Scholars and experts gather in Dhaka University, Bangladesh to discuss Islamic banking and sustainable development

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

A two day international conference focusing on Islamic finance and banking has commenced at the University of Dhaka (DU), bringing together scholars, regulators, and industry experts to discuss how Islamic financial principles can support sustainable economic development.

The conference, themed “Islamic Finance for Sustainable Economic Development,” is jointly organised by the Department of Finance at DU and the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh. The event is taking place at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium on the university campus.

Speaking at the opening session via a virtual address, DU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan highlighted the growing relevance of Islamic finance in promoting ethical, inclusive, and interest free financial systems that align with social justice and economic stability.

The conference features several distinguished guests, including Professor Dr. Abu Bakar Rafique, Chairman of the Shariah Advisory Board of Bangladesh Bank; Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Managing Director of United Finance Limited; and Omar Mustafa Ansari, Secretary General of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

Experts from Bangladesh and other countries are presenting research papers on various aspects of Islamic finance, including Shariah-compliant banking, financial governance, and risk sharing models rooted in Islamic economic principles.

The programme also includes five panel discussions focusing on Islamic finance education in Bangladesh, with emphasis on strengthening collaboration between universities and the Islamic banking industry to build skilled human capacity.

Organisers say the conference aims to deepen understanding of Islamic financial systems and encourage their wider application in supporting sustainable development, ethical investment, and economic resilience both in Bangladesh and globally.

Source: BSS News