Women’s bank deposits, borrowing rise
Growing financial awareness and access to services boost female participation in savings and loans
Women's participation in the country's banking sector has increased significantly, with both deposits and borrowing showing notable growth over the past year.
According to the latest "Banking Sector Update" report published by the Bangladesh Bank, women's deposits rose by Tk1.47 lakh crore year-on-year, reaching Tk11.81 lakh crore by the end of December 2025, up from Tk10.34 lakh crore in the same period a year earlier.
At the same time, the total volume of loans disbursed to women stood at Tk2.46 lakh crore as of December 2025, compared to Tk2.43 lakh crore a year earlier, reflecting a gradual rise in credit uptake.
The report highlights increasing financial inclusion, with more women opening bank accounts, saving regularly and accessing credit facilities.
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Bankers attribute the trend to growing financial awareness among women, who are increasingly viewing banks as a safer place to keep their money rather than holding cash at home.
They also note that women traditionally demonstrate a stronger savings habit, often setting aside funds for family security, children's education and emergencies.
The expansion of banking services – including simplified account opening, mobile banking and agent banking – has further brought more women under the formal financial system.
At the same time, more women are engaging in small and medium enterprises, online businesses and home-based ventures, driving demand for bank loans to finance these activities.
Specialised loan schemes for women entrepreneurs, lower interest rates and relaxed collateral requirements have made borrowing more accessible. In addition, initiatives such as SME funds and training programmes have encouraged women to take up entrepreneurial roles and seek financing.
Arup Haider, deputy managing director and head of retail at City Bank, told TBS, "Increase in deposits from women segment, I guess, is an outcome of increasing participation of them in economic activities more and more both as entrepreneurs and job holders. The trend in loans is even more evident as successive governments' policies have encouraged them to take entrepreneurial roles more than ever, this is a quite positive trend and we all should continue to support this."
To support women's financial inclusion, BRAC Bank has introduced a specialised banking service called "Tara," aimed at promoting savings, providing loans and supporting professional development for women.
The programme offers credit facilities, training and collateral-free loans, helping women entrepreneurs expand their businesses.
A deputy managing director of a private bank said women have become more conscious about savings, while rising education levels have contributed to greater participation in the workforce.
"As a result, many now consider banks a reliable avenue for investment and long-term financial security, including post-retirement savings," he said.
