Bank appoints new leader in its top position
New Chairman Elected at Premier Bank: Dr. Arifur Rahman
Dr. Arifur Rahman has been unanimously elected as the new Chairman of Premier Bank, following a vote at the Bank's 314th Board Meeting held on August 21, 2025.
Dr. Rahman, a graduate of Dhaka Medical College, has built a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He has made significant contributions in various fields, including healthcare, military medical services, banking, and business leadership.
In the realm of healthcare, Dr. Rahman is a renowned physician and entrepreneur. He has founded and leads several notable organisations, such as Samorita Hospital, The Shoes BD Ltd, Denim Polymer Industries Ltd, and Always On Network Bangladesh. His contributions have created employment opportunities for millions of workers, a fact highlighted in the 2004 UNDP report.
Dr. Rahman's impact extends beyond Bangladesh's borders. He has contributed to promoting Bangladeshi human resources abroad. In addition, he serves as Editor of The Ambassador, a diplomatic magazine.
In the banking sector, Dr. Rahman has demonstrated his expertise. He has been appointed as an Independent Director and Chartered Secretary. His peers include M Nurul Alam, Md Forkan Hossain, and Md Sajjad Hossain, who have also been appointed as Independent Directors and taken on key roles in the Bank's committees.
Md Forkan Hossain has been appointed as Chairman of the Audit Committee, previously serving as an Executive Director at Bangladesh Bank. Md Sajjad Hossain has been appointed as Chairman of the Risk Management Committee, previously being DMD at Bank Asia.
Notably, Syed Faridul Islam has been appointed as Chairman of the Executive Committee. Before his appointment, he was active as the Managing Director at Premier Bank. Syed Faridul Islam was previously the Managing Director at United Commercial Bank.
In the realm of philanthropy, Dr. Rahman's efforts are noteworthy. He mobilised SAR 230 million from the Saudi government to build cyclone shelters in Barishal. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to the betterment of his home country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Rahman collaborated with Professor Ola Winqvist of the Karolinska Institute to facilitate Bangladesh's first government-approved clinical trial of a nasal COVID vaccine. This collaboration underscores his dedication to public health and innovation.
In addition to his roles at the International Institute of Global Studies (IIGS) and Society for People's Advancement (SPA), Dr. Rahman has been appointed as an Independent Director at Premier Bank. His diverse experience and commitment to various sectors make him a valuable asset to the Bank.
As the new Chairman of Premier Bank, Dr. Rahman brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. His leadership is expected to guide the Bank towards continued success and growth.
