Routing Number of all Banks in Bangladesh

A routing number is a unique nine-digit code used to identify a specific financial institution. It plays a critical role in facilitating the transfer of funds between banks, both domestically and internationally. In Bangladesh, routing numbers are widely used for electronic fund transfers (EFT), BEFTN (Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network), RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement), and cheque clearing.

On personal cheques, the routing number typically appears on the lower left-hand corner, printed in a special format that allows it to be read by machines.

Background: Origin of Routing Numbers

Routing numbers were first introduced by the American Bankers Association (ABA) in 1910 to streamline the large-scale movement of cheques. These numbers are sometimes referred to as:

• ABA Routing Numbers
• ACH (Automated Clearing House) Routing Numbers

Although the system originated in the United States, many countries, including Bangladesh, adopted similar systems to improve the speed and security of financial transactions.

Routing Numbers in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, routing numbers are issued and regulated by the Bangladesh Bank, the country’s central bank. Each branch of a scheduled bank has its own routing number, making it easy to identify the bank and the specific branch involved in a transaction.

Routing numbers are especially important in:

• BEFTN (Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network): For electronic transfers between banks.
• BACH (Bangladesh Automated Clearing House): For cheque clearing and interbank settlements.
• RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement): For high-value transactions.

The official list of routing numbers for all banks in Bangladesh is published on the Bangladesh Bank website and updated regularly.

Where to Find a Routing Number on a Cheque

A cheque contains three essential numbers at the bottom:

1. Routing Number – Found on the left-hand side. Printed using Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) technology, which enables machines to quickly read and process cheques.
2. Account Number – Located next to the routing number, this is the unique identifier for your personal or business account.
3. Cheque Number – Appears on the right-hand side to help track and record transactions.

⚠️ Always double-check both the routing number and account number when making payments or transfers. Errors can result in failed transactions or funds being sent to the wrong account.

How to Find a Routing Number Without a Cheque

If you do not have a cheque book, you can still locate your branch’s routing number through several methods:

• Bank Website: Most Bangladeshi banks publish their branch-wise routing numbers on their official websites.
• Bangladesh Bank Website: The central bank provides the authoritative routing number list in PDF/Excel format for all scheduled banks and branches.
• Customer Service or Branch Visit: You can contact your bank’s customer service or visit the nearest branch to confirm your routing number.

Note: One bank may have multiple routing numbers depending on its branch network. Always ensure you use the correct number linked to the branch where you opened your account.

Why Routing Numbers Matter

Routing numbers are essential for:

• Electronic Salary Payments (through BEFTN).
• Bill Payments and Utility Transfers.
• Cheque Clearing through the BACH system.
• Loan Disbursements and EMI Payments.
• International Remittance Settlements (when paired with SWIFT codes).

Key Points to Remember

• In Bangladesh, every bank branch has a unique routing number.
• Routing numbers are crucial for EFT, cheque processing, and RTGS transactions.
• You can find routing numbers on cheques, bank websites, or Bangladesh Bank’s official site.
• Always confirm the correct routing number before initiating a transfer to avoid errors.

Download Official Routing Number List : Routing Number of All Banks in Bangladesh – by Dhaka Bank