Banking

Report on General Banking and Foreign Exchange of Al Arafah Islami Bank

Report on General Banking and Foreign Exchange of Al Arafah Islami Bank

The main objective of this report is to find out the Overall Banking and review on Investment of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited, basically focus on General Banking and Foreign Exchange department. Here also identify the factors contributing to the attractive and operative performance of the local branch of the bank and identify the main objectives of AIBL Investment Disbursement. Finally evaluate financial affairs of the Bank and identify policy recommendations for further improvement.

 

Objectives of the Report:

The primary objectives of the report are:

  • The main objective of this report is to find out the “Overall Branch Banking and A Comprehensive Review on Investment of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited.”.
  • To gather comprehensive knowledge on overall banking functions and the expectations of the customers regarding the service level of the bank.
  • Identify the factors contributing to the attractive and operative performance of the local branch of the bank.
  • To make a study of the facts in order to arrive at certain conclusion about overall banking operation.
  • Identify the main objectives of AIBL Investment Disbursement.
  • To find out the sector in which AIBL provides Investment.
  • To evaluate financial affairs of the Bank
  • To visualize the quantitative and qualitative aspects of AIBL
  • To identify policy recommendations for further improvement

 

Organizational Overview of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd:

Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd. as the name implies a newly formed commercial bank in Bangladesh. It has been incorporated in Dhaka, Bangladesh as a public limited    company and its Head Office of the Bank is located at 36 Dilkusha Motijheel C/A,  Dhaka- 1000.

In the world of consumerism the business organization of the world strive for the consumers satisfaction as a number one business strategy whatever may be the product of the organization, either service or non service. Service is the product of bank. There is a saying that customer service starts rights right from the stairs of the bank building. The guard at the door is first person pep resents of the bank, receives a customer with wishes in smiling face.

Historical Background of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited:

Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd. (AIBL) was incorporated on 18 June,1995 with authorized capital of Tk.1000 million (100 Crore) and paid up capital of Tk.10.12 Crore paid up by the Sponsors/Directors and Tk.10.12 Crore was offered to the public for subscribed portion of public issue of shares. The Bank was formally inaugurated on 27th September, 2005 with Motijheel Branch (Principal Branch).The Management of  the Bank is vested in a Board of Directors consisting of 24 members including the Managing Director of the Bank. Among 24 Directors 2 (two) Directors came from the public shareholders. Managing Director is the chief executive of the Bank. There is a Shariah council of 7 (seven) members in Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd. to monitor the investments whether it invests in Shariah allowed sectors or not .Since its establishment, AIBL opened 5 branches in 1995, 5 in 1996,10 in 1997, 10 in 1998, 5 in 1999, 2 in 2000, 3 in 2001, 1 in 2005, & 5 in 2006 i.e. at the end of 2006 the Bank Branch reaches to 46.Now total Branch is 78 in 2011. Since commencement of its activities on 18 June ,1995 the Bank has mobilized the deposit of Tk.6415.79 million and 16775.33 million at the end of the year 1999 and 2006. Foreign exchange business handled by the Bank during the year 1999 to 2006 were

Tk.7859.72 million and 11314.18 million respectively and investment was Tk.3793.71 million and 17423.18 million at the end of the year 1999 and 2006 respectively. The bank earned a profit of Tk.31.70 million in the year 1999 compared to Tk.470.02 million (profit after tax and provision) in the year 2006.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd. was established not only to earn profit and to develop economy of the country but also it had an ultimate goal to get reward in the Heaven by banning interest in business. Since its commencement the Bank has been trying to achieve this goal. The Islam loving people specially who are not interested with interest, should help this Bank giving deposit and taking investment from this Bank.

Mission of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited:

By establishing  an interest free atmosphere in  day to day business transactions, the Promoters, Sponsors & Directors expect the Shafayat from our beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad (S) and the  ultimate emancipation in the Afterwards.

Vision of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited:

To establish an interest free transaction in the economy

Special feature of the bank:

i) All activities of the bank are conducted according to Islamic Sharia where profit is the legal alternative to interest.

ii) The Bank’s investment policy follows different modes approved by Islamic Shariah based on Quran & Sunnah.

iii) The Bank is committed towards establishing a welfare oriented banking system, economic upliftment of the low-income group of people, create employment opportunities.

iv) According to the needs and demands of the society and the country as a whole the Bank invests money to different Halal business. The bank participates in different activities aiming at creating jobs, implementing development projects taken by the Government and developing infrastructure.

v) The Bank is committed to establish an economic system through social justice and equal distribution of wealth.

vii) The Bank is contributing to economic and philanthropic activities side by side. Al Arafah English Medium Madrasha and AIBL Library are among mention worthy. (Source-Annual Report-2005, P-24)

Objectives of AIBL:

  • To establish an interest free economy.
  • To establish an modern banking system for all kinds of people
  • To take part in the economic growth of the country.

Auditors:

In terms of Article 149 of the Articles of Association of the Bank M/S Pinaki and Co. Chartered Accountants were re-appointed as external auditors for conducting the audit of accounts as 31st December, 2000. The Auditor M/S Pinaki & Co. Chartered Accountants being eligible offered themselves for re-appointment for the year 2001. But now M/s Rahman Rahman Hoq becomes the auditor in the year 2005.

Training and Motivation:

Training and Motivation are utmost important to bring about positive change in the outlook of the manpower and to increase efficiency. Set of trained and efficient workforce is indispensable for any commercial bank and they are the fundamental strength of the bank.

Branches of AIBL:

AIBL started its working at 161, Motijheel C/A with a Branch named Motijheel Branch on 27th September,1995 was the first & main Branch of AIBL and has been operating throughout the country. The Head Office of the Bank was situated at the same holding of Motijheel Branch since its establishment but from 11 January, 2007 it has started its working at its own premises 36, Dilkusha (6th, 7th, 8th & 9th floor), Dhaka-1000. The age of the Bank is only 11 years and during this short period of time, the Bank has established total 78 Branches over the country and made a smooth network inside the country. The number of Branches as Division wise is mentioned in the following table:

DivisionNo. of Br.
Dhaka Division42
Chittagong Division13
Rajshahi Division06
Khulna Division06
Sylhet Division07
Barisal Division04
Total78

 

AIBL PRODUCT AND SERVICES

Mudaraba Terms Savings Deposit:
Deposit in monthly installment @Tk.300/-, Tk.500/-, Tk.1000/-Tk.1500/- & Tk.2000/- is obtained under the aforesaid scheme for a tenure of 5,8,10 and 12 years and the same is withdrawal with
profit at the end of the tenure.

Monthly Profit based Term Deposit:
Under the above scheme, deposit of Tk. 1.00 lac and multiple thereof are accepted for a term of 5 (five) years and the bank gave profit thereon Tk. 885 per month per lac and proportionately on the rest amount of deposit under the category during the year under review. The aforesaid rate shall, however, be adjustable at the close of calendar year on finalization of accounts.

Monthly Haj Deposit:
Hajj deposit at monthly installment from 1 (one) year to 20(twenty) years are accepted under the above scheme to enable the account holder to perform Hajj out of the accumulated saving with profit.

Savings Investment Deposit:
Deposit under the scheme is accepted by monthly installment and after expiry of the term, double amount of such savings is given as investment in feasible sectors by the bank as per choice of the depositors without any collateral security. Any one by saving under the scheme can take business venture on utilization the amount saved under the scheme as well as availing bank investment.

Marriage Savings Deposit:
Fixed monthly installment for a particular period is to be deposited to defray the expenses of marriage and the bank allows double of saving or Tk.30,000/- which is higher as investment to procure ornaments, furniture, fixture etc., repayable in 24 monthly installment without any collateral security.

Savings Bond Deposit:
Under this scheme the bank has introduced saving bonds for Tk. 10,000/-, Tk.25,000/- and Tk. 100,000/- for 3,5 and 8 years. After the completion of the tenure the depo.

 

General Banking practices in Al-Arafah Islami:

Bangladesh is one of the less developed countries. So the economic development of the country depends largely on the activities of commercial banks. So we need to emphasis whether these commercial banks are effectively and honestly performing their functions, assigned duties and responsibilities. In thus respect we need to know.

The cash section of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd deals with all types of negotiable instruments, cash and other instruments and treated as a sensitive section of the bank. It includes the vault that is used as the beyond this limit, the excess cash is then transferred to Bangladesh Bank. This section performs the following functions:

Cash Packing:

After the banking hour cash is packed according to the denomination. Notes are counted and packed in bundles and stamped with initial.

Allocation of Currency:

Before starting the Banking hour all tellers give requisition of money through “ Teller cash proof sheet”. The head Teller writes the number of the packet denomination wise in “Reserve sheet” at the end of the day, all the notes remained are recorded in the sheet.

Procedure for Opening of Accounts:

Before opening of a currents or savings account, the following formalities must be completed by the customer:

  • Submit application on the prescribed form.
  • Furnishing photographs- 2 (Two) copies.
  • Introduction by an account holder.
  • Putting specimen signatures in the specimen card.
  • Mandate, if necessary.

After fulfilling above formalities, opens an account for the client and provide the customer with a pay-in-slip book and a checkbook in case of savings account and currents account.

 

Types of Deposit Accounts and Their Formalities:

  • Current Account:

In this kind of account a customer can deposit his money and can write one or more check to withdraw their money. For doing this notice is not required. He can deposit it whenever he/ she wants to and also can withdraw it whenever he/ she wants to.

  • In The Name of Individual:

The client has to fill up a light green account opening form. Terms and conditions are printed on the back of the form. The form contains the declaration clause, special instructions etc. two copies of passport size photograph duly attested by the introducer are affixed with the form.

  • In Joint Name:

In this type, the formality is same as individual account, but in the special instruction clause, either or ‘survivor’ or ‘former or survivor’ clause is marked.

  • Proprietorship:

In addition the customer has to submit the valid Trade License and Tax Paying Identification Number (TIN) along with the application.

  • Partnership: In case of partnership account, the bank asks for,
  • A copy of the partnership agreement (Partnership Deed)
  • A letter signed by all the partners containing the following particulars.
  • The name and addresses of all partners
  • The nature of the firm’s business
  • The name of the partner authorized to operate the account in the name of the firm, including the authority to draw, endorse and accepting the bills and mortgage and sell the properties belonging to the firm.
  • Limited Company:

On having the desire to open an account from a limited company, an EXIM Bank Officer asks for the following documents:

  • Registration Certificate from the Registrar of Joint Stock of Companies
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Certificate of Commencement of Business
  • Memorandum of Association
  • Articles of Association
  • Copies of Annual Accounts
  • Copies of the Board’s resolution, which contains

a). The name of the persons who have been authorized to operate the bank account on behalf of the company.

b). The name of the persons who are authorized to execute documents with the bank on company’s behalf.

  • Societies, Clubs and Associations:

In case of these sorts of accounts Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd requires the following documents:

  • Registration Certificate Under the Societies Registration Act, 1962
  • Copies of Memorandum, Articles of Association
  • Resolution of the Managing Committee.
  • Power of Attorney to Borro
  • Non-government Organization (NGO):

The account opening procedure is same but in exception is that the Registration Certificate from the Social Welfare Department of Government must be enclosed with the application.

  • Joint Account in The Name of Minor:

A minor cannot open an account in his own name due to the incapacity to enter into a contract. He can open an account in Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd in Joint name of another person who will be guardian of him.

  • Savings Bank Account:

This deposit is basically meant for small-scale savers. There is restriction on withdrawals in a month. Heavy withdrawals are permitted only against prior notice. Interest is paid on these types of accounts.

  • Short-term Deposit (STD):

In Short-term Deposit, the deposit should be kept for at least seven days to get interest. The interest offered for STD is less than that of savings deposit. In Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd various big companies, Organizations, Government Departments keep money in STD accounts. Frequent withdrawal is discouraged and requires prior notice.

  • Fixed Deposit:

They are also known as time liabilities or term deposits. These are deposits, which are made with the bank for a fixed period specified in advance. The bank need not maintain cash reserves against these deposits and therefore, the bank offers high are of interest on such deposits.

In Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd, fixed depsosit account is opened in two forms- Midterm (MTD), which is less then one year & the other is Term Deposit, which is more than one year.

The banker also taker specimen signatures of the depositors:

A fixed deposit account is then issued to the depositor acknowledging receipt of the sum of money mentioned therein. It also contains the rate of interest & the date on which the deposit will fall due for payment.

  • Payment of Interest:

It is usually paid on maturity of the fixed deposit. Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd calculates interest at each maturity date and provision is made on that “Miscellaneous creditor expenditure payable accounts” is debited for the accrued interest.

  • Encashment of F.D.R:

In case of premature FDR, Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd is not bound to accept surrender of the deposit before its maturity date. In order to deter such a tendency the interest on such a fixed deposit is made cut a certain percentage less a the agreed rate. Normally savings bank deposit interest rate is allowed.

  • Loss of FDR:

In case of a lost FDR, the customer is asked to record a GD (General Diary) in the nearest Police Station. After that the customer has to furnish an Indemnity Bond to Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd a duplicate FDR is then issued to the customer by the bank.

  • Renewal of F.R.D.:

In Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd, the instrument is automatically renewed within seven days after the date of its maturity if the customer does not come to en-cash the FDR. The period for renewal is determined as the previous one.

Remittance:

Remittance can be done by telegraph transfer, mail transfer, traveler’s Cheque and drafts and Cheque. There are two steps of remittance:

  • Inland Remittance:

By using ways we can do it. When one bank sends these T.T, M.T, T.C or Cheque to another bank than it will be called inland remittance. It is done within the country from one bank to another.

  • Foreign Remittance:

When a bank got this T.T, M.T, T.C and cheque from outside bank, which is not situated in the home country than it will be called foreign remittance. Using these methods also has done it.

  • Types of Remittance:
  1. Between banks and non-banks customers.
  2. Between banks in the same country.
  3. Between banks in the different centers.
  4. Between banks and central bank in the same country.
  5. Between central bank of different customers.
  • Administration/ Monitoring:

The administration of the loan process shall ensure, compliance with all laws and regulations at both local and global levels including bank policy as set out in this document and the Bank’s credit manual/circulars.

 

Foreign Exchange:

Foreign exchange can simply be defined as a process of conversion of one currency into another. A well know author of some popular books on foreign exchange, Dr. Paul Einzig tells that foreign exchange means “a system or process of conversion of one national currency into another and of transferring money from one country into another”. In ordinary sense “Foreign Exchange” means Foreign Currency, which refers to the rate of exchange the price of one unit of foreign exchange in terms of another currency. But in its complete sense, foreign exchange means the mechanism or the media used and the rate at which these media are exchange with another.

Foreign Exchange department is divided into two parts, the first one is the Export Department and the second part is the Import Department.

Formalities for Opening Foreign Currency (FC) Account:

The AD may without prior approval of the Bangladesh Bank open Foreign Currency (FC) account in the name of:

  1. Bangladesh national residing abroad.
  2. Foreign nationals residing abroad/ in Bangladesh and also foreign firms registered abroad and operating in Bangladesh and abstract.
  3. Foreign Missions and their expatriate employees.
  4. Resident of Bangladesh nationals working with the foreign/ international organizations operating in Bangladesh provided their salary in paid in foreign currency.

Rate of Exchange:

It means the price of one currency expressed in terms of another currency. Rate of exchange is the rate by which the relation among different foreign currencies is established in terms of local currency of that country. Value at which one country’s currency can be converted into another’s currency.

Import Procedure:

To import a person should be competent to be an “Importer”. According to Import and Export control Act 1950, the office of Chief Controller of Import and Export provides the registration (IRC) to the importer. After obtaining this person has to secure a letter of credit authorization from Bangladesh Bank. And then a person becomes a qualified importer. He is the person who requests or instructs to open an L/C. he is also called opener or applicant of the credit

Importer’s Application for L/C Limit Margin:

To have an import L/C limit, an importer submits an application to the Department of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd furnishing the following information:

  • Full particulars of bank account.
  • Nature of business.
  • Required amount of limit.
  • Payment terms and conditions.
  • Goods to be imported.
  • Offered security.
  • Repayment schedule.

Now if the officer thinks the application to open an L/C in not fit, the following entries are given to realize the L/C, Charges, Postage and L/C margin.

Presentation of the Documents:

The seller being satisfied with the terms and the conditions of the credit proceeds to dispatch the required goods to the buyer and after that has to present the documents evidencing dispatching of goods to the negotiating bank. After receiving all the documents the negotiation bank then checks the documents against the credit

  • Bill of Lading
  • Certificate of Deposit
  • Packing List.
  • Weight List.
  • Shipping Advice.
  • Non-negotiable copy of bill of lading
  • Bill of Exchange
  • Pre-Shipment inspection report
  • Shipment Certificate.

Following Paper Required for New Imported While Opening on L/C:

The following papers are required when opening a new L/C:

  • Valid Import Registration Certificate (IRC).
  • Trade License.
  • TIN Certificate.
  • VAT Certificate.
  • Three (3) copies declaration by the importer that they have paid/ submitted return of income tax of proceeding last year.
  • Membership Certificate of Chamber of Commerce Industry.
  • According to be maintained with the bank.
  • Membership Certificate BGMEA (Incase of Garment )
  • Banded warehouse license (Incase of Export Oriented Industry).
  • LCA From.
  • Insurance cover note.
  • Proforma Invoice/ Indent.
  • Application for opening of L/C duly billed in and signed.
  • IMP form duly signed.
  • Payment Procedure of The Import Documents:

This is the most sensitive task of the import department. The officials have to be very much careful while making payment. This task constitutes the following:

  • Advising a L/C:

It is customary to advise a credit to the seller through an advising bank. Advising through a bank is a proof of apparent authenticity of the credit to the beneficiary to whom it is addressed. Before forwarding/ advising the credit to the seller under appropriate forwarding coverage, the advising bank have to verify the signature of the officer of the opening bank and ensure that the terms and conditions of the credit are not violation of the existing exchange control regulations and other regulations relating to export. Very often advising bank receives requests from issuing ban to add their confirmation while advising credit to the beneficiary.

 

Import Financing:

A) Letter of Credit (L/C) Facility:

Bank in favor of exporter on behalf of the importer issue L/C. L/C is issued to import goods for trading and manufacturing process.

B) Loan Against Import Merchandise (LIM):

Loan Against Import Merchandise (LIM) is post import finance, which is granted in favor of the importer to retire shipping documents against import of goods. This is generally repaid within 30 days.

 C  Loan Against Trust Receipt (LTR):

Loan Against Trust Receipt (LTR) is post import finance extended to the importer of goods. Importer issues a trust receipt favor of Bank and takes possession of the goods markets and sells the products and repay within the stipulated period.

 

Export Procedure:

The exports form Bangladesh is subject to export trade control exercise by the Ministry of Commerce through Chief Controller of Export and Imports (CCI & E). no exporter is allowed to export any commodity permissible for export from Bangladesh unless he is registered with CCI & E and holds valid Export Registration Certificate (ERC). The Export Registration Certificate (ERC) is required to be renewed every year. The Export Registration Certificate (ERC) is to be incorporated on EXP forms and other documents connected with exports.

Foreign Exchange department is divided into two parts, the first one is the Export Department and the second part is the Import Department.

Export Department:

When any organization wants to export any product to other country than that particular organization usually opens an Export Letter of Credit (L/C) from this department.

Foreign Exchange Operation (Export Financing):

Exporter means any person lawfully exporting goods from Bangladesh to any other country in the world. After shipment the exporter has to tender the documents to the Bank within the stipulated period for the negotiation of the documents are drawn Incentives are as follows:

  • Export Finance:
  • Interest Rate.
  • Incremental Incentive on Interest for Interest Based Bank.
  • Extent of Export Credit.

Checking and Advising of Export Letter of Credit:

On receipt of Export letter of Credit it is to be recorded in the Banks inward register and then the signature of a Bank and finally it is to be forwarded to the beneficiary under forwarding schedule.

Processing and Opening of Back-to-Back Letter of Credit:

An exporter desired to have an Import L/C limit under Back-to-Back arrangement. In that case the following papers & documents are required:

  • Full Particulars of Bank Account.
  • Balance Sheet.
  • Statement of Assets & Liability.
  • Trade License.
  • Valid Bonded Warehouse License.

ACU Letter of Credit (L/C):

This types of L/C as same as Case L/C. reimbursement must be made on ACU NOCTRO A/C countries. Reimbursement authority should be sending on the same day of the Letter of Credit (L/C) is sent.

Procedure for Transferable Letter of Credit (L/C):

The original beneficiary when request the banker in writing to effect transfer the Letter of Credit (L/C) to the second beneficiary, the signature of the original beneficiary on the letter of request must be verified by his banker. The Letter of Credit (L/C) can be transferred only on the terms and conditions specified in the original credit.

Procedure for Opening Letter of Credit (L/C):

An importer desirous to have an import Letter of Credit (L/C) limit must have applied to the designated bank in prescribed form for sanction of margin, Letter of Credit (L/C) limit it etc.

 

SWOT Analysis in AIBL:

Every organization is composed of some internal strengths  and weaknesses and also has some external opportunities and threats in its whole life cycle.

Strengths:

  • AIBL provides its customer excellent and consistent quality is every service.
  • AIBL is financially sound company.
  • AIBL utilizes state of the art technology to ensure consistent quality and operation.
  • AIBL provides its works force an excellent place to work
  • AIBL already achieved a good will among the cli
  • AIBL has research and training division.

Weaknesses:

  • AIBL lacks well trained human resource in some area.
  • AIBL lacks aggressive advertising.
  • The procedure of credit facility is to long compare to other banks.
  • Employees are not motivated in some areas.

Opportunities:

  • Emergence of on line banking will open more scope for AIBL.
  • AIBL can introduce more innovative and modern customer service.
  • Many branches can be opened in local remote area as its high demand.
  • AIBL can recruit experienced, efficient and knowledgeable officers and staffs as it offers good working environment.

Threats:

  • The worldwide trend of mergers and acquisition in financial institutions is causing problems.
  • Frequency taka devaluation and foreign exchange rate fluctuation is causing problem.
  • Lots of new banks are coming in the scenario with new service.
  • Local competitors can capture huge market share by offering similar products

 

 

 

Summary of Findings:

The 2 (two) months internship program has been going to be finished through writing a report. During the time of internship I have tried with my best to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge Banking business and the Management of Credit. Being an employee of Al- Arafah Islami bank Ltd.

  • Introduction is illustrated in chapter one. Here I have tried to find out the scope of   and the limitations of the study by discussing the background of the program. This is just an introductory discussion.
  • In chapter two I have tried to familiarize the organization with educated society.
  • In this chapter I tried to discuses in brief all types of AIBL Product and Service.
  • Chapter nine helps us to know how to asses Different types of customer. It helps to select a good customer.
  • Chapter ten is a concluding part of this report. Here problems & limitations of AIBL for making investment are discussed and I have given recommendations for rectifying these problems

 

Problems & Limitations:

During collecting of information  and data from AIBL & making report for this project the following problems have been followed:

i) Decision making process is very lengthy and sometimes it creates problems, which is unexpected to the customers. Most of the cases Head Office controls the decision making and it is centralized.

ii) The total number of employees in comparison with needed is very short. this is hampering the daily operation of the Bank. For an example, Motijheel Branch General Banking is suffering from shortage of employee.

iii) Lack of proper explanation of records and document records keeping system

 

Recommendations:

i) Decision Making: Decision making power should be decentralized effectively so that business can promptly be enhanced.

ii)Number of Employees: A handsome number of qualified employees & staffs should be appointed very soon for maintaining the normal flow of work.

iii) Records keeping system: Filing  and  record  keeping system of the bank should me modernized .At present operation system is partially computerized and on line banking should be started very soon.

iv) Effective information system: Effectiveness of credit policy largely depends on Bank’s branch, divisional & national level information system.

v) Development of manpower: Effective implementation of credit policy and recovery tare depends on higher educated, trained and skilled personnel. Bank should procure and develop such types of employees for its credit wings.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Al-Arafah Islami Bank ltd. is a non government commercial Bank in Bangladesh, which started its business from 1995.I t is a unique combination of Shariah & Islamic banking. Among non government commercial banks, Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd. is a milestone for economic development. It has been playing an important role to eradicate the unemployment problem in Bangladesh. Over 800 employees and 5500 shareholders are getting benefit from this organization. Butmost of the people in our country have misconception about Islamic banking specially Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd. & other Islamic banks. They can not find any difference in its operation between conventional commercial Banks and Islamic Banks because they have no clear idea about the activities as well as investment mechanism of Islamic banks.

The Bank is committed to run its activities as per Islamic Shariah and thus it has different investment(credit) modes, different repayment schedules, different disbursement procedure, different mark up system. and also has a different Credit(Investment) policy. ‘Mark up’ means adding some additional value after purchasing the goods  but before to sell the same to another people. This system is accepted in Islamic Shariah because here money is converted to goods.’ Money begets money’ is prohibited in Islamic Shariah. People is getting more benefit from the dealings of Islamic banking because here quarterly interest is not charged and there is no possibility of interest  to be converted  into principal. But it needs to mention here that Islamic Banks like AIBL incurred huge loss in case of default cases. Islamic Banks can’t  charge extra amount on the residual principal of the overdue accounts like other conventional banks but some compensation is imposed on the accounts to protect huge accounts to be overdue/classified. It can not take part in call money market. Mudaraba, Musharaka are another mode of investment in Islamic Banking. But here honesty is the only pre-requisite. For ensuring more benefit, more facility from Islamic banks like AIBL we have to be honest and more sincere to repay the taken money from these banks in time