BRPD Circular Letter No. 10: Women’s participation in Agent Banking Operation

Bangladesh Bank Chief Controller Motijheel, Dhaka-1000, Banking Regulation and Policy Department Bangladesh. Ref No: BRPD Circular Letter No. 10 To Managing Directors / Chief Executive Officers All Scheduled Banks operating in Bangladesh.

Dear Sir, Subject: Women’s participation in Agent Banking Operation.

2. In order to ensure the smooth operation of the existing agent banking program for the promotion of financial inclusion, a comprehensive policy (Comprehensive Guidelines for Agent Banking) was issued through BRPD Circular No. 14, dated 18 September 2017.

3. Over time, the demand and importance of agent banking have increased significantly, and it has become easier and more accessible for customers to avail agent banking services. In the socio-economic context of Bangladesh, while the participation of women customers has been notable due to the introduction of agent banking facilities in rural areas, the number of women agents remains very limited so far. It is necessary to build a women-friendly banking system to enhance women's capacity in financial transactions and increase women's economic participation.

4. With this objective, this circular is issued to ensure greater participation of women entrepreneurs in agent banking operations. From the date of issuance of this circular, banks must ensure that at least 50% of newly appointed agents are women.

5. These instructions are issued under the powers conferred by Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991.

Yours faithfully, (Mohammad Shahriar Siddique) Director (BRPD) Phone: 9530252 Date: 08 May 2025 25 Baisakh 1432