From specialised “women-only” loan products to entrepreneurship training in collaboration with Bangladesh Bank, DBBL is leveraging its vast network to drive financial inclusion and create nationwide employment opportunities. Md. Ahteshamul Haque Khan, CEO of Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC, outlines the bank’s vision for a formalised, technology-driven MSME sector.

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?

Md. Ahteshamul Haque Khan (MAHK): At Dutch-Bangla Bank, we view MSMEs as the engine of Bangladesh’s future economy. The next generation of MSMEs will be driven by young entrepreneurs who are digitally connected, innovation-focused and growth-oriented.

Our role goes beyond financing. We are working towards simplifying access to credit, strengthening digital banking capabilities and promoting financial literacy to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Recognising that access to finance alone is not enough, we actively invest in entrepreneurial capacity building. In collaboration with Bangladesh Bank, we have conducted “Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP)” jointly with Bangladesh Bank in regular intervals. Through which we have trained approx. 150 new and young entrepreneurs. Many of these have subsequently secured financing from us and successfully expanded their business.

In line with Bangladesh Bank’s target of increasing CMSME financing to 27% of total loans and advances by 2029, we are continuously expanding our portfolio and working towards achieving this goal. This will promote financial inclusion, enhance financial literacy and create greater employment opportunities across the country.

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?

MAHK: Dutch-Bangla Bank offers dedicated financing programmes for women and young entrepreneurs in line with Bangladesh Bank initiatives. For women entrepreneurs, two specialised SME lending products are offered, “Shofolota” and “Uthsaho” provide both cash credit and term loan facilities at a preferential interest rate of 5.00% per annum.