Remittances remain one of the most vital drivers of Bangladesh’s economy. The hard-earned income of expatriates not only sustains millions of households but also strengthens the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Yet, for years, a significant portion of these inflows was routed through informal channels, limiting their full economic impact. Against this backdrop, agent banking has emerged as a powerful channel—bringing remittances back into the formal financial system. At the forefront of this transformation is BRAC Bank’s agent banking network.
With a nationwide footprint of 1,120 agent banking outlets, BRAC Bank has made remittance services more accessible, secure, and inclusive. By extending banking services to the doorsteps of people—especially in remote and underserved areas—the bank is playing a crucial role in channeling expatriate income through formal means as stated in the Press Release.
In Bangladesh, particularly in rural regions, remittances have long been constrained by the dominance of informal channels and limited access to banking infrastructure. The rapid expansion of agent banking has changed that reality, enabling financial services to penetrate deep into village communities.
In 2025 alone, BRAC Bank disbursed BDT 2,720 crore in remittances through its agent banking channel—double the amount recorded in the previous year. Beyond the impressive growth figures, the real story lies in how these services are delivered. Nearly 85 percent of the funds were directly credited to customers’ accounts, reducing cash dependency while enhancing transparency and security.
This shift is reshaping rural financial behavior. Where beneficiaries once had to travel to urban centers to access remittance funds, they can now do so within their localities. The result is significant savings in time and cost, alongside growing trust in formal financial services.
Through its ‘Probashi Poribar’ account services, BRAC Bank is also encouraging savings among remittance-receiving families by offering tailored benefits and financial convenience.
The bank’s efforts extend beyond disbursement. Its ‘Swabalombi’ loan programme is enabling remittance beneficiaries to access credit on easy terms, helping them put their funds to productive use.
In 2025, some 4,506 customers availed themselves of these loans, amounting to BDT 490.53 crore. Notably, over 61 percent of the bank’s total ‘Swabalombi’ portfolio originated from the agent banking channel—reflecting growing customer confidence.
These initiatives are also driving a shift in how remittance income is utilized. Rather than being confined to consumption, many beneficiaries are now investing in small businesses, agriculture, and other income-generating activities. This, in turn, is fostering self-reliance and creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Commenting on the development, Nazmur Rahim, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Alternate Banking Channels at BRAC Bank, said, “We continue to enhance our agent banking services to simplify remittance flows. We firmly believe that innovative and convenient banking solutions not only advance financial inclusion but also encourage greater participation in formal banking channels.”
Experts observe that as remittance services become more accessible through agent banking, users are increasingly shifting away from informal and illegal channels. This transition is benefiting not just individuals, but the broader economy as well.
Agent banking is now a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s journey toward financial inclusion. BRAC Bank’s initiatives demonstrate how the right blend of strategy and technology can bring banking services to every corner of the country.
From villages to cities, the remittance story is evolving—becoming more dynamic, inclusive, and impactful, driven by the expanding reach of BRAC Bank’s agent banking network.
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