MTB wins AsiaMoney award

Mutual Trust Bank Ltd. (MTB) has recently been awarded the "Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion in Bangladesh 2022" by AsiaMoney, said a statement.

MTB has been recognized for this prestigious award for initiating and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives irrespective of the age, gender, disability, race and ethnicity, and social class, within the bank and outside which positioned the bank as a pioneer in bringing diversity and inclusion in its workplace and around the country.

Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO says, MTB is nurturing a workforce with diverse personnel, points of view and approaches to establish a culture of inclusivity and a sense of belonging, organized about a common purpose. The bank has implemented a series of initiatives to achieve true diversity, equality and inclusion.

MTB's Aporajita platform is dedicated to the advancement of all female employees. Gender balance is a tough task for any organization in Bangladesh's socio-economic condition, so MTB has made a point of doing its part to improve its gender balance. In the local banking industry, female participation is about 19 per cent. MTB is at that very point, 15 per cent of its women are in executive positions.

Rahman says the bank is committed to raising its own gender-equality - particularly at the top management levels - but also to finance companies with similar goals. Looking ahead, the Aporajita forum seeks to create a conclusive culture that promotes equal opportunities for female employees to excel in their careers. In addition to its maternity leave policies for employees, MTB offers seven days of paternity leave for the new fathers to perform their paternal duties.

MTB views this as its contribution to fostering more equal distribution of family responsibilities.

MTB is equally focused on spreading the benefits of Bangladesh's rapid GDP growth.

MTB exceeded the agri-loan disbursement target set by Bangladesh Bank in fiscal year 2021 by lending to 45,000 customers. Of the disbursed loans, 78 per cent went to 32,768 female customers. MTB is also prioritizing cluster financing. In 2021, for example, MTB extended financing support to the micro-enterprises of the Pathrail Handloom Cluster in the Tangail district, a promising center for woven clothes. There, around 50 entrepreneurs are producing traditional Sarees and Salwar Kameez. A sum of Tk. 14.90 million (around US$160 thousand) at a 4 per cent preferential interest rate was disbursed to this cluster.

In this way, MTB feels it is contributing to supporting and preserving the national heritage too while doing its part in the progress the nation is making, the statement added.