In an ambitious bid for market dominance, Meghna Bank has set its sights on becoming one of Bangladesh’s top 15 financial institutions. Syed Mizanur Rahman, the bank’s newly appointed Managing Director, recently articulated a forward-thinking strategy that prioritises SME expansion and digital transformation as the primary engines for growth.
Rahman, who assumed leadership in December 2025, emphasizes that the bank’s journey into the elite tier of the country’s 61 commercial banks will be defined by “balance sheet strength” rather than just profit margins.
A Stronghold of Financial Health
The Bangladeshi banking sector has been under immense pressure, with industry-wide non-performing loans (NPLs) reaching a staggering 36%. However, Meghna Bank has distinguished itself through disciplined risk management, maintaining an NPL ratio of under 6%.
This fiscal resilience is a cornerstone of the bank’s strategy. By maintaining superior asset quality, Meghna Bank aims to bolster depositor confidence at a time when liquidity and trust are at a premium across the sector.
Strategic Objectives and Market Positioning
| Strategic Pillar | Target Metric | Core Purpose |
| Market Rank | Top 15 Banks | Enhance reputation and institutional stability. |
| Asset Quality | NPL < 6% | Outperform the 36% sector average for default loans. |
| Portfolio Shift | SME & Retail | Reduce “concentration risk” from corporate exposure. |
| Technology | 4-Platform Sync | Integrate web, corporate, retail, and Meghna Pay. |
| Innovation | Startup Support | Participating in BB’s Startup Refinance Scheme. |
Diversification: Moving Beyond Corporate Banking
Currently, approximately 80% of Meghna Bank’s portfolio is tied to corporate banking. While high-volume, Rahman argues this creates significant concentration risk. To build a more sustainable model, the bank is pivoting toward:
SME Lending: Focusing on “grassroots” demand for small loans where the impact on the rural economy is most profound.
Retail Banking: Expanding the individual customer base to diversify the bank’s risk pool.
Startup Ecosystems: Recently signing an agreement with Bangladesh Bank under the Startup Refinance Scheme to nurture innovative entrepreneurs.
The Digital Blueprint
As the banking landscape shifts away from physical branches, Meghna Bank is investing heavily in a unified digital ecosystem. The goal is a seamless “single entry” platform connecting:
Web Banking
Corporate Banking
Retail App
Meghna Pay (Mobile Financial Services)
This digital-first approach is expected to facilitate remote lending, allowing small businesses and individuals in remote areas to access credit without visiting a branch—a capability Rahman believes is essential for a top-tier bank.
Navigating Political and Economic Headwinds
Rahman acknowledges that private sector investment has been stifled by political uncertainty, leading many banks to rely on government treasury bills for income. He maintains that a stable political environment and credible elections are vital for restoring foreign credit lines and revitalising the domestic entrepreneurial spirit.
While the bank is prepared to offer targeted support and rescheduling for businesses genuinely affected by economic factors like currency fluctuations, it remains firm against wilful defaulters, ensuring the bank’s growth remains both ethical and robust.