Dhaka Bank PLC has been recognized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its efforts in supporting trade finance, receiving the “Leading SME Trade Bank” award for the third consecutive year. The accolade was presented during the 12th Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme (TSCFP) Awards and Partners Dinner held recently in Singapore.

The award highlights Dhaka Bank’s role in promoting international trade and expanding access to trade finance specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh. Akhlaqur Rahman, deputy managing director of Dhaka Bank, accepted the award from Steven Beck, ADB’s head of trade and supply chain finance, and Neha Noronha, unit head of South Asia.

Since 2009, Dhaka Bank has functioned as an issuing bank under ADB’s TSCFP, which is designed to address trade finance gaps in developing economies where local banks may face challenges in meeting the financing requirements of businesses engaged in cross-border trade. The programme seeks to empower local enterprises by providing greater access to international markets and facilitating sustainable economic development.

Rahman emphasized the significance of the recognition for the bank and reaffirmed Dhaka Bank’s commitment to bridging trade finance gaps. He noted that the bank plans to continue collaborating with international institutions like ADB to create new opportunities for businesses in Bangladesh and contribute to the country’s broader economic progress.

The ADB’s TSCFP awards aim to acknowledge financial institutions that have demonstrated outstanding performance and innovation in trade finance, particularly in enabling SMEs to participate more effectively in global trade. Dhaka Bank’s consecutive recognition underscores its sustained contribution to enhancing trade finance infrastructure within the region.