Newly recruited banking officials will require a foundation training to develop a competent, efficient, ethical and service-oriented workforce for banks. The directive came from the central bank with a guideline that emphasises both theoretical and practical training on Thursday.
The regulator directed all scheduled banks to comply with the guidelines as the minimum standard. It encouraged the banks to go beyond this minimum standard while designing training curricula based on their needs.
The guideline said, “In an increasingly competitive and technology-driven environment, banks must not only adopt advanced technologies but also place strategic emphasis on the development of human capital.”
To address the challenge, the guideline provides instructions to equip newly recruited officials with foundational knowledge of core banking operations, financial ecosystem, macroeconomic and policy frameworks, risk management, information technology, legal and regulatory requirements, and professional ethics.
The training requirement according to the guideline includes economics, accounting and financial analysis, and banking.
Beyond these, it focused on Information Technology, which includes emerging financial technology, digital banking, mobile financial services, and data protection & cyber security.
Bankers will also receive training on the legal and regulatory framework governing banking operations.
This will include key laws and regulations such as the Bank Company Act 1991, the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947, the Money Loan Court Act 2003, the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act 2021, the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012.
It will also cover relevant circulars, guidelines, and instructions issued by the Bangladesh Bank.
The training will further include each bank’s Code of Conduct, staff regulations, and HR policies. It will also cover risk management guidelines.
In addition, emphasis will be given to ethical issues and professional integrity in banking.
According to the guideline, the bankers will receive theoretical training on class room, and problem-based learning.
Besides, they will receive practical training at the head office, branches, and training centres.
The directive also guides certification for the bankers who complete the foundation training and demonstrate the required standards of knowledge, skills, and professional attitude.
The guideline was issued to the managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks in Bangladesh and is effective immediately.
