Women bankers, women customers: Tara outlets reshape rural banking

Across village roads, in courtyard gatherings known as "Uthan Boithok", and in modest outlets beside busy local markets, a quiet transformation is unfolding in rural Bangladesh.

On one side of the counter stands a woman customer; on the other, a woman banker. The exchange is more than a financial transaction – it is a moment built on trust, comfort and shared understanding.

At the centre of this change are women entrepreneurs running BRAC Bank's agent banking outlets, widely known as TARA agents. As proprietors of these outlets, they are reshaping financial inclusion while also expanding women's leadership in rural communities.

Redefining women's role in financial inclusion

Women's financial inclusion has long been a challenge in Bangladesh. Social norms, mobility constraints and limited financial awareness have kept many women outside the formal banking system. BRAC Bank has sought to address this gap not only by expanding women's access to banking services, but by placing women at the forefront as providers of those services.

BRAC Bank now operates 90 TARA agent banking outlets nationwide, with 81 women serving as entrepreneurs. Supporting them are nearly 900 female agent banking field officers who travel to remote and underserved communities, delivering services and promoting financial awareness at the grassroots level.

The impact is measurable. Through TARA outlets alone, more than 60,000 new bank accounts have been opened – most by first-time customers. These accounts now hold deposits of more than Tk250 crore. Beyond the numbers, the story is also one of trust: growing confidence in women-led financial services and rising willingness among rural women to engage with formal banking.

Building comfort, trust and connection

In many rural areas, women often hesitate to interact with male bankers. TARA agents have helped remove this barrier. A large share of customers at women-led outlets are female, drawn by the comfort and trust that comes with engaging women service providers.

These outlets have become safe and welcoming spaces – visible symbols of access and empowerment within their communities.

From "Uthan Boithok" to bank accounts

Financial awareness often begins at the doorstep. Female agents and field officers conduct door-to-door visits and organise "Uthan Boithok" sessions to educate women about savings, account opening procedures, remittance channels, DPS and FDR schemes, and basic financial planning.

In 2025, BRAC Bank agent banking organised 72 financial literacy sessions across the country, engaging more than 5,500 participants. These initiatives are steadily building financial capability and confidence among women who were previously excluded from the system.

Women-focused financial products

TARA agent banking outlets offer products designed for women, including the TARA Probashi Poribar Savings Account, TARA Savings Deposit, TARA First Account, TARA Triple Benefits Savings Account and the TARA Uddokta SME Loan for women entrepreneurs, providing customers with a range of options.

These products are not only about convenience; they are intended to simplify women's financial lives and help turn entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. TARA agents also work to ensure services reach women who need them most.

Loans that go into business and production

Loans disbursed through the TARA channel are largely invested in income-generating activities such as livestock and poultry farming, small retail shops, tailoring, home-based enterprises and food production.

These investments support financial independence and strengthen women's roles within households and communities. Regular follow-ups by TARA agents and field officers help ensure proper loan utilisation and timely repayments, reinforcing a sustainable model of inclusion.

Women as leaders and role models

TARA agents are more than banking representatives. They are entrepreneurs, community leaders and role models. Their presence challenges long-held norms and encourages other women to pursue leadership roles.

Nazma Akhter, a TARA agent at the Banchharampur agent banking outlet, said, "Running an agent banking outlet has strengthened my management and leadership skills. Every day brings new learning. Many women in my community feel inspired by my journey. I hope more institutions across the country will invest in developing women leaders the way BRAC Bank has."

A story of transformation

Women who once hesitated to step into banks now sit confidently behind banking counters, guiding others towards financial security. The shift points to a simple truth: with opportunity, trust and institutional support, women can drive meaningful economic and social change.

Through its TARA agent banking initiative, BRAC Bank continues to expand the frontiers of financial inclusion – bringing formal banking to underserved communities and demonstrating how women's empowerment can accelerate progress for families, communities and the nation.