Agrani Bank Agent Entrepreneurs Demand Immediate Service Restart

Entrepreneurs operating Agrani Bank agent banking outlets across Bangladesh have called for the immediate resumption of the bank’s agent services, insisting that all outstanding debts and compensations be settled before the relaunch of operations. The urgent appeal reflects mounting frustration among business operators who have faced financial strain since the suspension of services earlier this year.

The demands were formally presented at a press conference on Wednesday, 3 December, held at the National Press Club. Addressing reporters, Md. Abu Said, a representative of the agent entrepreneurs, highlighted the critical role of Agrani Bank’s agent banking network over the past decade. “For ten years, the agent banking service has been recognised as one of the most successful initiatives in the country,” he said. “However, on 19 June, the bank abruptly closed all agent outlets nationwide, disrupting services for millions of customers.”

Md. Abu Said criticised the bank’s handling of the closure. “The bank issued a ‘temporary’ closure notice, promising a rapid resumption of services. Yet six months have passed without any progress,” he said. “Initially, bill collection commissions were stopped from 2023, citing objections from Bangladesh Bank, and subsequently, the agent business was completely halted. Now, the bank is citing court-related issues, leaving millions of customers without access to essential banking services.”

The entrepreneur stressed the severe financial impact on operators. “Entrepreneurs are now financially exhausted. Operating a single outlet costs between Tk 60,000 and Tk 100,000 per month, including rent, staff salaries, utilities, and security,” he explained. “The chairman and general manager had promised direct agreements following software upgrades. These commitments were not fulfilled, and as a result, a previously successful business model is being destroyed.”

The press conference concluded with the presentation of three primary demands from the agent entrepreneurs, urging immediate action by the bank and regulatory authorities.

Key Demands of Agrani Bank Agent Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs warned that unless the bank acts promptly, they may escalate protests to safeguard their livelihoods and ensure continuity of banking services for millions of customers across the country. They urged the authorities to intervene and restore both financial stability for agents and access to banking for the public.