The renovated premises of the State Bank of India (SBI) branch at Dllkusha commercial area war reopened on Sunday in the city.

Inaugurating the renovated SBI branch Bangladesh Bank Government S B Choudhuri noted that the bank has a long standing service record tn this part of the world and hoped that it will continue to provide

Appreciating the newly refurbished premises, Choudhuri said that a more congenial at-mosphere can make the bank more customer service oriented.

He hoped that SBI will take

the lead in setting up the first Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) In Bangladesh.

The Indian High Commissioner, K Srinivasan, said that the renovation of the bank was quite timely and hoped that the bank can facilitate far greater commerce and trade exchanges between the two countries than what exists right now.

He also hoped that the modern premises of the bank will translate into better client relationship and Improved cus-tomer service.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Managing Director of SBI, Bombay, K Bhattacharya, pointed out that the SBI being the largest bank with over 8500 branches was playing an Important role In banking services in India.

Noting the excellent track record of SBI, Bhattacharya while assuring that the bank

will meet all regulatory demands, requested the central bank authorities to think about allowing SBI to set up an offshore outfit in Dhaka.

He said that one teller counter will be set up at this branch within the next one month and that the SBI may also open a branch to service the customers In the port city of Chittagong.

Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank Mahbubur Rahman Khan also spoke on the occasion. The Chief Manager of the bank, S Dutta, also made a welcome speech.

Dignitaries, bankers, businessmen and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.