How BRAC Bank’s women officials are making waves in frontline sales roles

Women officials working in frontline sales roles at BRAC Bank are increasingly contributing to the bank’s retail and SME businesses, according to the bank.

At least 200 women are currently involved in the bank’s Retail and SME sales teams, making up one of the largest such sales forces among both state-owned and private commercial banks in Bangladesh, industry sources say.

Among them is Shahida Khanam, who has worked in BRAC Bank’s retail sales team for nearly six years.

She says the bank’s training and workplace environment have helped her develop professionally while managing family responsibilities.

“BRAC Bank trains women in specific skills and ensures a safe work environment. Our performance shows their support,” Shahida said.

Another sales officer, Konika Akhter, says the bank’s reputation also supports their work with customers.

“Customers trust BRAC Bank as one of the safest banks in the country. That trust makes it easier for us to serve them,” she said.

A Team Effort Behind Extraordinary Performance

Members of the women’s sales team say a culture of cooperation within the organisation plays a key role in their success.

Umme Habiba, who has been working in the SME sales team for 12 years, says a supportive workplace is often more important for women employees than financial incentives.

“I took maternity leave soon after joining,” Habiba recalls. “My supervisors treated it as normal and supported me through my pregnancy. The bank’s daycare also helped me manage work and motherhood.”

She says recognition of work and flexible management of responsibilities help reduce workplace pressure.

Meanwhile, Jebin Akhter Mousumi from the Retail team points to the role of technology in expanding opportunities for women.

“BRAC Bank leads in digital services, so we can serve customers remotely. That opens many opportunities for women,” Mousumi says.

Jannatul Ferdous, another member of the sales team, says cooperation across departments and accessible leadership help strengthen performance.

“We can ask any department for help, and senior leaders stay connected with us. That encouragement matters a lot,” she said.

Senior Leaders Credit Workplace Culture

Senior executives say the bank’s work culture has played an important role in enabling women to succeed in frontline roles.

Md Mahiul Islam, deputy managing director and head of Retail Banking, says many female employees prioritise efficiency at work.

“Many female colleagues aim to finish work within office hours so they can spend time with their children. That drive for efficiency raises overall performance."

The bank also provides dedicated transport services for employee safety and runs an internal women’s forum called "TARA", where women can raise workplace concerns, he added.

Syed Abdul Momen, additional managing director and head of SME Banking, says women employees often build strong trust with customers.

“Women build trust easily. They act as financial advisers, solving customers’ personal and business problems. We sharpen these skills with customised training."

Looking ahead, Managing Director and CEO Tareq Refat Ullah Khan says the bank plans to expand women’s participation in frontline roles.

“Our long-term goal is to develop women into skilled professionals. With a safe environment, quality training, and real support, our female sales team delivers strong results. We plan to hire more women in the future.”