Dutch-Bangla Bank plans to increase CMSME financing to 27 per cent of its total loan portfolio by 2029 as part of its efforts to promote inclusive economic growth in Bangladesh, the bank's top executive has said.
"We're working to increase CMSME financing to 27 per cent of our total loans and advances by 2029 in line with the Bangladesh Bank (BB) roadmap," Md. Ahteshamul Haque Khan, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) disclosed while sharing his future business plans in an exclusive interview with the Financial Express (FE) recently ahead of the World MSME Day 2026.
He also said the bank is focusing on women and young entrepreneurs, rural and cluster-based businesses, and high-growth sectors while expanding access to formal finance through its branch, agent banking and digital banking networks nationwide.
"Greater access to finance for CMSMEs will not only support business expansion but also help generate employment, foster entrepreneurship and promote financial inclusion," the CEO said in response to a query on creating more job opportunities across the country.
About the importance of the sector contributions to the country's economic growth and employment generations, the CEO said the CMSME sector remains one of the key pillars of Bangladesh's economy, making a significant contribution to employment generation, entrepreneurship development, industrial diversification and regional economic growth.
The CMSMEs create a large share of non-agricultural jobs, making the sector crucial for fostering inclusive economic development, he said, adding that the sector also plays an important role in promoting financial inclusion by creating opportunities for women, youth and first-generation entrepreneurs across the country.
"A competitive and resilient CMSME sector would be essential for enhancing productivity, encouraging innovation and strengthening domestic value chains as Bangladesh advances towards upper-middle-income status. In this context, CMSME financing should be viewed not merely as a banking activity but as a strategic investment in the country's long-term economic development," the CEO noted.
Responding to a question on financing and support programmes for start-ups, women and young entrepreneurs, and rural CMSMEs, the experienced banker said promoting financial inclusion and entrepreneurship development remains a key strategic priority for Dutch-Bangla Bank.
"We're offering dedicated financing solutions for women entrepreneurs through its 'Uthsaho' and 'Shofolota' products, while young and innovative entrepreneurs receive support through the bank's startup fund, 'Anqur'," the CEO continued.
He also said that around 150 new and young entrepreneurs have received training under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP), implemented in collaboration with the central bank of Bangladesh, with many later accessing formal financing to expand their businesses.
Currently, Dutch-Bangla Bank is running businesses with 243 branches, 344 sub-branches, 6,329 CRM and ATM booths, 5,635agent banking outlets and around 10 million NexusPay users across the country.
"Today, nearly 75 per cent of our agent banking customers are from rural areas, while more than 41 per cent are women, underscoring our commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable growth," he mentioned.
On simplifying CMSME financing, the CEO said Dutch-Bangla Bank has introduced an integrated Documentation Management System (DMS) and digital workflow platform to streamline the entire financing process, from application and credit assessment to approval and disbursement.
He added that automated workflows and data-driven evaluations have improved efficiency and reduced turnaround time.
"Looking ahead, we plan to further leverage artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital verification technologies to enhance customer experience, strengthen risk assessment and expand access to finance," the CEO noted.
Responding to a question on loan repayments and non-performing loans (NPLs), the senior banker said the CMSME sector, like other segments of the economy, has faced challenges from inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and global uncertainties in recent years. However, most genuine entrepreneurs have continued to demonstrate strong repayment behaviour.
He noted that CMSME financing offers diversification benefits as exposures are spread across a large number of borrowers rather than concentrated in a few large corporate accounts.
"Despite higher monitoring costs, prudent credit assessment and close customer engagement can ensure satisfactory recovery performance," the CEO said, adding that well-managed CMSME portfolios are both commercially sustainable and socially impactful, provided they are supported by responsible lending and effective monitoring.
Responding to a question on sustainable business practices, the CEO said Dutch-Bangla Bank, a pioneer in green banking, promotes sustainable finance in line with the BB's guidelines. The bank supports CMSMEs investing in renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, waste management, sustainable agriculture and other environmentally friendly initiatives, while encouraging businesses with strong ESG practices.
He also said environmentally responsible businesses are better positioned to remain competitive and create long-term value in a sustainability-focused global economy.
"In recognition of our efforts, Dutch-Bangla Bank has been named among the country's top sustainable financial institutions by the central bank in various years," the CEO noted.
Mr. Khan assumed the role of MD and CEO of Dutch-Bangla Bank on February 7 this year. Prior to his appointment, he served as the bank's Deputy Managing Director and Chief Business Officer for nearly six years. He also held the position of Chief Operating Officer and managed several strategically important branches, including the Local Office.
Having joined Dutch-Bangla Bank in 2003, Mr. Khan played a key role in driving the bank's transformation, innovation, business expansion and operational excellence.
With more than 30 years of banking experience, he began his career as an Assistant Manager (Probationary Officer) at BASIC Bank in 1995.
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