The banking sector in Bangladesh plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic development, facilitating financial services, capital flow, and economic stability. Regulated by the Bangladesh Bank, the central bank established on December 16, 1971, the banking system comprises a diverse range of institutions, including state-owned commercial banks, private commercial banks, foreign commercial banks, specialized banks, and non-scheduled banks. Below is a detailed list of banks operating in Bangladesh as of 2025, categorized by their type, along with insights into their roles and significance.
Types of Banks in Bangladesh
Banks in Bangladesh are primarily classified into two categories: Scheduled Banks and Non-Scheduled Banks. Scheduled banks operate under the Bank Company Act, 1991 (amended to 2013), while non-scheduled banks are licensed for specific functions and do not offer the full range of banking services. Additionally, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) complement the banking sector by providing specialized financial services.
1. State-Owned Commercial Banks (SOCBs)
State-owned commercial banks are fully or majorly owned by the Government of Bangladesh and dominate the banking sector in terms of assets and deposits. These banks provide a wide range of services, including deposit accounts, loans, remittances, and trade finance.
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Agrani Bank PLC
Head Office: 9/D, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000
Contact: +8802-9566153-4, mdagrani@agranibank.org
Website: https://www.agranibank.org/ -
Janata Bank PLC
Head Office: 110, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000
Contact: +8802-223380029, md@janatabank-bd.com
Website: https://www.jb.com.bd/ -
Rupali Bank PLC
Head Office: 34 Dilkusha C/A, Dhaka-1000
Contact: +8802-9555094, ho-pmd@rupalibank.org
Website: https://rupalibank.com.bd/ -
Sonali Bank PLC
Head Office: 35-44, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000
Contact: +8802-57161080, ceosbl@sonalibank.com.bd
Website: https://www.sonalibank.com.bd/ -
BASIC Bank Limited
Head Office: Sena Kalyan Bhaban (6th Floor), 195, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000
Contact: +8802-9568190, basicho@basicbanklimited.com
Website: https://www.basicbanklimited.com/ -
Bangladesh Development Bank PLC
Head Office: 8 Rajuk Avenue, Dhaka-1000
Contact: +8802-9555151-59, gm_admin@bdbl.com.bd
Website: https://bdbl.com.bd/
2. Specialized Banks (SDBs)
Specialized banks are established for specific objectives, such as agricultural or industrial development, and are also fully or majorly government-owned.
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Bangladesh Krishi Bank
Head Office: PCH9+692, Motijheel Rd, Dhaka-1000
Contact: +8802-9560021, dgmboard@krishibank.org.bd
Website: https://www.krishibank.org.bd/ -
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB)
Head Office: 272, Banolata C/A, Airport Road, Rajshahi
Contact: +8802588820108, info@rakub.org.bd
Website: https://www.rakub.org.bd/ -
Probashi Kallyan Bank
Head Office: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Focus: Financial services for expatriate workers.
3. Private Commercial Banks (PCBs)
Private commercial banks are majorly owned by private entities and are divided into conventional and Islami Shariah-based banks. These banks have gained significant market share due to their rapid growth and innovative services.
Conventional PCBs
These banks operate on interest-based principles. There are 33 conventional PCBs, including:
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AB Bank PLC
Head Office: 18 Skymark, Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212
Contact: +8802-223380312, info@abbank.org
Website: https://abbl.com/ -
Bank Asia PLC
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BRAC Bank PLC
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City Bank PLC
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Dhaka Bank PLC
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Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC
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Eastern Bank PLC
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IFIC Bank PLC
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Jamuna Bank Limited
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Mercantile Bank PLC
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Mutual Trust Bank PLC
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National Bank Limited
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NRB Bank Limited
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NRBC Bank PLC
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One Bank PLC
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Premier Bank PLC
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Prime Bank PLC
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Pubali Bank PLC
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Southeast Bank PLC
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Trust Bank PLC
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United Commercial Bank PLC
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Uttara Bank PLC
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Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited
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Bengal Commercial Bank Limited
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Citizens Bank PLC
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Community Bank Bangladesh PLC
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Meghna Bank PLC
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Midland Bank Limited
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Modhumoti Bank Limited
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Shimanto Bank Limited
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South Bangla Agriculture and Commerce Bank Limited
Islami Shariah-Based PCBs
These banks operate on profit-loss sharing principles per Islamic Shariah. There are 10 Islami Shariah-based PCBs:
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Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC
Head Office: Al-Arafah Tower, 63, Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000
Contact: +8802-44850005, info@aibl.com.bd
Website: https://www.aibl.com.bd/ -
Exim Bank PLC
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First Security Islami Bank PLC
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Global Islami Bank PLC
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ICB Islamic Bank PLC
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Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC
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Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC
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Social Islami Bank PLC
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Standard Bank PLC
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Union Bank PLC
4. Foreign Commercial Banks (FCBs)
Foreign commercial banks operate as branches of banks incorporated abroad. There are 9 FCBs in Bangladesh:
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Bank Al-Falah Limited (Pakistan)
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Citibank, N.A. (United States)
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Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC (Sri Lanka)
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Habib Bank Limited (Pakistan)
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HSBC (United Kingdom)
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National Bank of Pakistan (Pakistan)
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Standard Chartered Bank (United Kingdom)
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State Bank of India (India)
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Woori Bank (South Korea)
5. Non-Scheduled Banks
Non-scheduled banks are established for specific purposes and do not perform all functions of scheduled banks. There are 5 non-scheduled banks:
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Ansar VDP Unnayan Bank
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Karmashangosthan Bank
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Grameen Bank (Nobel Prize-winning microfinance institution)
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Jubilee Bank
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Palli Sanchay Bank
6. Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs)
NBFIs are regulated under the Financial Institution Act, 1993, and provide services like lease financing, syndicated financing, and investment services. There are 34 NBFIs, including:
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Agrani SME Financing Company Limited
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Bangladesh Finance and Investment Company Limited
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DBH Finance PLC
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IDLC Finance Limited
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LankaBangla Finance Limited
Recent Developments in the Banking Sector
In April 2024, Bangladesh Bank introduced a merger policy to strengthen the banking sector by merging weaker banks with stronger ones. Notable mergers include:
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Padma Bank Limited merged with EXIM Bank PLC
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BASIC Bank PLC merged with City Bank PLC
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Bangladesh Development Bank PLC merged with Sonali Bank PLC
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Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank merged with Bangladesh Krishi Bank
This policy aims to enhance the sector’s efficiency and stability, aligning with Basel III guidelines for capital adequacy and risk management.
The Role of Digital Banking
The banking sector in Bangladesh has embraced digital transformation, with many banks offering mobile and internet banking services. This has improved access to financial services, particularly in remote areas, and enhanced customer convenience. Banks like BRAC Bank and Dutch-Bangla Bank are leading in digital innovation, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and financial inclusion.
Conclusion
The banking sector in Bangladesh is diverse and dynamic, comprising 62 scheduled banks, 5 non-scheduled banks, and 34 NBFIs as of 2025. From state-owned giants like Sonali Bank to innovative private players like BRAC Bank and international banks like HSBC, the sector caters to a wide range of financial needs. With ongoing reforms, digital advancements, and a focus on financial inclusion, Bangladesh’s banking industry is poised for continued growth and resilience.