Sayed Abul Hashem Joins Al-Arafah Bank Leadership

Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has appointed seasoned banking professional Sayed Abul Hashem as its new Deputy Managing Director (DMD) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), marking a significant addition to the bank’s senior leadership team. With more than two and a half decades of experience in the country’s banking and financial services sector, Hashem’s appointment is widely seen as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the bank’s financial governance, operational efficiency and long-term growth trajectory.

Before joining Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Sayed Abul Hashem served as Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer at The Premier Bank PLC, where he played a central role in overseeing financial planning, regulatory compliance, risk management and corporate reporting. His tenure there was characterised by a strong focus on transparency, financial discipline and sustainable banking practices, earning him recognition among peers and industry observers alike.

Hashem began his professional journey in the banking sector in 2000, joining Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC as a Principal Officer. Over the years, his career progressed steadily, shaped by hands-on experience across multiple dimensions of banking, including finance, audit, strategy and senior management. His career path reflects a rare blend of conventional banking expertise and deep familiarity with Islamic banking principles.

Throughout his more than 26-year-long career, Hashem has held key leadership positions at several leading financial institutions in Bangladesh. Notably, he worked with Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC and Mutual Trust Bank PLC, where he contributed to strengthening financial controls, improving operational performance and supporting institutional growth. His ability to navigate complex financial environments and guide teams through regulatory and market challenges has been a defining feature of his professional life.

Academically, Sayed Abul Hashem boasts a strong foundation in accounting and finance. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Dhaka, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. Complementing his academic credentials, he is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and a Fellow Cost and Management Accountant (FCMA), distinctions that underscore his technical expertise and professional standing.

In addition, he has completed a banking diploma and participated in numerous professional training programmes, workshops and international seminars on finance, banking and leadership, both at home and abroad. These experiences have further broadened his global outlook and enhanced his strategic capabilities.

Industry insiders believe that Hashem’s appointment will play a pivotal role in reinforcing Al-Arafah Islami Bank’s financial resilience and governance framework, particularly at a time when the banking sector is navigating rapid regulatory changes and evolving market dynamics.

Profile at a Glance: Sayed Abul Hashem