Shariah Principles in Investment Models: A Study of Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC

Abstract

Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited (SJIBL) is a Shariah-compliant commercial bank ranked as the fifth largest Islamic bank in Bangladesh. Named in honor of the revered saint Hazrat Shahjalal (R), who dedicated four decades of his life to promoting peace and humanitarian values, SJIBL upholds these principles in its banking practices. Established as a public limited company under the Companies Act of 1994, the bank officially commenced operations on May 10, 2005. Today, SJIBL boasts a network of 123 branches across Bangladesh and employs over 3,000 staff members, committed to delivering Shariah-compliant financial services to meet diverse customer needs.

During my internship at SJIBL's Gulshan Branch, I was privileged to work across three critical divisions: General Banking, Investment, and Foreign Trade. Under the guidance of the Senior Vice President and Branch Head, I gained hands-on experience and an in-depth understanding of various Islamic investment products and their compliance with Shariah principles. My role provided valuable insights into SJIBL's investment offerings and Shariah governance, leading me to develop this report titled “Shariah Compliance of Investment Modes at Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC.”

This report is structured into five chapters for comprehensive understanding. Chapter one introduces the report’s objectives, motivation, and study scope, setting the stage for a detailed analysis. Chapter two offers an extensive background of SJIBL, covering its history, corporate structure, and mission and vision statements. Chapter three presents my personal experiences and reflections as an intern, highlighting key learning moments. Chapter four delves into an analytical exploration of SJIBL's Shariah-compliant investment models, presenting a core analysis of their practical application. Finally, chapter five addresses challenges identified during my internship and proposes suggestions to enhance SJIBL's operations and compliance practices.

This report provides a thorough overview of SJIBL’s commitment to Shariah principles, along with practical insights into its operational strengths and potential areas for improvement, offering valuable perspectives for stakeholders invested in Islamic finance.