As banking operations grow more complex, technology-based training is becoming increasingly important for the sector, speakers said at a discussion held on Saturday to mark National Training Day 2026.
The discussion was organised at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM), where participants said rapid advances in digital banking, financial technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity are reshaping how banks operate and serve customers.
Against this backdrop, banks are investing more in technology-driven training programmes to prepare professionals for emerging challenges, they said.
Through such initiatives, bankers are gaining hands-on experience in core banking systems, digital payment platforms, mobile and internet banking, blockchain applications and regulatory technology. Speakers noted that these programmes are improving operational efficiency while supporting compliance with changing regulatory frameworks and global best practices.
At the same time, training methods are also evolving.
Participants said simulation-based learning, e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms and data-driven case studies are making professional training more accessible, flexible and effective across the sector.
National Training Day 2026 was observed at the BIBM campus with due solemnity and enthusiasm. The programme began with a procession marking the day, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran, underscoring the role of training and capacity building in national development and institutional excellence.
Among the guests of honour were Siddique Zobair, senior secretary to the government and director general of the National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD), M Shamsul Arefin, managing director of NCC Bank, and Md Omar Faruk Khan, managing director of Islami Bank Bangladesh.
In their remarks, they highlighted the importance of institutions such as BIBM in strengthening governance, leadership and professionalism in the financial sector.
Zaidi Sattar, chairman of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI), attended the programme as the chief guest.
In his address, he stressed the importance of evidence-based policy formulation and said skilled human capital remains central to achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
Referring to global practices, he said international regulations and motivational factors play a key role in shaping effective training programmes in the banking sector. Continuous capacity building is essential to comply with standards such as Basel III, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and anti-money laundering frameworks, he said.
He also noted that motivation through career progression, performance recognition and skill-based incentives encourages active participation and lifelong learning. Combining regulatory compliance with motivation-driven training can help build a confident and future-ready workforce, he added.
In the concluding session, Md Ezazul Islam, director general of BIBM, said training has become more critical as banking remains a highly regulated sector undergoing rapid change driven by technology.
Regulations, circulars and operational guidelines—both local and international—are changing quickly, he said.
He referred to the implementation of IFRS-9 for expected credit loss calculation and loan-loss provisioning from 2027, and the introduction of risk-based supervision from January 1, 2026. Bankers must prepare through intensive training to enhance adaptability and operational dexterity, he added.
Earlier, Mohammad Tazul Islam, professor and director (training) at BIBM, delivered the welcome address.
He emphasised the need for continuous learning, professional development and institutional readiness to address emerging challenges in the banking and financial sector, reiterating BIBM’s commitment to human resource development.
A presentation titled “BIBM: Past, Present and Future” was delivered by Prashanta Kumar Banerjee, outlining the institute’s journey, achievements and strategic vision as a leading training and research institution in the banking and financial sector.
