Dhaka: In a landmark move for the country’s Islamic banking sector, Sammilito Islami Bank PLC has made a massive investment of Tk 10,000 crore in the ‘Bangladesh Government Special Sukuk-1’. This represents the largest single investment by any individual bank in government Sukuk to date, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the investment process was finalized during a function where Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Md Habibur Rahman officially handed over the Sukuk issuance certificate to the Chairman of Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, Dr. Mohammad Ayub Miah. Senior officials from the central bank’s Debt Management Department and Sammilito Islami Bank PLC were present at the event.
The Shariah-compliant bond was issued through private placement against specific government assets, including seven housing projects for government employees constructed by the Public Works Department and specific rail service operated under Bangladesh Railway.
The press release states that this investment offers several strategic advantages for the bank. It will be eligible for maintaining the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) and can be utilized to seek liquidity support from Bangladesh Bank when necessary. Furthermore, as a tradable security, ownership of the Sukuk can be transferred at any time through the bank’s management. The bank is set to receive a half-yearly profit at a rate of 9.72% on this investment.