DHAKA : Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has set a new milestone in the country’s agent banking sector by surpassing Tk. 20,000 crore in deposit collection through its agent banking services. This amount accounts for nearly 42% of the total deposits in the agent banking channel nationwide, making it the highest in the sector, according to a press release.
The bank has been facilitating easy access to banking services for marginalized communities deprived of direct banking through agent banking. Since starting operations in 2017, Islamic Bank's agent banking has rapidly expanded, gaining the trust and acceptance of customers. It has set a new benchmark of trust in the country banking sector through its agent banking operations by collecting Taka 20,000 crore in deposits within just nine years, Islamic Bank agent banking leads the country in terms of customer numbers, currently exceeding 53 lakh customers. A significant achievement is that nearly half of these customers are women, and the majority reside in rural areas. These customers seamlessly deposit and withdraw funds, with daily transactions averaging over Taka 1,000 crore. Additionally, the agent banking outlets have achieved remarkable success in distributing remittance inflows. The bank holds the top position in remittance collection through the country's agent banking channel. In 2024, remittances received through Islamic Bank's agent banking amounted to Tk. 15,352 crore, representing over 54% of the total remittances in this sector. By June 2025, this figure stood at Tk. 8,984 crore. Through the bank extensive network, families of expatriates can easily withdraw their entitled funds. This service strengthens the flow of remittance into the economy and discourages customers from using illegal channels like hundi.
Islamic Bank's agent banking operates through 2,791 outlets across 472 upazilas in the country. Most of these outlets are located in remote rural areas where traditional banking services are difficult to access. Each outlet is directly supervised by the bank’s branches, ensuring high-quality service, financial security and trust for customers. Modern technologies, such as the Cellfin app, i-Banking, Point of Sale (POS) and QR code-based withdrawals, have made services more attractive and accessible to customers. Islamic Bank's Rural Development Scheme (RDS) plays a vital role in rural economic development through agent banking. Currently, investments of up to Tk. 5 lakh are being disbursed through 135 agent outlets that empower rural communities financially and foster entrepreneurship. These investment activities are invigorating the rural economy and creating local employment opportunities.
Several key factors contribute to the success of Islamic Bank's agent banking in collecting Tk. 20,000 crore in deposits. The bank’s integrity in deposit management and adherence to Shariah principles have been pivotal in earning customer trust. The bank’s commitment to financial inclusion for marginalized communities and the familiarity of local agent outlet owners have helped customers feel at ease. Furthermore, the use of modern technology and cost-effective service delivery have accelerated this success.
