Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The central bank of Bangladesh, for the first time, is going to introduce a five-year strategic plan for the banking sector, the governor said in Dhaka on Tuesday.

“We’ve already started preparation to introduce such a strategic plan,” Bangladesh Bank (BB), the country’s central bank, Governor Atiur Rahman told reporters, adding that the central bank is thinking of starting its implementation from January 1, 2010.

However, about the five-year strategic plan, the central bank chief said the plan will be for the country’s other banks as well as for the central bank itself focusing on different aspects including monetary policy, human resource development, automation and credit information bureau.

“The plan incorporates the BB’s vision and target, which will have to be achieved for the overall improvement of the country’s banking sector,” Mr. Atiur added.

The plan for 2010-2015 will be released in a book format.

“We’re now preparing long-term and short-term policies aiming to improve efficiency of the central bank officials,” a BB senior official said, adding that the central bank has also planned to arrange a two-day long workshop with its efficient officials, scheduled to be held outside the capital in November this year to finalize the draft of the plan.

“The central bank has also planned to sit with the senior bankers before finalizing the five-year strategic plan,” the BB official added.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-22July09-2:24 am (BST)