PHOTO: MERCANTILE BANK

STAR BUSINESS DESK

Mercantile Bank PLC held its 27th annual general meeting (AGM) virtually yesterday.

Md Anwarul Haq, chairman of the bank, presided over the meeting, according to a press release.

In his speech, he attributed the successes achieved in 2025 to the trust of customers, the cooperation of regulatory authorities, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, and expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone involved.

The bank’s chairman highlighted the institution’s achievements in leveraging advanced technology, implementing sound risk management practices, and significantly reducing non-performing loans.

He emphasised the bank’s forward-looking policies and capital-strengthening measures aimed at ensuring risk-free future growth, which would safeguard the long-term interests of shareholders.

Mati Ul Hasan, managing director of the bank, presented its overall performance in 2025 and outlined the roadmap for 2026.

He said that, alongside delivering technology-driven modern banking services, the bank remains firmly committed to reducing NPLs to a minimum in the coming years. He also highlighted the strategic initiatives undertaken to support the bank’s sustainable growth.

The bank reported consolidated earnings per share of Tk 1.10, net asset value per share of Tk 24.35, and net operating cash flow per share of Tk 5.95 for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Akram Hossain Humayun and Md Abdul Hannan, vice-chairman of the bank; MA Khan Belal, chairman of the executive committee; Mohammad Abdul Awal, chairman of the risk management committee; Prof Md Rezaul Kabir, chairman of the audit committee and independent director; AS M Feroz Alam, M Amanullah and Mosharref Hossain, directors; and Prof Mohammad Thoufiqul Islam and Prof Nasrin Sultana, independent directors, joined the AGM.

A number of shareholders and sponsors virtually attended the meeting from across the country. They approved the balance sheet and other agenda items at the meeting.

Tapash Chandra Paul, deputy managing director and chief financial officer; Mohammad Rezaul Karim, company secretary; Md Zakir Hossain, Shamim Ahmed, Ashim Kumar Saha, Md Zahid Hossain and Shah Md Sohel Khurshid, deputy managing directors; and Mohammad Iqbal Rezwan, Md Abdul Halim and Md Abdul Awal, senior executive vice-presidents, were also present.