Loan disbursement through agent banking outlets surged by 41.27% year-on-year, reaching Tk 16,482.5 crore as of March 2024. This growth is attributed to the convenience, low transaction costs, and lower interest rates. Bank Asia, a leader in agent banking, emphasized the ease of accessing loans without visiting a bank branch. Deposits via agent banking grew by 16.52%, totaling Tk 36,810 crore, with 80% belonging to rural areas. The method’s popularity is evident in its use for withdrawals via fingerprint and safe deposit procedures. Inward remittances through agent banking rose by 23%, totaling Tk 149,916 crore. The top five banks dominate agent outlets and deposits. However, the loan-to-deposit ratio remains low, indicating a stronger focus on deposit collection over lending. Despite growth, rural areas receive relatively fewer loan facilities. Female account holders exceed male counterparts, yet a disparity exists in deposit volumes.
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