Banking in Bangladesh has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a service once confined to urban centres into one that now reaches some of the most remote and geographically challenging parts of the country. In the past, banking was closely associated with paved city streets, high-rise buildings, and formal branch offices. Today, however, financial services have extended far beyond those limits, reaching forest villages, riverine islands, rugged hill tracts, and cyclone-prone coastal regions.
This shift has been driven largely by the expansion of agent banking, led by BRAC Bank, which enables financial services to be delivered through authorised local representatives. Operating from small and often modest roadside outlets, these agents provide essential banking facilities to communities that previously had little or no access to formal financial systems.
Bangladesh’s diverse terrain—characterised by river erosion, dense forests, scattered islands, and remote upland areas—has long posed significant challenges to traditional branch-based banking. Establishing and maintaining physical branches in such areas is both costly and complex, leaving millions outside the formal financial system for decades.
Through its agent banking network, BRAC Bank has successfully addressed these barriers by bringing financial services directly to local communities. Customers can now open savings and current accounts, invest in deposit schemes, receive domestic and international remittances, access small business and personal loans, and benefit from government social security payments.
Agent Banking Network Overview
| Region Type | Key Locations | Number of Outlets |
|---|---|---|
| Forest-adjacent areas | Shyamnagar, Paikgacha, Dacope, Fakirhat, Koyra | 17 |
| Coastal and island areas | Charfassion, Teknaf, Kutubdia, Hatiya, Subarnachar, Mongla, Kalapara | 76 |
| Hill tracts | Ramgarh, Panchhari, Manikchhari, Matiranga, Longadu, Dighinala | 11 |
| Nationwide total | Across Bangladesh | 1,120 |
In regions near the Sundarbans, including Shyamnagar and Koyra, agent banking outlets have become an integral part of everyday life. Where secure savings opportunities were once limited, residents can now deposit funds safely and manage their finances with greater confidence.
The impact is equally evident in coastal and island regions such as Teknaf and Hatiya, as well as in remote hill tracts. The presence of accessible banking services has stimulated local trade, reduced reliance on cash transactions, and improved overall financial transparency.
More than 60,000 new customers have opened accounts through this network, with many entering the formal banking system for the first time. This expansion has resulted in deposits exceeding 200 crore taka and loan disbursements surpassing 65 crore taka, contributing significantly to the strengthening of local economies.
Beyond facilitating transactions, agent banking is also enhancing financial awareness. Local agents serve not only as service providers but also as trusted advisers, guiding customers on savings, investments, and responsible borrowing. This has helped build lasting relationships based on trust between financial institutions and the communities they serve.
Supported by modern digital technology, agent banking ensures that services are both fast and secure. Biometric verification, real-time transactions, and integration with centralised banking systems allow customers in remote areas to enjoy a level of service comparable to that found in major cities.
For people living in forests, river islands, hill tracts, and coastal regions, banking is no longer a distant concept. It has become a familiar and dependable presence in daily life. By overcoming geographical barriers, BRAC Bank’s agent banking initiative is fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable financial landscape across Bangladesh.