Bangladesh’s agent banking sector is defying conventional trends, recording strong deposit growth even as the number of agents and service outlets declines.
According to the latest report from Bangladesh Bank, total deposits in agent banking reached Tk 49,356 crore at the end of 2025, up 18 percent from Tk 41,785 crore in December 2024. This represents a net increase of Tk 7,571 crore.
The growth comes amid a contraction in the sector’s physical infrastructure.
Agent banking outlets fell from 21,248 in 2024 to 20,501 in 2025, a reduction of 747 service points. Active agents also declined from 16,019 to 15,328 over the same period.
Experts attribute the drop in outlets largely to Agrani Bank’s suspension of certain agent banking operations.
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“While the closure of some networks impacted the numbers, the surge in deposits is a positive sign,” said Arfan Ali, a veteran banker and former Managing Director, highlighting renewed public confidence in the formal banking system.
Key Performance Indicators (2025 vs 2024):
· Deposits: Tk 49,356 crore, up 18%
· Loan Disbursement: Tk 11,755 crore, up 16%
· Active Accounts: ~2.5 crore
· Transaction Volume: 2.62 crore in Oct-Dec 2025, down 3% from 2.70 crore
Top Banks by Agent Banking Deposits:
· Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC: Tk 21,530 crore (Market Leader)
· Dutch-Bangla Bank: Tk 6,887 crore
· Bank Asia: Tk 6,515 crore
· Al-Arafah Islami Bank: Tk 3,869 crore
· BRAC Bank: Tk 2,897 crore
Agent banking remains a low-cost avenue for banks to reach rural markets, allowing them to mobilize small savings and channel funds into corporate loans.
Around 30 public and private banks currently offer services including cash deposits, loan processing, utility bill payments, and remittance disbursement.
Despite a slight decline in transaction numbers, the sector’s loan accounts grew to over 2.39 lakh, signalling its rising importance as a source of credit for small-scale borrowers and rural entrepreneurs.