Syed Abul Hashem Joins Islami Bank As New DMD

Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has strengthened its top management team with the appointment of Sayed Abul Hashem as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), marking a significant addition to the bank’s executive leadership. Widely respected in the banking and finance sector, Hashem brings with him more than 26 years of professional experience, spanning both Islamic and conventional banking institutions in Bangladesh.

Before joining Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Hashem served as Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer at The Premier Bank PLC, where he played a central role in overseeing financial governance, regulatory compliance, strategic budgeting, and institutional risk management. His tenure there was marked by a strong emphasis on financial discipline, transparency, and sustainable growth.

Hashem began his banking career in 2000 at Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, joining the institution as a Principal Officer. Over the years, his professional journey saw steady progression through senior and strategic roles, reflecting his expertise in financial management, corporate planning, and leadership. He later held key positions at Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC and Mutual Trust Bank PLC, two of the country’s prominent financial institutions, where he contributed significantly to organisational development and financial strategy.

Academically, Sayed Abul Hashem has a solid foundation in finance and accounting. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Dhaka, one of the country’s most prestigious academic institutions. His commitment to professional excellence is further demonstrated through his internationally recognised qualifications. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) as well as a Fellow Cost and Management Accountant (FCMA), credentials that underscore his depth of knowledge and professional standing.

In addition to his formal qualifications, Hashem has completed a banking diploma and has participated in numerous advanced training programmes, workshops, and seminars on finance, banking operations, and leadership. These programmes were conducted both domestically and internationally, enabling him to stay aligned with evolving global financial practices.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank authorities have expressed confidence that Hashem’s extensive experience and strategic insight will contribute meaningfully to the bank’s financial resilience, governance standards, and long-term growth objectives. His appointment is expected to further reinforce the bank’s position in the Islamic banking sector amid an increasingly competitive financial landscape.

Professional Profile at a Glance