DHAKA, May 7, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Bank (BB) has made a 14-week foundation training programme mandatory for all newly recruited officials of scheduled banks in a move aimed at ensuring a uniform minimum standard of professional competency across the banking sector.

The central bank today issued the directive, stating that the initiative is intended to build a technically skilled, ethical and service-oriented workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a competitive and technology-driven financial environment.

According to the circular, the banking sector remains the main pillar of the country’s economic stability and inclusive growth. 

In this context, the central bank stressed that developing qualified human resources has become essential for sustaining efficiency and resilience in the financial system.

The directive applies to all newly recruited officials, including Management Trainee Officers (MTOs), Probationary Officers, Senior Officers and Officers, irrespective of designation titles used by banks.
 
Officials promoted to equivalent positions who have not previously completed foundation training will also fall under the requirement.

Bangladesh Bank said successful completion of the training programme will be mandatory before confirmation of service.

 However, banks may adjust the duration and structure of the training for officials working in specialised non-core departments such as Information Technology (IT) and Human Resources (HR), depending on operational needs.

Under the new guidelines, the training programme must run for at least 14 weeks, comprising a minimum of eight weeks of theoretical instruction and six weeks of practical training.

The central bank directed banks to move beyond conventional lecture-based methods and adopt participatory and assessment-based approaches.

 These include case studies, group discussions, debates, leadership development exercises, quizzes and regular evaluations aimed at improving practical understanding and professional competence.

The curriculum has been divided into six broad areas covering economics and policy, accounting and financial analysis, banking operations, technology and fintech, legal and ethical frameworks, and professional skills.

The economics and policy component includes macroeconomics, national income estimation and monetary tools such as Repo, Reverse Repo, Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR). Banking operations will include credit management, foreign trade finance, treasury operations, SME and agricultural finance, and Shariah-based banking.

The technology and fintech section will focus on digital banking, Mobile Financial Services (MFS), emerging financial technologies and cyber security, while the legal and ethical module will cover major laws including the Bank Company Act, 1991, the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 and the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

In addition, the programme will include professional development training on customer service, emotional intelligence, and office etiquette and conflict management.

As part of the practical component, trainees will be required to participate in a minimum five-day rural field stay to observe SME and agricultural projects and gain firsthand exposure to financial inclusion initiatives. 

They will also perform shadow duties at Agent Banking outlets or sub-branches.

The guidelines further require training institutes to establish “Mock Branches” using banks’ actual Core Banking Solutions (CBS) so trainees can practice banking transactions in a risk-free environment.

issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, the directive sets the minimum standard for foundation training. 

Banks may expand the curriculum further based on institutional requirements with approval from their respective boards.

Banks have also been allowed to conduct the training either through their own institutes or jointly through shared training centres established under Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). 

The facilities must include multimedia classrooms, libraries and residential accommodation for trainees.