Credit Card:

Credit card is the newest concept in our country. In our country Credit card was first introduced by the Janata Bank Ltd. ltd. Master card and VISA card are name of popular credit card band. Credit card is safe, instant and universal money. Janata Bank Ltd. ltd issued two types of credit card, which is as follows: –

Local master and visa card

• Local master and visa card are two types, such as “gold card” and “silver card”.
• Gold card limit is 50000 taka to 1000000 taka
• Silver card limit is 10000 taka to 45000 taka

Requirement for local credit card:

•     FDR.STD account Loan
•     Tax identification number
•     Two copy passport size photo

International master and visa card:

It has also two types, such as gold card and silver card.

•     For international purpose gold card limit is $ 4000 above
•     For international purpose silver card limit is $ 2000 blow $4000

Requirement for international credit card

•     Pass port photocopy (first five pages)
•     Two copy passport size photo.
•     TIN number
•     FDR, STD, SB account lien

JBL ATM Services

ATM means automated teller machine. JBL ATM card give opportunity to their customer that they can withdraw their money at any time, any days even holidays. By using ATM subscriber can give various utility bill such as telephone, gas, electricity bills etc. actually ATM card is a debit card. Janata Bank Ltd. has introduced ATM service to its Customers. The card will enable to save their valued customers from any kind of predicament in emergency situation and time consuming formalities. JBL ATM Card will give their distinguished Clients the opportunity to withdraw cash at any time, even in holidays, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.

Charges for ATM card

ATM cardholders have to pay 1000 taka annually and in the case of card lost subscriber also pay additional 300 taka.

JBL Power Card

It is a prepaid card. No need of any account of JBL branch. Application form available at any JBL branch and card center. No annual fee for the first year. Renewal fee Tk 200.00 only. Local card limit 1000at minimum or its multiple. International card limit-US$ 500.00 at minimum. Refill through any JBL branch. Drawing cash from JBL ATMs free of charge & from ATMs under Q-Cash network-Tk 10.00 per transaction from other ATM-Tk 100.00. Loading fee for international card will be charged @1% of the loaded amount. Cash withdraw fee (abroad) 2% of the cash drawn amount or US $.2.00, whichever is higher. Accepted at all VISA POS merchants. Cash withdrawal at all ATM booths bearing VISA and Q-Cash logo.( Except HSBC Bangladesh). Utility bill payment. It is a prepaid card. No need of any account of JBL branch. Application form available at any JBL branch and card center. No annual fee for the first year. Renewal fee Tk 200.00 only. Local card limit 1000at minimum or its multiple. International card limit-US$ 500.00 at minimum. Refill through any JBL branch.

Western Union Money Transfer

Joining with the world’s largest money transfer service “Western Union”, JBL has introduced Bangladesh to the faster track of money remittance. Now money transfer between Bangladesh and any other part of the globe is safer and faster than ever before. This simple transfer system, being on line eliminates the complex process and makes it easy and convenient for both the sender and the receiver. Through JBL – Western Union Money Transfer Service, your money will reach its destination within a few minutes.

Saving Insurance Scheme

This is an uncertain World and the threatening silhouettes of future catastrophes are always looming around. This JBL scheme gives your family protection against the insecurities of the world. This scheme is the first of its kind in Bangladesh. It combines the benefits of regular savings and insurance scheme; so, you get the usual rate of interest on the deposited amount while you enjoy the protection of a comprehensive insurance coverage. Under this scheme, the beneficiary (ies) get equal the deposit in case of natural death of the account holder whereas in the event of accidental death of the account holder the beneficiary (ies) will receive twice the deposit. As for example, if a customer picks up Easy Class (Tk.50, 000/-) he/she will get Tk.50, 000/- for natural death and Tk.1, 00,000/- for accidental death apart from his/her deposited amount and interest.

SWIFT and REUTERS

The Bank has in its use the latest information technology services of SWIFT and REUTERS. L/C advising, transferring and quick transfers of remittances as well as other financial correspondences have become very easy & speedy with the installations of SWIFT.

 Small credit program for disbursement

JBL has been continuing its small credit programme for disbursement of collateral free agricultural loans among the poor farmers of Barindra area in Rajshahi district for improving their lot. Alongside banking activities

Support to foreign investors

Janata Bank Ltd., has now acquired strength and expertise to support the banking needs of the foreign investors. JBL stepped into a new arena of business and opened its Off Shore Banking Unit at Mohakhali to serve the wage earners and the foreign investors better than before.

 Transparency and accountability:

Transparency and accountability of a financial institution is reflected in its Annual Report containing its Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account. In recognition of this, JBL was awarded Crest in 1999 and 2000, and Certificate of Appreciation in 2001 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh.

Social responsibility

Employment:

JBL has been continuously creating new fields of employment every year by way of expansion of its business activities and branch network in 2007, the bank created employment for 238 personnel’s.

Education:

Janata Bank Ltd. Foundation was established in 1989 for fulfilling responsibilities for welfare of the society .It has been running the Janata Bank Ltd. public School and college in Moghbazar, Dhaka. In 2008, 53 students appeared at the SSC Examination among them 25 students achieved Golden A+ and 32 students appeared at the H.S.C. examination among them 4 students achieved Golden A+. The bank has been accommodating prospective graduates recognized universities for completing their internship. JBL also awarded stipend and scholarship to the brilliant children of the employees of the bank.

Sports & culture:

Nation Bank has a tradition of patronizing and sponsoring sports and cultural of the country. The “Janata Bank Ltd. Volleyball league -2007” was arranged under patronization of the Bank. JBL has been arranging annual picnic for gathering and recreation o its executives, officers and staff.

Disaster relief

Janata Bank Ltd. always extends its helping hands and stands by the suffering and helpless people in times of natural calamities. In 2007, Janata Bank Ltd. donated Tk. 40.00 Lac to help the victims of flood, Tk. 20.00 Lac for relief operation for landslide victims and Tk. 50.00 Lac for Sider victims to the relief fund of the Chief advisor and the Army Chief. The Bank has also taken a pilot project for post flood agricultural rehabilitation at Sirajgonj.  On 10th March 2009 a Payment Order for Tk.25.00 Lac has been handed over to the honourable Prime Minister as donation/financial assistance to the bereaved family members of the martyred Army Officers killed in the BDR carnage held on 25th February 2009. On 1st April, 2009, JBL donated Tk. 24.00 Lac to the honourable Prime Minister to hand over the same to the family members of the martyred Army Officer which will be paid to 5 (five) families @ Tk. 40,000/- per month to each family for 1 year which will continue for 10 years. Thus total amount of donation will be Tk. 2.40 Crore.

Others:

JBL always maintain their corporate social responsibility in various ways. JBL always appreciate various kinds of fair, festival and other gatherings organized by different public or public sectors.