The Association of Bankers Bangladesh (ABB), the premier forum of the country’s top banking professionals, has announced a change in its leadership. At a recent meeting of the ABB Board of Governors, Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank PLC, was unanimously elected Chairman of the association for the interim period until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).

This transition follows the resignation of former ABB Chairman Selim R. F. Hussain, who recently stepped down as Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank PLC.

The Board also elected Mohammad Ali, Managing Director and CEO of Pubali Bank PLC, as Vice Chairman of ABB. Abul Kashem Mohammed Shirin, Managing Director and CEO of Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC, will continue to serve as Vice Chairman.

Mashrur Arefin began his banking career in 1995 as a Management Trainee at ANZ Grindlays Bank. Over the past three decades, he has held senior positions at several leading institutions, including Standard Chartered Bank (Qatar), ANZ’s head office in Melbourne, American Express Bank, and Citibank N.A. He has served as the MD and CEO of City Bank PLC for the past six years, and prior to this appointment, he held the position of ABB Vice Chairman for nearly four years. Beyond his banking career, he is also a noted writer and translator.

Mohammad Ali joined Pubali Bank PLC in 2008 as Chief Technology Officer. Since then, he has served in key roles including Deputy Managing Director, Additional Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, CAMLCO, Chief Risk Officer, and Chairman of the Credit Committee. He was appointed MD and CEO of Pubali Bank PLC after years of internal leadership. Under his stewardship, the bank has achieved record profitability. Prior to his new role, he actively contributed as a member of the ABB governing body.