Standard Chartered Bank, which claims to be the oldest bank operating in Bangladesh, boasts 119 years of uninterrupted service in the country. Throughout its history, the bank has consistently spearheaded innovation in the region, pioneering numerous firsts that have reshaped the financial landscape of Bangladesh.
From extending credit lines to an independent Bangladesh to being the first to introduce banking technologies such as ATMs, debit cards, credit cards, international debit cards, and Shariah-compliant credit cards, Standard Chartered Bangladesh has continually demonstrated its commitment to driving progress and accessibility in banking services.
“For us, it's not only about banking but also about community engagement perspective. We are engaged in the agricultural sector, the environment, in education, and entrepreneurship. These activities have helped us understand the fabric of the country,” said Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy.
According to Bijoy, last year marked significant milestones for both Bangladesh and Standard Chartered Bank. The bank had the privilege of contributing to landmark projects and initiatives such as the Padma Rail Link, Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), and the country's largest 60-megawatt wind-based power plant.
Bijoy also emphasized the importance of sustainability in Bangladesh's development journey, particularly in the face of climate change challenges.
“Sustainability is a big area of focus for Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh because Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries affected by climate change. And I’m happy to share that Bangladesh has already signed the agreement for net zero by 2050. But to make the country’s clean energy transition happen, significant help is required. And we will be there to help,” he told GMI POST.
During the interview, Bijoy also highlighted Japan as a potential key partner for Bangladesh's economic growth and sustainability aspirations. He expressed optimism about leveraging partnerships with Japanese investors to bolster Bangladesh's ecosystem and propel its sustainable development agenda forward.
“When we visit Japan, we hope to pitch to large investors so that we can attract them and help us set up the ecosystem in the country,” said Bijoy, who added that the bank’s goal is to engage with foreign investors that will further catalyze Bangladesh’s journey towards a sustainable future.
