Bangladesh Bank has won two international awards—the 'AFI Maya Declaration Commitment Award 2026' and the 'AFI Gender Inclusive Finance Champion Institution'—for its outstanding contributions to advancing financial inclusion and empowering women through institutional policies.

The central bank received the honors at the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum (GPF) held on September 3 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman accepted both awards on behalf of the institution.

According to a press release issued on Thursday by Bangladesh Bank’s Department of Communications and Publications, the central bank achieved the 'AFI Maya Declaration Commitment Award 2026' after successfully meeting specific annual targets set for financial inclusion.

These targets were jointly pursued by relevant central bank departments, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), and the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) under the Maya Declaration framework. Notably, Bangladesh Bank won this same award in 2025 as well.

Additionally, Bangladesh Bank was named an 'AFI Gender Inclusive Finance Champion Institution' in recognition of its institutional commitments and innovative measures in furthering women's financial inclusion under the targets of the Denarau Action Plan.

AFI is a global network of financial policymakers and regulatory institutions. Currently, 89 institutions and regulatory bodies from 82 countries—including central banks, ministries of finance, and financial sector regulators—are members of AFI.

The annual GPF event recognizes members for exceptional contributions across various categories. This year's forum brought together over 700 delegates, including central bank governors, deputy governors, policymakers, and financial inclusion partners from around the world.