Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The proposed NRB Commercial Bank Limited has applied to the central bank for licence as Bank Company to start its operation, officials said on Monday. 
“The central bank has received an application from the proposed bank seeking bank company licence,” a senior official of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) told BBN in Dhaka, adding that the BB is now working on it. 
“The bank will have to apply again to the BB for seeking operational or branch licence for running its businesses formally,” the central banker said, adding that BB will conduct a pre-licence inspection before issuing the operational licence.
 
Earlier on February 20 last, the proposed NRB Commercial Bank was incorporated as a company with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSCF).
Besides, the central bank is now working to issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) to two more proposed banks for starting their businesses.
The central bank gave the final clearance on February 19 to two more proposals for new banks in order to issue licences on their due compliance with all the preconditions.
These are the Farmers Bank Limited and the Midland Bank Limited.
Earlier on February 5 last, the central bank gave the final clearance for issuance of licences to five new banks to start business, upon their due compliance with all the preconditions.
The BB is also working on scrutiny of different documents including loan status of the sponsors of Modhumoti Bank Limited. 
“The Banking Regulation and Policy Department of BB is trying to place a proposal relating to the Modhumoti Bank at the next board of directors’ meeting, scheduled to be held next month,” the central banker noted.
Earlier, eight proposed banks applied to the BB for licences to start their businesses, upon compliance with the requirements as per the terms and conditions of the letter of intent (LoI).
Another proposed bank-NRB Global Bank Limited-has been allowed to complete its formalities, as required by the LoI, by March 31, 2013.
 
BBN/SSR/AD-25Feb13-9:50 pm (BST)