Top bankers and economists called upon the government to play a proactive role in bridging the gap between conventional banking and social business by offering targeted policy support and strategic coordination.
They also cautioned that without government supports, particularly in aligning banking operations with national development goals, sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture may remain underserved.
The observations came at a panel discussion titled "Building a Better Future through Impactful Banking", held at North South University in the city on Sunday.
Managing Director of United Commercial Bank (UCB) Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid lauded the country's banking sector's roles in sustainability and inclusive development over the past two decades.
"Two decades ago, banks were not as actively engaged in sustainability and green finance as they are today," he said, emphasising the shift in awareness and policy adoption within the industry.
As part of its impact-driven initiatives, the UCB has been supporting farmers across 63 districts by distributing seeds and fertilisers in the last one to two years.
Mr. Rashid also stated that the bank is contributing to crop diversification by reducing tobacco cultivation in northern Bengal and encouraging alternative farming practices.
"From supporting large industries to empowering SMEs, UCB is focusing on inclusive financing to build a sustainable future," he added.
Managing Director and CEO of The Premier Bank PLC Mohammad Abu Jafar said the structural challenges the commercial banks face in supporting social businesses, stressing that the core objective of these banks remains profitability.
"Deposits come at a high cost, making our borrowing expenses quite substantial. With such costly funds, financing social businesses becomes impractical," he said.
He also stated that if Bangladesh aims to achieve zero poverty and zero unemployment, it must prioritise high-impact sectors like RMG, remittance, agriculture, and IT, which significantly contribute to the country's GDP.
Mr. Jafar also noted that Premier Bank is supporting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to promote environmentally responsible practices.
Through agent banking, the bank is also extending its loan facilities and advisory support to rural communities, helping enhance financial inclusion at the grassroots level.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University and Chairman of Grameen Bank, described Grameen Bank as a powerful force in driving economic transformation at the grassroots level.
Highlighting its broader contributions, he praised the Grameen Bank's role in advancing healthcare and education for rural communities and setting a benchmark for socially responsible banking.
Founder Life Member of the NSU Trust and Managing Director of Raymond Group Benajir Ahmed, Dean of the School of Business and Economics at North South University Professor AKM Waresul Karim and Chair of the Department of Economics at North South University Dr. Syed Mortuza Asif Ehsan also spoke on the occasion.
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