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BB report

Sylhet trails in financial inclusion despite economic growth

Published : Saturday, 14 November, 2026 at 4:55 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

Sylhet continues to lag behind other divisions in financial inclusion, with 45.1 per cent of its population remaining outside formal financial services despite relatively strong economic indicators, according to a Bangladesh Bank report.

The central bank's 'Financial Inclusion Report Bangladesh, 2025' shows that Sylhet's financial inclusion rate stands at 54.9 per cent, compared with the national average of around 65 per cent. Dhaka leads with 67.7 per cent, followed by Chattogram at 67 per cent.

Economists attribute the regional disparity to low financial literacy, limited banking penetration and inadequate access to digital financial services, particularly in remote and hilly areas. Despite strong remittance inflows, the division continues to struggle to mobilise household savings and expand the use of formal financial products.

According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data for 2023, Sylhet has a poverty rate of 17.4 per cent, ranking fourth among divisions with the lowest poverty levels. Its average monthly household expenditure stands at around Tk30,500, the third highest after Dhaka and Chattogram.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan said the central bank was expanding school banking, no-frills accounts and agent banking to broaden financial access in underserved areas. Initiatives are also underway to boost women's participation and strengthen financial literacy.

Economists and financial sector experts called for deeper banking penetration, wider digital transaction networks and greater use of financial accounts to bridge regional gaps and promote inclusive economic growth.

-AH

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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