Md. Anwarul Azim Arif
Md. Anwarul Azim Arif | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1951 |
| Alma mater | University of Chittagong, University of the Philippines |
| Occupation(s) | Educator, banking professional |
| Known for | Vice-chancellor of University of Chittagong and International Islamic University Chittagong; Chairperson of Social Islami Bank Limited; leader of Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh |
Md. Anwarul Azim Arif is a distinguished Bangladeshi educator and banking professional, recognized for his former leadership as vice-chancellor at both the University of Chittagong and International Islamic University Chittagong, as well as his past role as chairperson of Social Islami Bank Limited. Presently, he leads the central executive committee of the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh.
Early life
Arif completed his master's degree in commerce at the University of Chittagong and further advanced his education by obtaining an MBA from the University of the Philippines.
Career
Starting his professional journey in 1976, Arif served as a lecturer in Management Studies at the University of Chittagong before transitioning into banking in 1984 as a probationary officer at National Bank. He also held the position of dean for the Faculty of Engineering between January and August 2012.
During his tenure as vice-chancellor of the University of Chittagong from 2011 to 2015, Arif played a crucial role in convincing senior administrative personnel to retract their resignations amidst campus disturbances. In November 2017, he assumed the chairmanship of Social Islami Bank Limited, taking over from Major (Retired) Md. Rezaul Haque amid a takeover phase led by S. Alam Group of Industries, a prominent conglomerate based in Chittagong. His nomination resulted in the departure of nine board members, including Hakim Md. Yousuf Harun Bhuiyan, an influential shareholder and leader of Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Bangladesh. Additionally, Arif has held the role of additional managing director at First Security Islami Bank Limited and acted as a representative for Hasan Abason Limited, an enterprise under S. Alam Group.
From July 2021 until August 2024, Arif fulfilled the responsibilities of vice-chancellor at International Islamic University Chittagong.