An ardent promoter of sustainable and green growth, Mr. Iftekhar has the rare distinction of being the longest serving Managing Director & CEO in Bangladesh banking industry. He has successfully introduced international best practices of Corporate Governance and Ethical Banking and transformed Eastern Bank PLC into a leading financial brand in the country.

He was honored with first Kotler CEO of the Year Award in 2023 for his remarkable strides in advancing the marketing and business landscape of Bangladesh. Under his leadership, EBL has been awarded the Bank of the Year recognition by the Banker Magazine for 3 times, Best Retail Bank in Bangladesh award by The Asian Banker for 6 consecutive years 2013 – 2018, Euro money Best Bank in Bangladesh for 3 consecutive years, Asiamoney Best Corporate and Investment Bank of Bangladesh for 4 consecutive years, Finance Asia Best Bank of Bangladesh in 2017 and 2019, the IFC Global Award for the Best Partner for Working Capital Systemic Solution, ICSB National Award for Corporate Governance Excellence, the Best Financial Institution 2010 at the DHL-Daily Star Bangladesh Business Award.

It was also under his leadership EBL was the first Bangladeshi Bank to be rated by Moody’s in 2016. He led the Association of Bankers Bangladesh (ABB), a forum of Managing Directors of Bangladesh’s scheduled banks, for two terms 2020-2021 and 2014-2015.

A stellar performer throughout his career spanning over three decades, he was awarded CEO of the Year 2012 at Asian HR Leadership Award held in Dubai. In 2022, the World Business Outlook magazine awarded him the Best Banking CEO of the Year of Bangladesh.