I express my profound gratitude to each of them and look forward to receiving this continuous support throughout the coming years. The Board has taken certain steps to increase Company’s gross premium income and also the retention. If the action plan can be implemented there will be increase of premium as well as profit. The Company has a subsidiary Company in the name of EiC Securities Ltd., to carry out share trading business as stock broker and stock dealer. This Company is operating its business under Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC. The audited financial statements of this Company is also included with this Annual Report. You will be delighted to learn that Board of Directors recommended 20% Cash Dividend for the year 2023 subject to the approval of Shareholders in the AGM. This declaration has been announced on the basis of assessing Company’s a) Revenue b) Cash flows c) Financial condition d) Capital requirement e) Current year’s profitability f) Liability position g) Reserve h) Dividend consistency i) Future expansion plans etc. Against the backdrop of an unstable global economy, geopolitical strife, elevated inflation and low growth, we succeeded in amplifying our strengths and improving our productivity performance and shareholder value, I am proud that even in the face of all the challenges, Eastern Insurance remained true to its customers, communities and all other stakeholders. You will also be appreciated to know that Eastern Insurance Company Limited has been awarded the rating of “AAA” for consecutive couple of years by National Credit Ratings Ltd., (NCR) it signifies “very Strong” financial security characteristics and with which an entity is adjudged to have very good financials, claim paying ability and first rate operating environment. This rating further strengthens our assurance toward our mission -which is to provide innovative and cost effective non- life insurance solutions to our valued clients and an acceptable return to all shareholders through committed and skilled team. We are very much confident that the Company is poised to accept challenges of the future Capitalize the opportunities arising and maintain its momentums on growth of business and profitability in the years to come. We are most obliged and appreciate of the continued support and patronage received from our valued clients and esteemed Shareholders and would look forward to continuing of the same. Our object is to prove our efficiency and trustworthiness to the valued Clients by extending sincere and meritorious services to them. It is our motto to always extend advice on prudent underwriting in relation to Insurance requirement of the Client and make prompt settlement of the authentic claims. In closing my message, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my fellow members on the Board for their wisdom and guidance. I would also like to convey my heartiest thanks and profound appreciation for the immense support and cooperation it received from the Office of the Chairman, Insurance Development & Regulatory Authority (IDRA) and all concerned Government Offices including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Sadharan Bima Corporation (SBC), International Reinsurers and Broker, Bangladesh Bank, all Nationalized Bank, Commercial Bank and Financial Institutions, Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms (RJSC), Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Dhaka Stock Exchange Limited (DSE) Chittagong Stock Exchange Limited (CSE) Bangladesh Insurance Association (BIA) Bangladesh Insurance Forum (BIF) Bangladesh Public Listed Companies Association (BAPLC) Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL), National Board of Revenue (NBR). I also acknowledge the role of our Investors for their conviction and faith in us, and also all our colleagues of the Company for their continuous support and sincere co-operation to aim for achievement. The Board will hope that the coming year will bring in greater success to Eastern Insurance Company Ltd. Thank you everyone for making EICL a glorious organization ! May the blessing of the Almighty Allah be upon you and EICL Family.