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Published : 09 Apr 2026, 11:54 PM
As Bangladesh prepares for a more digital financial future, banks are seeking regulatory changes to expand agent banking networks and reduce reliance on traditional brick-and-mortar infrastructure.
To achieve this, the Association of Bankers Bangladesh (ABB) on Thursday has proposed following the model of mobile financial services (MFS).
The proposal was placed during a meeting with Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman.
The banks are required to obtain central bank approval and board clearance to appoint agents at the moment, often restricted to areas without physical branches.
In contrast, MFS providers can appoint agents anywhere based on demand without specific distance limits.
"We have asked for a level playing field. It is time for banks to provide services as fast as MFS," ABB Chairman and City Bank Managing Director Mashrur Arefin told bdnews24.com.
The bankers proposed an infrastructure-free model where agents would function via online platforms rather than fixed booths.
Customers could deposit (cash-in) and withdraw (cash-out) funds through these agents, who would earn commissions, similar to the existing MFS ecosystem.
The push for simplified rules comes as the government prepares to make "Bangla QR" mandatory for all transactions starting in July to promote a cashless society.
The meeting also addressed recent fluctuations in the foreign exchange market.
Following tensions related to the Iran conflict, some banks reportedly began collecting remittances at rates as high as Tk 123.50, pushing the market rate up from Tk 122.30 to Tk 122.85.
The central bank cautioned lenders against aggressive dollar purchasing based on rumours.
"There is enough dollar liquidity in the banking sector and payment pressure has eased. If anyone tries to buy dollars in advance based on rumours that the situation might worsen, the central bank will intervene," a senior official said.
Beyond agent banking and foreign reserves, the ABB placed several other requests to modernise banking regulations.
The ABB proposed to double the current personal loan limits, raise the investment margin for vehicles to 90 percent, and allow market-driven interest rates for private sector credit.
