Midland Bank is bridging the gap for young and modern entrepreneurs with a focus on digital agility and social responsibility. In this interview, Imtiaz U. Ahmed outlines its commitment to providing collateral-free “e-Loans” and specialised products like MDB Start-up and MDB Nari Uddog.

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

Imtiaz U. Ahmed (IUA): In line with the MSME Day 2026 theme, “The Future Generation of MSMEs,” Midland Bank is transforming its MSME strategy to support a new generation of technology-driven entrepreneurs. Our focus is on digital financing, innovation-led businesses, concessional refinance facilities, and financial literacy initiatives that help young entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable enterprises.

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 security (collateral), and are these reaching people who have never had a bank account before?

IUA: Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges for cottage and micro enterprises. To address this, Midland Bank has introduced digital lending solutions, including the MDB Digital Nano Loan (Midland e-Loan), which utilises transaction-based credit assessment rather than traditional collateral. Through a simple and paperless process, eligible customers can access instant financing, while our Agent Banking network helps previously unbanked entrepreneurs enter the formal financial system and build credit histories.

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?

IUA: Women and youth represent the future of Bangladesh’s MSME sector. Midland Bank offers dedicated products such as MDB Start-up, MDB IT Uddog and MDB Nari Uddog to address their unique financial needs. We also support financial literacy and entrepreneurship awareness programs to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop the skills and confidence required for long-term success.

TDS: How is your bank encouraging “Green” businesses?

IUA: Sustainability is embedded in our business strategy. We actively support renewable energy, energy-efficiency projects, and environmentally responsible enterprises through dedicated green financing programs.