With CMSMEs accounting for a staggering 99.92% of Bangladesh’s economic units, Shahjalal Islami Bank (SJIB) PLC is redefining its role as a catalyst for grassroots growth. By leveraging Shariah-based ethical finance, digital onboarding, and collateral-light lending models, the bank is empowering a new wave of tech-savvy entrepreneurs, women, and rural businesses.

The Daily Star (TDS): The theme for MSME Day 2026 is “The Future Generation of MSMEs.” How is your bank changing its plans to support this new group of young and modern entrepreneurs?

Mosleh Uddin Ahmed (MUA): With CMSMEs representing 99.92% of Bangladesh’s economic units, SJIB is aligning its Shariah-based strategy with tech-driven sectors like ICT and e-commerce. By simplifying approvals and digital onboarding, we provide fast, ethical financing alongside financial literacy programs to build investment-ready, sustainable entrepreneurs.

TDS: It is often hard for very small (cottage/micro) businesses to get loans. What new methods are you using to provide loans without requiring much security (collateral), and are these reaching people who have never had a bank account before?

MUA: We are adopting collateral-light models by prioritizing business viability and cash flow over physical assets. Through MoUs with Bangladesh Bank and private partners, we facilitate collateral-free investments. In 2025, we disbursed BDT 736.50 crore to 4,554 new customers, including BDT 55.51 crore for women and BDT 559.83 crore for rural entrepreneurs. Our SME portfolio now stands at BDT 7,151.60 crore (26.01% of total investments), exceeding the 25% regulatory target.

TDS: This year focuses heavily on youth and women. What special loan packages or services do you offer to help young entrepreneurs and women grow their businesses?

MUA: Shahjalal Islami Bank empowers youth and women through specialised products like “Prottoyee” (women) and “Prothom Uddog” (youth), offering lower profit rates and simplified documentation. Beyond financing, we provide mentorship, financial literacy training, and dedicated service desks to foster an inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

At Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC, youth and women entrepreneurs remain an important focus under our financial inclusion strategy. Alongside CMSME financing and business advisory support, we place strong emphasis on women entrepreneur training and financial literacy initiatives to improve financial capability and strengthen access to formal banking services.