Foreign Exchange Operation of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited Introduction As an Islamic Bank the statutes, rules and regulations of Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. expressly state its commitment to the principles of” Islamic Shariah”. All its activities are conducted on interest free system according to Islamic Shariah. So it extends its socio-economic and financial services to the poor helpless and low-income people for their economic upliftment in urban and rural areas. Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. is more concerned with the soundness of the project and the business acumen and managerial competence of the entrepreneur than credit worthiness of the borrower. An Islamic bank is a financial institution that operates with the objective to implement and materialize the economic and financial principles of Islam in the banking arena. 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY For an expanding economy, a developed and efficient banking system is indispensable. Among others, it helps transfer of financial resources from surplus units to deficit units and, hence, helps accelerate the pace of development by securing
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Foreign Exchange Operation of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited
As an Islamic Bank the statutes, rules and regulations of Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. expressly state its commitment to the principles of” Islamic Shariah”. All its activities are conducted on interest free system according to Islamic Shariah. So it extends its socio-economic and financial services to the poor helpless and low-income people for their economic upliftment in urban and rural areas.
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Foreign Exchange Operation of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited
Introduction
As an Islamic Bank the statutes, rules and regulations of Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. expressly state its commitment to the principles of” Islamic Shariah”. All its activities are conducted on interest free system according to Islamic Shariah. So it extends its socio-economic and financial services to the poor helpless and low-income people for their economic upliftment in urban and rural areas.
Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. is more concerned with the soundness of the project and the business acumen and managerial competence of the entrepreneur than credit worthiness of the borrower. An Islamic bank is a financial institution that operates with the objective to implement and materialize the economic and financial principles of Islam in the banking arena.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYFor an expanding economy, a developed and efficient banking system is indispensable.
Among others, it helps transfer of financial resources from surplus units to deficit units and,
hence, helps accelerate the pace of development by securing uninterrupted supply of financial
resources to people engaged in numerous economic activities. The tremendous development
that the world economy has experienced in the last few decades was contributed by several
factors among which, growing institutional supply of loan able funds must have played the
pivotal role. The role of banking is comparable to what an artery system does in the human
body. Both commercial banks and other development financial institutions provide short-
term, medium-term, and long-term credits to businessmen and entrepreneurs who usually
take the lead in ventures of economic development. Institutional supply of credit has been
made possible by a system of financial intermediation organized in a way where conventional
banks collect small savings from the public by offering them a fixed rate of interest and
advancing the loan able funds out of the deposited money to enterprising clients charging
relatively higher rates of interest.
The margin between these two rates is the bank's income. In addition, banks also provide
many other services to the public for which it receives service charges. For millions of
Muslims, traditional banks are institutions to be avoided. Islam is a religion, which keeps
believers from the teller's window. Their Islamic beliefs prevent them from dealings that
involve usury or interest (Riba). Yet Muslims need banking services as much as anyone and
for many purposes: to finance new business ventures, to buy a house, to buy a car, to
facilitate capital investment, to undertake trading activities, and to offer a safe place for
savings. For Muslims are not averse to legitimate profit as Islam encourages people to use
money in Islamic legitimate ventures, not just to keep their funds idle.
However, in this fast moving world, more than 1400 years after the Prophet (Sm), can
Muslims find room for the principles of their religion?
The answer comes with the fact that a global network of Islamic banks, investment houses
and other financial institutions has started to take shape based on the principles of Islamic
finance laid down in the Qur'an and the Prophet's traditions 14 centuries ago.
Islamic Banking beyond the traditional banking system will serve the purpose of Islamic
ideology of ‘complete code of life’. One could conclude that Islam has many universal values
in common with the west. As Islam believes the earlier scriptures in its original form were
from the same God (Allah), this is not surprising. However, the specific prohibition of
interest and establishment of the zakat tax, and the status of law on gambling, uncertain
contracts etc. which are prohibitions and not moral exhortations, implies that the objectives of
banking in Islam is different from conventional and even to a certain extent social and
environmental investment. Thus, there is a need for an Islamic investment system in the
Banking arena.
1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDYMy study serves some specific objectives, among those the main objectives are mentioned below:
To understand the Islamic Banking system of Bangladesh and its policies & regulations;
To understand and analyze foreign exchange mechanism of Islami bank.
To understand and analyze foreign remittance role of IBBL .
To make possible suggestions and recommendations for increasing foreign Exchange
through Islami bank Bangladesh Ltd.
1.3 METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDYThe study is performed based on the information extracted from different sources collected by using a specific methodology. This report is analytical in nature.
Population: All the Branches of IBBL located in everywhere in Bangladesh has been taken into consideration as population.Sample: Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd, Dhanmondi Branch.Data collection: Sources of data of this report can be divided into two categories:
Primary Sources:
Face to Face conversation with the respective officers, staffs, clients.
Interviewing officers and staffs.
Sharing practical knowledge of officials.
Relevant file study provided by the officers concerned.
In-depth study of selected cases.
Practical desk work.
Secondary Sources:
Annual Report of IBBL-2008
Audit Reports
Website of IBBL
Internet and various study selected reports.
Relevant books, Research papers, Newspapers and Journals.
Library of IBTRA.
1.4 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
High degree of involvement regarding collection of information, review of literature and
analysis of information requires for any kind of research work. This study has suffered
from certain constraints noted below:
Unpublished data have not considered for the study.
The depth of the analysis has been limited to the extent of information collected from
different sources.
Executive President (EP)
Deputy Executive President (DEP)
Executive Vice President ( EVP)
Senior Vice President (SVP)
Vice President (VP)
Senior Principal Officer (SPO)
Assistant Vice President (AVP)
Principal Officer (PO)
Senior Officer (SO)
Officer
Probationary Officer
Assistant Officer Grade - I
Assistant Officer Grade - II
Assistant Officer Grade - III
Last of all, this study has been conducted within a limited time. So, time constraint
has played a key role for the whole study.
Lack of cooperation of the respondents.
Lack of enough knowledge to study on.
CHAPTER TWO
Organizational Overview2.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF IBBL
General Banking Foreign Exchange Investment
Cash Import Export RemittancesImport
Foreign Exchange Branch
2.2 O2.2 ORGANIZATIONALRGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF F STRUCTURE OF FOREIGNOREIGN
EXCHANGEEXCHANGE BRANCH OF IBBL BRANCH OF IBBL
2.3 OVERALL 2.3 OVERALL ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES OFOF I ISLAMISLAMI B BANKANK B BANGLADESHANGLADESH
LLTDTD.. MEANING OF ISLAMIC BANKING
Islamic banking has been defined in a number of ways. The definition of Islamic bank, as
approved by the General Secretariat of the OIC, is stated in the following manner. “An
Islamic bank is a financial institution whose status, rules and procedures expressly state its
commitment to the principle of Islamic Shariah and to the banning of the receipt and
payment of interest on any of its operations”(Ali & Sarkar 1995, pp.20-25). Shawki Ismail
Shehta viewing the concept from the perspective of an Islamic economy and the prospective
role to be played by an Islamic bank therein opines: “It is, therefore, natural and, indeed,
imperative for an Islamic bank to incorporate in its functions and practices commercial
investment and social activities, as an institution designed to promote the civilized mission of
an Islamic economy” (Ibid). Ziauddin Ahmed says, “Islamic banking is essentially a
normative concept and could be defined as conduct of banking in consonance with the ethos
of the value system of Islam” (Ibid).
It appears from the above definitions that Islamic banking is a system 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.
2.4 OBJECTIVES OF ISLAMIC BANKING
The primary objective of establishing Islamic banks all over the world is to promote, foster
and develop the application of Islamic principles in the business sector.
The objectives of Islami Bank are: To conduct interest-free banking.
To establish participatory banking instead of banking on debtor-creditor relationship.
To invest on profit and risk sharing basis.
To accept deposits on Mudaraba & Al-Wadeah basis.
To establish a welfare-oriented banking system.
To extend co-operation to the poor, the helpless and the low-income group for their
economic upliftment.
To play a vital role in human development and employment generation.
To contribute towards balanced growth and development of the country through
investment operations particularly in the less developed areas.
To contribute in achieving the ultimate goal of Islamic economic system.
2.5 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF ISLAMIC BANKING An Islamic bank has several distinctive features as compared to its conventional counterpart.
Chapra (1985, PP.154-57) has outlined six essential differences as below:
ABOLITION OF INTEREST (RIBA) Since Riba is prohibited in the Quran and interest in all its forms is akin to Riba, as
confirmed by Fuqaha and Muslim economists with rare exceptions, the first distinguishing
feature of an Islamic bank must be that it is interest-free.
ADHERENCE TO PUBLIC INTERESTActivity of commercial banks being primarily based on the use of public funds, public
interest rather than individual or group interest will be served by Islamic commercial banks.
The Islamic banks should use all deposits, which come from the public for serving public
interest and realizing the relevant socio-economic goals of Islam. They should play a goal-
oriented rather than merely a profit-maximizing role and should adjust themselves to the
different needs of the Islamic economy.
MULTI-PURPOSE BANK Another substantial distinguishing feature is that Islamic banks will be universal or multi-
purpose banks and not purely commercial banks. These banks are conceived to be a
crossbreed of commercial and investment banks, investment trusts and investment -
management institutions, and would offer a variety of services to their customers.
A substantial part of their financing would be for specific projects or ventures. Their equity-
oriented investments would not permit them to borrow short-term funds and lend to long-
term investments.
This should make them less crisis-prone compared to their capitalist counterparts, since they
would have to make a greater effort to match the maturity of their liabilities with the maturity
of their assets.
MORE CAREFUL EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT DEMAND Another very important feature of an Islamic bank is its very careful attitude towards
evaluation of applications for equity oriented financing. It is customary that conventional
banks evaluate applications, consider collateral and avoid risk as much as possible. Their
main concern does not go beyond ensuring the security of their principal and interest receipts.
Since the Islamic bank has a built in mechanism of risk sharing, it would need to be more
careful in how it evaluates financing requests. It adds a healthy dimension in the whole
lending business and eliminates a whole range of undesirable lending practices.
WORK AS CATALYST OF DEVELOPMENT
Profit-loss sharing being a distinctive characteristic of an Islamic bank fosters closer relations
between banks and entrepreneurs. It helps develop financial expertise in non-financial firms
and also enables the bank to assume the role of technical consultant and financial adviser,
which acts as catalyst in the process of industrialization and development.
2.6 CONVENTIONAL VS. ISLAMIC BANKING :Conventional banking is essentially based on the debtor-creditor relationship between the
depositors and the bank on the one hand, and between the borrowers and the bank on the
other. Interest is considered to be the price of credit, reflecting the opportunity cost of money.
Islam, on the other hand, considers a loan to be given or taken, free of charge, to meet any
contingency. Thus in Islamic Banking, the creditor should not take advantage of the
borrower.
Conventional Banks Islamic Banks1. The functions and operating modes of
conventional banks are based on manmade
principles.
1. The functions and operating modes of
Islamic banks are based on the principles of
Islamic Shariah.
2. The investor is assured of a
predetermined rate of interest.
2. In contrast, it promotes risk sharing
between provider of capital (investor) and
the user of funds (entrepreneur).
3. It aims at maximizing profit without any
restriction.
3. It also aims at maximizing profit but
subject to Shariah restrictions.
4. It does not deal with Zakat. 4. In the modern Islamic banking system, it
has become one of the service-oriented
functions of the Islamic banks to collect
and distribute Zakat.
5. Lending money and getting it back with
interest is the fundamental function of the
conventional banks.
5. Participation in partnership business is
the fundamental function of the Islamic
banks.
6. Its scope of activities is narrower when
compared with an Islamic bank.
6. Its scope of activities is wider when
compared with a conventional bank. It is,
in effect, a multi-purpose institution.
7. It can charge additional money
(compound rate of interest) in case of
defaulters.
7. The Islamic banks have no provision to
charge any extra money from the
defaulters.
8. In it very often, bank’s own interest
becomes prominent. It makes no effort to
ensure growth with equity.
8. It gives due importance to the public
interest. Its ultimate aim is to ensure
growth with equity.
9. For interest-based commercial banks,
borrowing from the money market is
relatively easier.
9. For the Islamic banks, it is
comparatively difficult to borrow money
from the money market.
10. Since income from the advances is
fixed, it gives little importance to
developing expertise in project appraisal
and evaluations.
10. Since it shares profit and loss, the
Islamic banks pay greater attention to
developing project appraisal and
evaluations.
11. The conventional banks give greater
emphasis on credit-worthiness of the
clients.
11. The Islamic banks, on the other hand,
give greater emphasis on the viability of
the projects.
12. The status of a conventional bank, in
relation to its clients, is that of creditor and
debtors.
12. The status of Islamic bank in relation to
its clients is that of partners, investors and
trader.
13. A conventional bank has to guarantee
all its deposits.
13. Strictly speaking, and Islamic bank
cannot do that.
2.7 RIBA AND ITS BASIC FEATURES :The word used by the Quran concerning ‘interest’ is Riba. The literal meanings of Riba are
money increase, increase of anything or increment of anything from its original amount
(Maududi 1979, p.84). However, all increases are not considered as Riba in Islam. Money
may increase in business activities as well. This increase is not at all considered as Riba. The
increase, instead of being prohibited (Haram), is approved (Halal) in Islam. Islam prohibits
only those increases that are charged on the loan with a prefixed rate.
Muslim scholars equate interest with Riba. In the Shariah, Riba technically refers to the
premium that must be paid by the borrower to the lender along with the principal amount as a
condition for the loan or for an extension in its maturity (Chapra 1985, p.64). In other words,
Riba is the predetermined return on the use of money. In the past there has been dispute about
whether Riba refers to interest or usury, but there is now consensus among Muslim scholars
that the term covers all forms of interest and not only “excessive” interest (Khan 1985, p.52).
Its basic characteristics are:
It must be related to loan;
A prefixed amount of money to be paid when due;
A time is fixed for the repayment; and
All these elements for repayment are taken as conditions for loan.
2.8 RIBA VS PROFIT
There are persons who try to equate Riba with profit. In effect, they are fundamentally
3.7 BACK TO BACK LETTER OF CREDIT A back-to-back letter of credit is a new credit. It is different form the original credit based on
which the bank undertakes the risk under back to back credit, in this case, the bank’s main
security is original credit.
The original credit and the back-to-back credit are separate instruments independent of each
of the same business operation. The supplier ships goods to the importer or supplies goods to
the exporter and presents documents to the banks as is specified in the credit.
In RBI papers / documents required for submission for opening of back to back L/C:
Master L/C
Valid import registration and export registration
L/C application and LCA firm duly signed it
Pro forma invoice or indent
Insurance cover note with money receipt
IMP duly signed
In addition to the above the following papers documents are also required for export
oriented garment industries while requesting for opening of back-to-back letter of
credit-
Textile permission
Valid bonded warehouse license
Quota allocation letter issued by export promotion bureau (EPB) in favor of the
applicant in case of quota items.
In case the factory premises is a rented one, letter of disclaimer duly executed by
owner of the house / premises to be submitted.
Chapter- 44.1. Performance of Foreign Exchange Business of IBBLForeign Exchange BusinessIslami bank Bangladesh limited has obtained a solid foundation in respect of foreign trade
with in a long period of time. It’s total import, export and remittances for the year 2008 was
Tk.65131000000.00. Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited has 208 branches all over the country,
some of them to deal with foreign transaction including many representing branch in the
world.
Islami bank Bangladesh limited has obtained a solid foundation in respect of foreign trade
with in a long period of time. Its contributed 21.26% of total import, 23.45% of export
business and 25.20% remittance of the country in 2008.
Book value per 4,497 4,772 5,185 4,174 4,677 5,532
Earning Share
(Taka)322 270 362 353 617 932
Market Value
per Share
(Taka)
(Highest)
4,469 2,695 2,300 3,305 3,205 3656
Capital
Adequacy
Ratio
10.89% 11.39% 8.90% 10.59% 9.24% 8.65%
4.3 IMPORT BUSINESSFrom the very beginning the bank has embanked on foreign exchange business with a view
to facilitating international trade of the country and cope with the race of Globalization. The
bank has established in 1983 and performed well year to year. Letter of credit amount in Tk.
33788.00 million from import business by the IBBL. Items of Import financed by the IBBL
according to the import policy except haram goods.
1.2 The year wise import as follows:Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Import
Business 17,370.00 20,238.30 20,396.00 25,327.00 25,907.00 33,788.00
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20080.00
10,000.00
20,000.00
30,000.00
40,000.00Import Business
Year
Am
ount
in m
illio
n
Fig: 1. 1 Performance of Import Business.
Form the above figure we can see that,
In 2003 The Import was 17370 million and It has been gradually increased in 33788 million
in 2008.
4.4 EXPORT BUSINESS The total export business handled by the business amounted taka 18522.00 million. Export
goods handled by the bank as per rules of export policy without haram goods.
1.3 The year wise export as follows :
Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Export
Business14,469.40 12,654.00 14,798.00 16,889.0
0
17,525.00 18522.00
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20080.00
5,000.0010,000.0015,000.0020,000.00
Export Business
Year
Amou
nt i
n m
illio
n
Fig: 1.2 Performance of Export Business.
Form the above figure we can see that,
In 2003 The export was 14469.40 million but it has been deceased to12654.00 million in
2004 and then It has been gradually increased . Now the export is 18522.00 million in 2008.
4.5 RemittanceIBBL invest the remittance in the profitable sector that produce more profit for the owner of
the account .It has been gradually increased .Now the Remittance is 14670.00 million in
2008.
1.5 The year wise remittance as follows:
Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Remittance
Business 4806.00 6360.30 8415.00 7644.00 9879.00 14670.46
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20080.00
5,000.00
10,000.00
15,000.00
20,000.00Remittance Business
Year
Am
ount
in m
illio
n
Fig: 1.3 Performances of Remittance.
Form the above figure we can see that
In 2003 the Remittance was 4806.00 million but it has been deceased to7644 .00 million in
2006 and then It has been gradually increased .Now the Remittance is 14670.00 million in
2008.
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
0.00
10,000.00
20,000.00
30,000.00
40,000.00
Export, Import and Foreign remittances
Import BusinessExport BusinessRemittance
Year
Earn
ing
Fig: 1.4 Performance of Import Business, export business and Remittance.
Form the above figure we can see that
From 2004 to 2007 the Performance of Import Business, export business and Remittance
were gradually increased but in 2008 Import Business increase more faster comparison with
export business and Remittance.
4.6 SWOT Analysis of IBBLStrength
Wide Branch Network IN the Country
Islamic Shariah Based Network.
Good Financial Performance A group of honest, hard, industrious employee Well manner and antiquate. Own professional cadre at each management Strong market share Strong support of Muslim country Opening account is very easier than conventional bank. Less risky investment Allah’s help
Weaknesses
Lack of using modern technology Limited customer service Weak management system Lack Of modern banking skill Employee’s dissatisfaction regarding salary. Limited number of Islamic banking
Traditional bureaucratic operational procedure
Opportunities
People’s religious mentality to Islamic shariah Easy transaction system Large number of customer On-line banking. Awareness of Islamic banking.
Threat
Market competition is very hard. World wide economic recession. Increasing SLR by B.B . Export is less than support. Lack of branches in all over the world. Lack of coordination and cooperation among the Islamic banks.
CHAPTER-55.1 FINDINGS REGARDING IMPROVEMENT OF FOREIGN
EXCHANGE THROUGH IBBL:
From the study we have found the following findings regarding improvement of foreign
exchange business of IBBL Dhanmondi Branch:
IBBL has contract with other bank transaction by without interest thus, it
generate low profit for foreign remittance account .
Most of the branches of the IBBL located in the urban area and few of them are
involved with foreign exchange transaction, so most people do not know about the
foreign exchange service of IBBL.
People think that Private bank is less confidential than nationalized bank in
foreign exchange transaction.
Most of the people in our country have a bad impression of IBBL’s operations
regarding indirect generation of interest which meaning no difference between
investment of IBBL foreign remittance account, they are not too much interested
to open foreign remittance account IBBL..
Because of complexities of opening foreign remittance account and procedural
problem many people prefer handy to collect and send remittance.
Because of improper insufficient application of Islamic Banking rules in our
country. The foreign exchange operations of IBBL can't run smoothly,
This Bank can't invest in all economic sectors, which are prohibited by the law of
Islam.
The employ’s salary is less than other private bank so they are not satisfied with
the bank.
Sometimes foreign exchange operations of IBBL are hampered due to increase,
dishonest, indiscreet, hypocritical nature of people.
IBBL has no strong promotional activities to increase foreign exchange operations
by motivate present and potential non-residents Bangladeshi.
5.2 RECOMMENDATION REGARDING IMPROVEMENT OF
FOREIGN EXCHANGE THROUGH IBBLWe have some recommendations for improvement of foreign exchange business of IBBL
which are described below:
IBBL should be located their branches in the important places of the rural area so that
most people will know about the foreign Exchange service of IBBL
Remittance service of IBBL should be easy and flexible.
Increase of salary can motivate the employee of IBBL.
Bank should be creating such situation so that people put confidence on private bank
for huge money transaction.
IBBL should sponsored seminar and symposium to increase awareness about the
foreign Exchange service of IBBL and to remove the negative impression about it.
IBBL should conduct strong promotional activities to increase foreign Exchange
service by motivate present and potential non-residents Bangladeshi.
IBBL management body should be caution about foreign exchange operations of
IBBL that are hampered due to increase, dishonest, hypocritical nature of people.
IBBL should conduct seminar about the bad effect of the Hundi that will hamper
economic development of the country.
IBBL should invest the remittance in the profitable sector that will produce more
profit for the owner of the account so that people will attract for foreign remittance
account of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited.
Inclusion of more subjects based on the Quran and Sunnah in the training courses of
the Islami bank training and research academy in Order to develop human sources
having
5.3 ConclusionIn conclusion we can say that IBBL was incorporated on 13 March, 1983 as a public
company with a limited liability under the companies act, 1913.IBBL is the first interest free
bank in South Asia. The establishment of this bank conducted new age in Bangladesh, the 3rd
largest Muslim country in the world.
The bank is committed to run all its activities as per Islamic Shariah, earned the reputation of
being one of the leading private sector bank of the country. Now near about 301 Islamic
banking and financial institutions in about 49 countries of Asia, Africa, Europe, America and
countries like Pakistan, UK, USA, Germany, Denmark, India have been established.
In spite of having some limited constrains IBBL still now controlling more than 25% foreign
exchange operation in our country due to their honesty and Islamic Shariah based banking
transaction. Since the branches of Islami bank are increasing day by day not only in
Bangladesh but also all over the world so it is undoubtly estimate that Islami bank will
operate all banking sector in the world.
BIBLIOGRAPHY A text book of Banking
M. Radashawmi
S.V. Vasudevan
1. Website of Islami Bank ( WWW.islamibankbd.com )