Experts at a workshop in Dhaka have called for stronger Shariah governance in Islamic banking, saying it is essential for transparency, accountability, and public trust in the financial system. The three-day program, titled “Shariah Governance for the Members of Shariah Supervisory Committee,” began at BIBM and was jointly organized by BIBM and Bangladesh Bank to strengthen the skills of committee members working in Islamic banks and financial institutions. The opening session brought together senior banking and Shariah governance leaders, including Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr Md Kabir Ahmed as chief guest, BIBM Director General Dr Md Ezazul Islam as chair, and Professor Dr Abu Bakr Rafique, Chairman of the Shariah Advisory Board of Bangladesh Bank, as special guest. Mohammad Abdul Mannan, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh, also attended as guest of honour
Speakers said that Islamic banking needs a clear and effective governance structure so that customers can trust that products and services follow Shariah principles in a proper way. Dr Kabir Ahmed said that strong Shariah governance helps ensure compliance and integrity in Islamic banking operations, while also building confidence among depositors and other stakeholders. He also noted that this kind of framework supports the sustainable growth of Islamic finance by making the system more reliable and better managed.
The workshop is aimed at members of Shariah Supervisory Committees from different Islamic banks and financial institutions, giving them a chance to discuss common challenges and improve their professional knowledge. BIBM’s director general said the institution remains committed to better governance and professional excellence in the banking industry through training, research, and knowledge sharing. That message reflects a wider need in the sector, where banks must balance financial growth with religious compliance and public confidence.
The program also shows that Islamic finance in Bangladesh is moving toward more structured support and deeper professional training. As the sector grows, the role of Shariah Supervisory Committees becomes even more important because they help guide decisions, monitor compliance, and protect trust in the banking process. The workshop, running from April 21 to 23, is expected to help participants sharpen their understanding of governance issues and apply that knowledge more effectively in their own institutions. For a financial system that depends heavily on confidence, careful oversight, and clear rules, the message from the event was simple: strong Shariah governance is not just a formal requirement, but a practical foundation for long-term growth.
