NRBC Bank Strengthens Trade Reporting Standards

NRBC Bank has reinforced its commitment to transparency, regulatory discipline and technological efficiency in Bangladesh’s foreign trade sector by organising an extensive workshop on digital trade reporting systems. Conducted in accordance with directives from Bangladesh Bank, the programme focused on improving the accuracy, consistency and timeliness of reporting under the Online Import Monitoring System (OIMS) and the Online Export Monitoring System (OEMS). The initiative reflects the bank’s broader strategy to promote sound foreign exchange practices and enhance confidence across the trade and banking community.

According to a press release, the day-long workshop took place on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at the Human Resource and Training Development Centre (HRTDC) of NRBC Bank’s Head Office in Dhaka. The event was attended as chief guest by the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Md Touhidul Alam Khan. In his keynote address, he highlighted the growing importance of precise, complete and timely reporting in an increasingly digitised global trade environment. He stressed that effective reporting is not simply a matter of regulatory compliance, but a fundamental requirement for sustainable trade finance, risk mitigation and institutional credibility.

The technical and training sessions were led by senior officials from Bangladesh Bank’s Foreign Exchange Operations Department (FEOD). Laila Akter, Deputy Director, and Tasfia Tanjim Snigdha, Assistant Director, delivered detailed presentations on the operational use of OIMS and OEMS. Their discussions covered common reporting inaccuracies, procedural gaps, and risks associated with delayed or incomplete submissions. They also outlined the potential financial, operational and legal implications of non-compliance, while emphasising the need to align internal bank processes and client practices with the central bank’s circulars, policies and regulatory guidelines.

Senior officials from NRBC Bank actively participated in the programme, including the Head of the International Division, Hasnat Reza Mahibbul Alam, along with representatives from other relevant departments. A notable feature of the workshop was the strong presence of importers and exporters, which facilitated practical dialogue between banks, clients and regulators. Participants shared real-world challenges related to documentation, valuation and settlement, and received direct clarification and guidance from Bangladesh Bank officials.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Khan observed that the effective use of online monitoring platforms enables more accurate assessment of import costs and ensures the timely repatriation of export proceeds. He noted that OIMS and OEMS are critical tools in curbing malpractices such as over-invoicing and under-invoicing, thereby supporting national efforts to prevent money laundering and illicit financial flows. According to him, these systems contribute significantly to transparency, accountability and trust in foreign exchange transactions.

Dr Khan further pointed out that the prudent application of modern technology simplifies documentation, reduces processing time and operational costs, and ultimately enhances customer service quality. He urged bank officials, as well as importers and exporters, to remain vigilant and proactive in complying with regulatory instructions to protect both individual business interests and the stability of the wider financial system.

The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, reinforcing NRBC Bank’s emphasis on capacity building, regulatory compliance and close collaboration with regulators and trade stakeholders. Through such initiatives, the bank continues to position itself as a responsible institution supporting transparent, technology-driven and sustainable growth in foreign trade financing.

Workshop Overview

Overall, the programme stands as a clear demonstration of how coordinated efforts among banks, regulators and trade participants can strengthen governance, transparency and efficiency in Bangladesh’s foreign trade ecosystem.