Women's representation rises across bank positions, but remains low at senior levels

The number of women working in Bangladesh's banking sector continues to rise, but their representation in senior positions remains comparatively low, according to a Bangladesh Bank report.

At the end of January-June this year, the number of female officers and employees at 61 scheduled banks stood at 35,971, up 910, or 2.60%, from the previous six-month period.

The findings were published in the central bank's semi-annual report on gender equality by its Sustainable Finance Department.

According to the report, the 61 scheduled banks had a total workforce of 2,17,818 employees at the end of January-June 2026. Women accounted for 35,971 of them, or 16.51% of the total workforce.

In July-December 2025, the number of female employees in the banks was 35,061, meaning their number increased by 910 in six months.

Among different categories of banks, private commercial banks employed 23,524 women, accounting for 16.12% of their 145,898-strong workforce. 

State-owned commercial banks employed 9,471 women, representing 17.06% of their total workforce – a higher proportion than that of private commercial banks.

Foreign commercial banks had a comparatively smaller number of female employees, with 931 women working across nine banks. However, they had the highest proportion of women in their workforce, at 24.81%.

Women's representation remains low at senior levels

Despite the increase in the overall number of female employees, women's representation in senior positions remains relatively low, the report found.

During January-June, women accounted for 13.14% of bank board members. Their representation was 16.99% at entry-level positions and 16.37% at mid-level positions.

In contrast, women accounted for only 10.55% of employees at senior-level positions.

This means women's representation remains lower at senior levels than at entry and mid-level positions.

Age-wise, the data showed stronger participation among younger female employees. Women accounted for 21.10% of employees aged below 30, compared with 11% among employees aged above 50.

The report also showed that the employee turnover rate among female workers in the banking sector stood at 13.87% during January-June.

Banks take initiatives to support women employees

Banks have taken various initiatives to improve the working environment for female employees.

According to the report, all scheduled banks provide six months of maternity leave for female officers and employees.

All banks also have policies on preventing sexual harassment and raising awareness about the issue.

Of the 61 scheduled banks, 37 have established childcare facilities, either independently or jointly, for the children of female employees.

In addition, 36 banks have their own transport facilities to help female employees commute after designated working hours.

During January-June 2026, 49 scheduled banks organised awareness training on gender equality.

The Bangladesh Bank report said that although women's participation in the banking sector is increasing, there is still scope to improve their representation in senior positions.

The central bank is encouraging banks to take various initiatives to create a supportive working environment for female employees and ensure greater gender equality in the banking sector.