Bankers must stay professional under pressure

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has urged bankers to uphold professionalism even in the face of political and bureaucratic pressure.

He called on bankers to finance small and medium enterprises, generate employment, maintain transparency, and strictly follow financial and audit norms.

He was speaking at the annual conference of state-run Sonali Bank, held at the International Convention City Bashundhara yesterday. Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Ahsan H Mansur was also present at the event.

Ahmed praised Sonali Bank’s financial strength, governance, accountability, and professionalism. At the same time, he stressed the need for greater responsibility and professional conduct in addressing the current challenges facing the banking sector.

BB Governor Mansur urged bankers to take a balanced approach to lending by being cautious yet bold. 

He stressed the importance of reducing capital and provisioning shortfalls, improving profitability, and eventually being able to pay dividends to the government.

Sonali Bank Chairman Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury presided over the conference, while senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Sonali Bank were also present.