Shakib Al Hasan’s next stop: Bank director

Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan is set to gain control over two directorships of the proposed Islamic Shariah-based People’s Bank.

Shakib and his mother Shirin Akhter’s names have been sent to Bangladesh Bank for NOCs to clear their way for bank directorship.

MA Kashem, chief sponsor of the proposed bank, confirmed the information on Wednesday. Similarly, the officials concerned of Bangladesh Bank also verified it.

However, the bank has not yet received the required banking licence from Bangladesh Bank. Experts have for quite some time voiced a view that the number of banks in the country is too high, and rather than inducting new players, there is a need for consolidation in the sector.

Once finalised, People’s Bank will conduct shariah-compliant banking activities.

To be a member of the bank’s board of directors as an entrepreneur, it needs to hold a minimum of 2% share. As such, Shakib will have to provide a minimum capital of Tk 10 crore for each post of director of People’s Bank.

It is learned that Shakib Al Hasan is providing more than Tk 25 crore for directorship of the bank. Earlier, Shakib Al Hasan secured licences for a brokerage house and gold trading.