Economic Reporter :
Munir M Merali, the Resident Representative of The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) recently visited the first-ever ‘Banking Fair Bangladesh 2015’ and the Habib Bank Ltd. stall at Bangla Academy in the city.
The objective of the Banking Fair was” To build a banking nation” through financial inclusion of unbanked people.
HBL Bangladesh showcased their various products and services at the Banking Fair. Merali exchanged his views with Bank’s representatives and visitors as well. He highly appreciated Bangladesh Bank’s initiative to bring all the banks, financial institutions and service providers under one umbrella to create a banking nation.
Habib Yousuf, RGM, HBL Bangladesh and Md. Muniruzzaman Molla, Head – Country Operations was also present on the occasion to receive Merali.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. The organisations that are part of the AKDN include Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, and Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. In Bangladesh, AKDN is represented by Munir Merali as the Resident Representative
Habib Bank Limited is majority owned by The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). The Government of Pakistan privatized HBL in 2004. AKFED acquired 51 per cent of the Bank’s shareholding and the management control.
The remaining 41.5 per cent shareholding by the Government of Pakistan was divested in April 2015. AKFED continues to retain 51 per cent shareholding in HBL while the remaining shareholding is held by individuals, local and foreign institutions and funds including CDC Group Plc which holds 5 per cent and International Finance Corporation which holds 3 per cent HBL’s first branch in Bangladesh was opened in 1976. The Bank now has 7 branches covering Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.
