Rupali Bank vows to serve better embarking on ICT

The amount of classified loans of Rupali Bank Ltd (RBL) in the recent months fell through strengthening recovery drives with forming a special squad and appointing a recovery specialist, according to a statement of the bank.
Quoting the central bank's latest statistics, the statement said volume of classified loan of the RBL came down to Tk 12.47 billion in December last year from Tk 17.31 billion in three months back. It was Tk 12.47 billion in the first quarter of the current calendar year.
"Our financial health is gradually improving under the leadership of managing director (MD) M Farid Uddin through bringing more people in its networking in sync with the ongoing financial inclusion programmes across the country" the statement added.
Besides, the RBL has been able to increase its operational profit in the recent years by expanding business activities across the country.
The operating profit of the RBL, also a listed company in the country's stock exchanges stood at Tk 2.83 billion in 2014.
The state-owned commercial bank is now trying to increase its overall business activities through improving the quality of services installing modern ICT (Information and communications technology) devices.
The RBL, however, has emphasized on agriculture and SME (small and medium enterprise) loans instead of large ones to minimise risk.
"We want to facilitate socio-economic development of Bangladesh through strengthening financial inclusion programs across the country," the statement quoted managing director of the bank M Farid Uddin while explaining the main objective of his bank.
He also said the RBL has been opening its new branches with all modern ICT equipments aiming to bring more people in its network.
"We're interested to expand our loyal customer base by being known as the financial partner of choice that constantly exceeds customer expectations," Mr. Farid, who has been serving as the MD of the RBL since March 18, 2010 said.
The senior banker also said the RBL is now implementing the existing core risk guidelines properly in line with the Bangladesh Bank (BB)'s instructions to minimise risks.
The central bank of Bangladesh earlier identified six core risk areas in the country's banking sector. The risk factors are: credit, asset and liability, foreign exchange, information technology, internal control and compliance and money laundering.
He also said: "Our prime focus is to achieve perfection in our customer service. Customers are our first priority and driving force. We wish to gain customer confidence and be their trusted partner. We believe in equal treatment to all customers, depositors, borrowers and clients without any discrimination."
The RBL respects the worth and dignity of individual employees who devote their careers for the progress of the bank, according to the MD. "We recognize that employees are our most valuable asset and our competitive strength."
Currently, the RBL is  running its businesses with 544 branches across the country.