AKIJ Resource, a business entity that originated from one of the oldest conglomerates- AKIJ Group- aspires to introduce the country's first-ever Sariah-based digital bank.
As part of the plan, AKIJ Resource has decided to apply for securing digital banking license from the Bangladesh Bank (BB) to meet the full-fledged digital banking needs of the people who do not get involved in interest-earning activities.
"We will apply for the license soon. We want to launch Islamic digital banking operations here if the central bank allows us," managing director of the Resource Sheikh Jasim Uddin disclosed the information at a press meet at AKIJ House on Thursday.
Before taking the decision, he said, they have studied the market and talked to a number of local and global investors having experience of providing such automated banking services.
"Now, we are ready to serve with our proposed bank named Munafa Digital Bank if BB allows. But we have no interest about non-Islamic digital banking license," Mr. Jasim, a son of the AKIJ Group founder Sheikh Akijuddin, said.
He said they believe transformation begins with placing the right people in the right place. This is the perfect moment for them to step into the banking sector with a forward-looking vision to meet the evolving demands of digital banking, while also creating significant employment opportunities for talented professionals in Bangladesh.
Engr. Md. Firoz Kabir, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer (CDIO), delivered a presentation on AKIJ Resource's preparedness to enter the digital banking space through a pioneering initiative that can support BB's Digital Bank Framework and the national Smart Bangladesh 2030 Vision.
"AKIJ Resource's Digital Banking ecosystem has been designed to redefine banking accessibility and affordability in Bangladesh. Users will experience seamless financial services all without transaction charges. The infrastructure is ready ahead of time, built on robust technology and guided by our commitment to empower every citizen through innovation." said Engr. Md. Firoz Kabir.
Towfique Hasan, chief business development officer, highlighted that AKIJ Resource has evolved into 12 business clusters, securing its presence across the five fundamental sectors of human need, all built on a foundation of sustainability and ESG-driven operations.
Sk Md Jayed Bin Rashid, CEO of iBOS Limited, elaborated on the strong technological backbone, governance excellence, and innovation readiness that position AKIJ Resource to operate as a next-generation digital bank.
Earlier on August 26, 2025, the central bank re-invited applications from eligible institutions to secure a license of establishing a digital bank following suspension of Nagad Digital Bank's license after a changeover in state power following last year's July-August mass uprising and a review of the digital bank licensing process.
The application-submission deadline will end on November 02 next.
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