In a circular on Wednesday Bangladesh Bank said that obtaining banking diploma is a must to get promoted to a senior officer post in banks. “One has to pass both phases of the banking diploma. This rule will be applicable to promote the officers’ level of all scheduled banks operating in the country,” the circular stated. The banking regulation and policy department of BB issued the circular on Wednesday and sent it to the top executives of banks. This directive will be effective from January 1, 2024. At the same time, the central bank canceled the instructions given on October 13, 2022, in this regard. The notification said the new requirement won’t be applicable for those not directly involved in banking activities. The exceptions are for doctors, engineers (civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.   According to the central bank, the syllabus of the Diploma in Banking includes all the theoretical and practical knowledge of banking subjects. In the first phase, basic and fundamental subjects related to banking are taught, and in the second phase, advanced banking knowledge and skills are tested. The Institute of Bankers, Bangladesh (IBB) offers this two-phase Banking Diploma degree. The BB circular stated that the importance of the banking sector in the country's overall development is immense. Such a directive has been issued considering the need to create skilled human resources with basic banking knowledge in this sector and increase the capacity of officials in decision-making.    

A senior bank officer of the corporate branch of Janata Bank Limited died from coronavirus at a hospital in Bogura district on Friday.   The deceased was identified as AKM Shahjahan Ali, 57, son of Nurul Isalm of Borogola in the district town.   Mizanur Rahman, IT officer of the bank, said Shahjahan had been suffering from fever since June 23. Later, he tested positive on June 24. Since then he was staying in isolation at his residence.   On Thursday night, Shahjahan was taken to TMS Medical College and Rafatulla Community Hospital with respiratory problems where he breathed his last around 5 am, said family sources.