Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) has achieved a historic milestone in remittance collection, ranking second among all scheduled banks in the country by the end of December 2025.
According to BKB sources, the state-owned specialised bank received US$3.13 billion in remittances between January 1 and December 31, 2025. During the first four months of the current calendar year, from January to April, it collected an additional US$1.5 billion.
Bank officials said BKB has already surpassed its previous records by collecting US$3.19 billion in remittances during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, from July 1 to April 30. Buoyed by this strong performance, the bank has set a target of becoming the country's top remittance-collecting bank within the fiscal year.
In recognition of its achievement, BKB received the Silver Award 2026.
Sources said the bank has introduced various incentives to encourage expatriate Bangladeshis to send remittances through its network of 1,038 branches nationwide. Customers are offered prizes, including motorcycles, smartphones and souvenir gifts, while beneficiaries in remote areas receive funds quickly through the bank's extensive branch network.
Speaking to this correspondent recently, Mohd Khaleduzzaman, Deputy Managing Director of BKB, said the bank is aiming to become the leading remittance-collecting bank in the country during the current fiscal year.
"We want to secure the top position among all banks in remittance collection this fiscal year," he told The Daily Observer.
He said BKB has also set a target of disbursing Tk 39,000 crore in agricultural loans and is committed to achieving the target in full.
Khaleduzzaman said the bank is upgrading its digital services by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbot facilities into the myBKB app, enabling farmers to apply for loans more easily.
He added that the bank remains committed to implementing government initiatives, including loan relief measures for farmers.
"Interest and principal amounting to Tk 10,000 for farmers have been waived, and the distribution of agricultural cards has already begun," he said.
BKB continues to play a leading role in agricultural financing to support the country's food security goals. In the previous fiscal year, Bangladesh Bank set a target of Tk 38,000 crore in agricultural loan disbursement, of which BKB contributed a major share. In the current fiscal year, the target has been raised to Tk 39,000 crore, and officials said a significant portion has already been disbursed, with the full target expected to be met by year-end.
According to bank sources, loans for import-substituting products are provided at a concessional interest rate of 4 percent, while general loans carry interest rates ranging from 9 to 10 percent. BKB has also introduced innovative savings and insurance schemes for marginalized and special-needs groups.
The bank was recognized for promoting e-governance among state-owned specialized banks through the launch of the myBKB app, which offers services such as fund transfers, utility bill payments, mobile recharges and transfers to bKash and other Mobile Financial Services (MFS) wallets.
In 2024, BKB launched a special savings scheme aimed at bringing people with special needs into the financial mainstream. Under the initiative, around 46 lakh beneficiaries have been brought under the scheme. So far, 716 customers have deposited Tk 3.31 crore, with the scheme offering an 11 percent interest rate and monthly deposit options ranging from Tk 500 to Tk 25,000.
The bank has also introduced an interest-free fixed deposit scheme this year, under which BKB bears duties, excise charges and other related costs on deposited funds.
