Standard Chartered celebrates 120 years in Bangladesh

Standard Chartered Bank recently celebrated a significant milestone of 120 years in Bangladesh.

The milestone celebrations, held in the capital city of Dhaka, were attended by Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered PLC. Bill's visit to Bangladesh, one of the key markets for the Bank in Asia, underscored Standard Chartered's long-standing commitment to the country's economic growth and its role as a partner in the nation's sustainable development. 

During his visit, Bill met Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser, Government of Bangladesh; Lutfey Siddiqi, Chief Advisor's Special Envoy for International Affairs; and Dr Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank. He engaged with business leaders, regulators, policymakers, and key civil society stakeholders to discuss the evolving financial landscape and the role of Standard Chartered in supporting Bangladesh's continued progress. During meetings, he reiterated the Bank's objective to further drive Bangladesh's growth potential by leveraging Standard Chartered's international network and global expertise.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "Standard Chartered is proud to have been Bangladesh's partner in progress for 120 years. Bill's presence to mark this monumental milestone reaffirms Standard Chartered's commitment to Bangladesh—both locally and globally. As we embark on our next chapter in Bangladesh, we look to the future to build on our past, leveraging our unique global network, digital expertise, and sustainability initiatives to support the country's aspirations." 

Since establishing operations in Bangladesh in 1905, Standard Chartered has significantly shaped the country's banking and financial sectors. From facilitating Bangladesh's first external letter of credit to pioneering digital banking solutions, the Bank has led the evolution of Bangladesh's economic landscape from the front. It has pioneered the development of financial tools with first-in-market deals, including the first commodity derivative, the first interest rate derivative, the first metal derivative, and many more, constantly innovating to meet the nation's growing needs. 

Over 120 years, Standard Chartered has significantly contributed to the nation's infrastructure and trade development. It has supported the country's economic growth and has financed critical sectors such as power, energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, aviation, manufacturing, and RMG. As a partner in progress to Bangladesh, it has achieved many milestones, from facilitating the most significant foreign direct investment in Bangladesh to enabling the first Bangladesh greenfield investment abroad and the first cross-border acquisition by a Bangladeshi company. 

Standard Chartered remains dedicated to championing sustainable growth and resilient communities. Through several landmark sustainable finance initiatives in Bangladesh, extensive impact through Community Initiatives in the areas of environment, agriculture, and health, and by equipping the youth with education, employable skills, and entrepreneurship development, the Bank continues to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a resilient and climate-secure future for Bangladesh. As Bangladesh's long-term partner in progress, Standard Chartered has been deeply embedded in the nation's growth story for over 120 years.