Dhaka: Bangladesh Bank (BB) has mandated a 14-week foundation training programme for all newly recruited officials of scheduled banks, aiming to establish a uniform standard of professional competency across the sector. The central bank issued this directive to cultivate a technically skilled, ethical, and service-oriented workforce capable of navigating the challenges of a competitive and technology-driven financial environment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the banking sector serves as the main pillar of the country’s economic stability and inclusive growth. In this light, the central bank emphasized the necessity of developing qualified human resources to maintain efficiency and resilience within the financial system. This directive applies to all newly hired officials, including Management Trainee Officers (MTOs), Probationary Officers, Senior Officers, and Officers, regardless of the designation titles used by banks. Furthermore, officials promoted to equivalent positions who have not previously completed foundation training will also be subject to this requirement.
Successful completion of the training programme will be mandatory before confirmation of service, although banks may adjust the duration and structure for officials in specialized non-core departments like Information Technology (IT) and Human Resources (HR), based on operational needs. The programme must run for at least 14 weeks, comprising a minimum of eight weeks of theoretical instruction and six weeks of practical training. Banks are encouraged to move beyond conventional lecture methods and adopt participatory and assessment-based approaches, such as case studies, group discussions, debates, and leadership development exercises.
The curriculum is divided into six broad areas: economics and policy, accounting and financial analysis, banking operations, technology and fintech, legal and ethical frameworks, and professional skills. Key topics include macroeconomics, national income estimation, monetary tools, credit management, foreign trade finance, digital banking, cyber security, and major laws like the Bank Company Act, 1991, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012. Professional development training will focus on customer service, emotional intelligence, and office etiquette.
The practical component requires a minimum five-day rural field stay for trainees to observe SME and agricultural projects and engage in financial inclusion initiatives. Trainees will also perform shadow duties at Agent Banking outlets or sub-branches. Training institutes must establish ‘Mock Branches’ using actual Core Banking Solutions (CBS) for risk-free practice. Issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, the directive sets the minimum standard for foundation training, with banks allowed to expand the curriculum based on institutional needs and board approval.
Banks can conduct the training through their institutes or shared training centres established under Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), ensuring facilities include multimedia classrooms, libraries, and residential accommodations for trainees.