BRAC Bank has come forward to help the cold affected people in the northern region of the country.

Six teams of BRAC Bank distributed 3,780 blankets and 10,000 warm clothes in different locations in five northern districts on December 22, 2011.

The locations are --Banglabandha Union Parishad Bhaban at Tetulia, Panchagarh, Khasiya Polli and other areas in Thakurgaon, Zilla Parishad Auditorium in Nilphamari, Guchhu Gram Prokolpo at Gonghachara in Rangpur and Upazilla Parishad Auditorium at Kaunia in Rangpur, Dinajpur and Parbatipur in Dinajpur.

BRAC Bank employees donated the warm clothes and raised fund to buy blankets in view of sufferings of the people due in this winter. Every year in winter, BRAC Bank employees come forward for helping the humanity.

Like previous year, the employees of BRAC Bank donated fund on the eve of "BRAC Bank DAUR – Kallayaner Pathchala", an annual marathon to raise fund for humanitarian cause. A portion of the fund has been utilized for buying blankets for distributing among less advantaged people suffering from severe cold.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BRAC Bank Limited, said, “BRAC Bank always comes forward for the sake of humanity in line with our 3P (People, Planet, Profit) philosophy. Inspired by the philosophy, our colleagues have launched a praiseworthy initiative by creating a fund on their own and donating warm clothes for the humanity. I hope this little initiative will help reduce sufferings of the cold affected people in this winter.”

BRAC Bank Limited and Daily Samakal have teamed up to launch a literary award to inspire writers and litterateurs to further enriching Bangla literature.

Daily Samakal Editor Mr. Golam Sarwar and Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman announced the award styled “BRAC Bank-Samakal Shahitya Puroshkar 2011” at a press conference at National Press Club on December 05, 2011.

Prizes will be given in three categories: poetry, novel and story; essay, autobiography and travel story; and juvenile literature. The winners will be announced and prizes will be handed over in February 2012.

Addressing the press conference, Samakal Editor Mr. Golam Sarwar said, “As responsible organizations – both Samakal and BRAC Bank – plan to play a long term role in promoting art, culture and literature. So, we are launching the literary award. This award will play a catalytic role in nurturing and promoting Bangla literature.”

He thanked BRAC Bank for supporting the initiative of inspiring creativity in the field of literature. “BRAC Bank is involved in welfare activities of the society along side business. We will try to make the initiative a literature movement nationally,” he continued.

Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman said, “As a Bangladeshi Bank, BRAC Bank always comes forward in promoting art, culture and Bangla literature. BRAC Bank has been supporting Bangla Academy Book Fair for last couple of years. BRAC Bank also arranges Bangla spelling contest for school students.”

He said, “This literary initiative will definitely inspire creative minds. Reader community will get some quality books. The award will give young promising writers a platform to practice and flourish in literature. We thank Daily Samakal for making us a part of the noble initiative. We dream to make the award the most prestigious literary award in the country.”

Books and write-ups published in the year 2011 will be eligible for the award. One writer can compete in one category only and submit one book only. Young writers with 18-40 age range will be eligible for juvenile literature award. Writers are requested to send six copies of books to Literature Section of Daily Samakal Office till January 07, 2012.

Samakal Executive Director Mr. S M Shahab Uddin, Associate Editor Mr. Nasir Ahmed, Feature Editor Mr. Mahbub Aziz and Head of Corporate Affairs of BRAC Bank Limited Mr. Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq were present.

BRAC Bank Limited and Nestle Bangladesh Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently in Dhaka. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, and Mr. Laurent Therond, Managing Director of Nestle Bangladesh Limited, signed the MoU. Under the deal, BRAC Bank will provide finance to distributors of Nestle for purchase of coffee vending machine.

BRAC Bank handed over on the spot loan to SME entrepreneurs in a small and cottage industry fair in Cox’s Bazaar.

Dr. Atiur Rahman, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, formally inaugurated the 3-day fair on November 12, 2011 titled “SME Shaikat Utshab-2011” organized by National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh (NASCIB). He also handed over loan sanction documents of BRAC Bank to the local entrepreneurs.

The entrepreneurs receiving loan sanction documents from BRAC Bank were –Mizanur Rahman of M/s. New Mizan Brother, Ramjan Ali of M/s. Ramjan Enterprise and Momena Aktar of M/s. Shamsunnahar and Shifa. BRAC Bank disbursed Tk. 91 lac as SME loan to these entrepreneurs.

Mr. Sheikh Md. Abdus Sobhan, President of NASCIB, Mr. Hemayet Uddin Talukder, Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Mr. S M Moniruzzaman, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank, senior officials of NASCIB, different banks and local entrepreneurs were present.

BRAC Bank gives priority to lending in small and medium enterprises. Within 10 years of operation, the bank has disbursed Tk. 14,500 crore loan to 3.65 lac SME entrepreneurs in the country realizing million dreams and creating huge employment opportunities in the country.

BRAC Bank Limited organized 8th Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) in Dhaka on November 3, 2011.

The shareholders approved changing the face value of shares from existing Tk. 100 to Tk. 10 and market lot of shares from existing 50 to 500. They also approved enhancement of authorized share capital from existing Tk. 480 crore divided into 4.80 crore ordinary shares of Tk. 100 each to Tk. 1,200 crore divided into 120 crore shares of Tk. 10 each.

Chaired by Mr. S N Kairy, Director of BRAC Bank Limited, the meeting was attended, among others, by Director Dr. Hafiz G. A. Siddiqi, Managing Director & CEO Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman and Company Secretary Mr. Rais Uddin Ahmad.

Addressing the EGM, Mr. S N Kairy expressed his gratitude to the shareholders, stakeholders and management for their continuous support to the company.

A large number of shareholders also attended the EGM held at Spectra Convention Center at Gulshan in Dhaka.

Students of Presidency University have got new computers for their Computer Lab. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, hands over two computers to Professor Dr. Anwar Hossain, Vice Chancellor of Presidency University, in Dhaka on November 1, 2011.

BRAC Bank Limited has donated Tk. 6 lac to International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to facilitate its research program. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, hands over the cheque to Dr. Mohammed Zainul Abedin, IRRI Representative for Bangladesh, at IRRI Country Office in Dhaka on October 13, 2011.

A stitch in time saves nine. Some work must be done on time. Seasoned farmer Mainul Islam knows it well. It is important to sow seeds, ensure irritation, fertilizer, pesticide and weeding just in right time. There is also appropriate time for cutting crops. Combination of all these timely jobs give farmer a good harvest.

As a passionate farmer he tries his best to accomplish the jobs on time but sometime could not. He ended up with poor harvest every season as he could not arrange enough money for agricultural materials. His toil with soil and sweat go in vain. Money lands on his hand after completing harvest but to no avail. Because he knows some job is required to be done just in the nick of time.

Mainul Islam, who lives in Bhairaba village under Moheshpur Upazilla in Jhenaidah, could not ever dream of a day when his distress would be over. His forefathers used to go through the same fate. So, it became quite normal for him that he would get bad harvest in spite of hard work and care for crops.

BRAC Bank, country’s largest SME bank, has come to the rescue of the distressed farmers by introducing first debit card specialized for the farmers. With this card, farmers can buy seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, agricultural equipments and other materials during farming season. They can repay after the harvest when they sell the crops. They can also withdraw money anytime as per their requirements.

With this card, the farmers can avail revolving loan facility instead of term loan with lower interest rate. This card facilitates to avail easy loan ranging from Tk. 10,000 to Tk. 50,000 at 13% interest in line with agricultural finance guidelines of Bangladesh Bank.

Farmers can buy agricultural materials and apply them just at the right moment of the farming cycle. So, they will be able to get good harvest which will ultimately put positive effect on agriculture sector and national economy as a whole.

BRAC Bank has launched its ‘Krishak Card’ with formal handover to a group of farmers including Mainul Islam at simple program at Bhairaba village under Moheshpur upazilla in Jhenaidah. Mr. Shykh Seraj, eminent agriculturist and media personality, along with Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, formally launched the card and handed over to the farmers at the program on October 5, 2011.

Receiving a card farmer Mainul Islam said, “I used to have crisis of money during cultivation. I badly need money for preparing land, buying seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and other agricultural equipments. I used to get poor harvest due to failure to arrange those in time. I am happy that this card allows me to buy seeds, fertilizer etc. This was beyond my dream.”

Unveiling ‘Krishak Card’ of BRAC Bank, Mr. Shykh Seraj said, “I dreamt of a day when farmers would buy with card. Today is the day of realizing the dream. I believe agriculture sector would move forward with the blend of technology with it. This card will help bring lacs of unbanked mass people into banking system. With this card, farmers will be able to break away from the vicious circle of loan sharks.”

On the launching, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, said, “As a SME bank, BRAC Bank always brings in innovative solutions for unbanked mass. Krishak Card is a part of our mission towards financial inclusion of mass people who are out of banking service. We will expand this service to other parts of the country.”

With this card in hand, farmers will be able to get rid of the grasp of usurers and enjoy financial liberty. This plastic card infuses fresh dynamism and beacons a new hope for industrious farmer community.

BRAC Bank has come forward to provide training to SME entrepreneurs for better management of their business entities.

BRAC Bank, country’s largest SME bank, has organized a financial literacy workshop titled “Amar Hishab”, a first in banking industry in the country. A total of 46 local SME entrepreneurs of Gazipur are taking part in the workshop. The workshop is aimed at enriching basic financial knowledge of SME businessmen and help them prepare balance sheet and other important financial statements. After this training, businessmen will be able to gauge financial health of their organization and will be in advantageous position to get business loan.

Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank Mr. Md. Abul Kashem formally inaugurated the five-day workshop on October 01, 2011 at Joydebpur Branch of BRAC Bank in Gazipur.

Mr. Syed Rezwanul Kabir, Managing Director of SME Foundation, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Syed Faridul Islam, Head of SME Banking of BRAC Bank, and senior officials were present.

In his inaugural speech, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank Mr. Md. Abul Kashem said, “I am happy to know banking industry is stepping ahead to train their customers. BRAC Bank’s workshop will help SME entrepreneurs to learn basic accounting to run their business efficiently.”

Mr. Syed Rezwanul Kabir, Managing Director of SME Foundation, said, “BRAC Bank is taking forward SME sector of the country with capacity building of entrepreneurs.”

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, said, “BRAC Bank intends to train up SME entrepreneurs to help manage their business in an organized way. This workshop will assist businessmen to adopt a habit of managing record and keeping accounts in appropriate way to assess performance and make sound business decision.”

Professional trainers from BIIDS is conducting the workshop.

BRAC Bank Limited has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Green Delta Insurance Company Limited in Dhaka. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, and Mr. Nasir A. Chowdhury, Managing Director of Green Delta Insurance Company, signed the agreement. Under the MoU, BRAC Bank will provide cash management services including payment of premium by customers of Green Delta Insurance Company through its real time online branch network. Mr. Khwaja Shahriar, Head of Cash Management and Custodial Services of BRAC Bank, Farzana Chowdhury - Additional Managing Director & CFO of Green Delta Insurance Company, and senior officials were present.

BRAC Bank handed over on the spot loan to SME entrepreneurs in a small and cottage industry fair in Rangamati.

Mr. Nikhil Kumar Chakma, Chairman, Rangamati Hill District Council, formally inaugurated the 5-day fair on September 8, 2011 titled “NASCIB Parbatta Utshab -2011” organized by National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh (NASCIB). He also handed over loan sanction documents of BRAC Bank to the local entrepreneurs.

The entrepreneurs receiving loan sanction documents from BRAC Bank were –Mohammad Faqrul Islam of M/s Modina Electronic & Garments, Susila Chakma of M/s Susila Chakma, Mohammad Mofazzal of Dhaka Electric & Cookeries, Monohori Borua of M/s Mohan Sheboli Store, Batayon Chakma of M/s Nice Eyes Fashion. BRAC Bank disbursed Tk. 22 lac as SME loan to these entrepreneurs.

Mr. Md. Abul Quasem, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Mr. Sheikh Md. Abdus Sobhan, President of NASCIB, Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank, senior officials of NASCIB, different banks and local entrepreneurs were present.

Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank said, “Rangamati has huge potential for small and cottage industries. As an SME bank, BRAC Bank is supporting local entrepreneurs to help flourish the prospective sectors in this district.” He thanked NASCIB for organizing the fair which would inspire local entrepreneurs to expand their ventures by availing loan facilities.

BRAC Bank gives priority to lending in small and medium enterprises. Within 10 years of operation, the bank has disbursed Tk. 14,500 crore loan to 3.65 lac SME entrepreneurs in the country realizing million dreams and creating huge employment opportunities in the country.

BRAC Bank Limited has financed a latest technology-equipped and one of the country’s largest fish hatching and farming project located at Bhaluka in Mymensingh. Mr. Syed Faridul Islam, Head of SME Banking, BRAC Bank Limited, and Mr. Abdul Mokim Chowdhury, Managing Partner, Miracle Hatchery & Aqua Culture Farm, signed the loan sanction documents at BRAC Bank Head Office recently. Mr. Aftab ul Islam, Chairman of SME Foundation, Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank Limited, and senior officials were present.

BRAC Bank Limited recently organized a workshop on "Capacity Building of Women Entrepreneurs” for members of National Association of Small and Cottage Industry of Bangladesh and Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh in Dhaka. Mr. Sukamal Sinha Choudhury, General Manager, SME & Special Programmes Department, Bangladesh Bank, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, BRAC Bank Limited; Mr. Syed Faridul Islam, Head of SME Banking, Tahniyat Ahmed Karim, Head of Human Resources, BRAC Bank Limited, and spoke on the occasion.

BRAC Bank has recently signed an agreement with Dragon Airlines. Mr. Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking of BRAC Bank Limited, and Mr. M. Morshed Amin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Bangladesh, Bhutan & East India, Dragonair & Cathay Pacific Airways, signed the agreement. Under the deal, students opening 'Student File' with BRAC Bank for studying in Australia will enjoy a 20 kg excess baggage service if they fly through Dragonair.

BRAC Bank has launched a Day Care Center ‘CRÈCHE’, a first of its kind in the banking industry in Bangladesh, at its Head Office recently for taking care of babies of employees during office hours. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, formally inaugurates the Day Care Center in presence of senior officials of the bank.

BRAC Bank recently organized a Town Hall Meeting for its employees of Dhaka Region. On occasion of the Bank's 10th anniversary, Employee Values: CRYSTAL was formally unveiled by Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of the bank, at Town Hall Meeting. Senior officials were present.

BRAC Bank recently organized a Town Hall Meeting for its employees of Dhaka Region. On occasion of the Bank's 10th anniversary, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Chairperson of BRAC and Founder Chairman of BRAC Bank Limited, hands over award to employees serving the bank for 10 years as recognition for their contribution to the bank. Mr. Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of the bank, were present.

BRAC Bank, one of the country’s fastest growing banks, is now in Tangail and Ghatail with its modern banking facilities. Besides inauguration of Tangail Branch, the bank also donated computers for students of Sallah Samabaya High School, Kalihati.

Mr. Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of BRAC Bank, inaugurated Tangail Branch and Ghatail SME/Krishi Branch on July 25, 2011. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, and senior officials were present.

At a program at Tangail Branch, Mr. Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of BRAC Bank Limited, handed over two computers to Mr. Md. Sadek Ali Molla, Head Master of Sallah Samabaya High School, Kalihati, Tangail.

Mr. Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of BRAC Bank Limited, said, “BRAC Bank always strives to do something for the community it works in and the people it works with. Aligned with our 3P philosophy –People, Planet and Profit, welfare of people and planet comes first to us than business. We believe our branches will support the financial requirements of the localities and our small contribution will help the students to learn basic computer skills.”

On the occasion, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, said, “BRAC Bank always strives to expand its branch network to serve more people with its best-in-the-class service. People of this area will enjoy most modern and online banking solutions at their convenience. We are strengthening our presence in semi-urban and rural areas of the country to serve mass people at grassroots level.”

With these two new branches total number of branches including SME/Krishi Branches and SME Service Centres stand at 151 which will make BRAC Bank as one of the largest online network in Bangladesh.

Tangail Branch is located in Tangail Tower, Main Road, Tangail and Ghatail SME/Krishi Branch at Kazim Uddin Super Market, College Mur, Ghatail, Tangail. The entire areas and the localities wore a festive look on these occasions. Local elites, business people and a large number of the Bank’s customers along with senior management of the Bank attended the inauguration programs.

Bangladesh's first complete mobile financial service provider, bKash Limited, a BRAC Bank subsidiary, launched its operation today, July 21, 2011. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman inaugurated the service in Dhaka. The Governor marked the occasion as a milestone event not only for the advancement of Bangladesh but also to celebrate a true partnership between banking and telecom industries.

bKash is designed to provide financial services via mobile phones to both the unbanked and the banked people of Bangladesh. The overall bKash value proposition is simple: a safe, convenient place to store money; a safe, easy way to make payments and money transfers.

The bKash mobile wallet, a VISA technology platform which is fully encrypted to ensure most secure transactions, will be the customer account into which money can be deposited and out of which money can be withdrawn or used for various services. Customers will be able to receive electronic money into their bKash accounts through salary, loan, domestic remittance, and other disbursements and eventually will cash out the electronic money at any of the hundreds of cash out agents which bKash assigns.

In February 2011, mobile operator Robi Axiata Limited signed a partnership agreement with bKash to provide access to its services for Robi subscribers and extend the distribution of the service. bKash's other distribution partner is BRAC which provides a local presence to offer the bKash service at the vicinity of the beneficiaries. Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, mentioned "bKash provides a wonderful opportunity for millions of unbanked people who owns a cell phone to have a bank account where they will be able to deposit, payout and transfer funds as they wish safely and securely."

bKash has already selected over 500 agents and adding hundreds of new agents to its network every month. In addition, bKash has signed an MOU with Local Government Division (LGD) and Access to Information Programme (A2I) to use their 4501 Union Information & Service Centers to make financial services accessible to grass root people.

Inaugurating the service, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman said, "People can deposit money, withdraw money and use money in many purposes through bKash. It will increase money flow to rural part of the country. It will facilitate propensity of saving among people. I have requested concerned regulators to ensure interoperability among mobile companies to make the service available for customers of all mobile operators in the country. I hope all operators will come forward and join for their own sake. I thank and congratulate bKash, BRAC Bank and Robi for joining hands and make it possible."

"With the backing of leading players in the field, bKash has the scale and expertise to deliver a service that the majority of Bangladeshis desperately need," said Mr. Kamal Quadir, CEO of bKash. "We will evolve with the needs of individuals, businesses and communities," continued Mr. Quadir.

"bKash presents a compelling business plan which capitalizes on a ripe economy to dramatically expand access to formal financial services, both as an extension of BRAC Bank and as a full- scale mobile phone-based payments switch. This will highly benefit the country as 83% of the population lives under $2 a day and access for finance can help in improving the economic situation," said Mr. Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of BRAC Bank and Chairman of bKash.

Managing Director & CEO of Robi Axiata Mr. Michael Kuehner emphasized that this is the first time a dedicated mobile financial service provider has partnered with a mobile operator so the customer expects truly transformative payment solutions and services.

"bKash will fundamentally change the way people now do transactions. Customers will not need to come to the bank, rather the bank will come to their places. Menu-driven system will be very user-friendly. Customers can do banking even through the most basic handset.", said Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank.

BRAC Bank Limited has received Award of recognition from International Finance Corporation (IFC) as the "Most Active Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) Issuing Bank in South Asia" in 2010. Mr. Mahmoodun Nabi Chowdhury, Head of Corporate Banking of BRAC Bank Limited, received the prestigious award at IFC's 4th Annual GTFP Bank Partners Meetings held recently at Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey.

BRAC Bank has introduced country's first local currency 'Range Forward Contract' to safeguard fluctuation risk of US dollar/Bangladeshi Taka for corporate houses engaged in international trade.

BRAC Bank Limited and Marico Bangladesh Limited have signed a "Range Forward Contract" through which Marico Bangladesh Limited will be able to cover of foreign exchange fluctuation risk with a price band.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited and Mr. Rohit Jaiswal, Managing Director of Marico Bangladesh Limited, signed the contract on behalf of their organizations recently in Dhaka.

Mr. Mohammed Rahmat Pasha, Head of Treasury & Financial Institutions of BRAC Bank Limited, and Mr. Iqbal Chowdhury, Head – Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations and Company Secretary of Marico Bangladesh Limited, and senior officials were present.

This kind of deal would help the importing clients from adverse fluctuation of the foreign exchange market. Large corporate houses will now have a fresh option to cover their position through a cost effective new product. With this BRAC Bank has covered a new area of the foreign exchange derivatives previously absent in the market.

Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman said "We felt the urge to introduce new hedging products tailored for our customers according to their need. This innovative foreign exchange product will help the corporate houses to hedge their currency risk and save them from foreign currency fluctuation risk."

Head of Treasury & Financial Institutions of BRAC Bank Mr. Rahmat Pasha said "This will be a milestone product for the market through which corporate houses will be saved in the rainy days, when the currency market moves wildly."

The deal also demonstrates active support of Bangladesh Bank and the commitment of BRAC Bank, in developing foreign exchange derivative market. The range forward is a fresh derivative which helps corporate houses to save their money through staying in a price band. With development of financial market, the need for hedging price risk is growing for corporate houses. At present the corporate houses are having many scopes to hedge their risk through different derivative instrument as the market is developing with active guidance of Bangladesh Bank.

BRAC Bank has hosted its SME customers in a special ‘SME Night’.

BRAC Bank organized ‘SME Night’ to honour and express gratitude to SME customers as the bank celebrates 10th anniversary.

Successful entrepreneurs in SME business joined in the ceremony organized at a restaurant in Dhaka on June 25, 2011. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, was present at the function.

Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Syed Faridul Islam, Head of SME Banking, and senior officials of BRAC Bank attended the function.

Speaking to the customers at the function, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, said, “You are changing economy of the country with your small business initiatives. You are driving the economy and generating huge employment. With your inspiration and support, we will bring all SME entrepreneurs of the country under banking coverage.”

Greeting the customers on 10th anniversary, he said, “BRAC Bank is the youngest bank in the country. We are proud that we have been able to stand beside 3.65 lac SME entrepreneurs in fulfilling their dreams. It was your trust and support that is why we stand here today. With your unshakable trust, we are now a big family of 12 lac customers.”

Customers won attractive prizes including air ticket through raffle draw. The ceremony ended with an enchanting musical performance.

Through mobile phones, millions of banked and unbanked people in Bangladesh will get access to banking services from subsidiary of BRAC Bank, which will be open to users in a few days. BRAC Bank disclosed this at a Press Conference today on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

bKash – a joint-venture between BRAC Bank and US-based Money in Motion – is using a fully encrypted VISA technology platform for transactions over mobile phones. "bKash will fundamentally change the way people now do transactions as in future all transactions can be done through mobile phones. Customers will not need to come to the bank, rather the bank will come to their places", said Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank.

BRAC Bank launched its operation 10 years back with the objective of bringing unbanked mass people under formal banking coverage. The business model was simple: 'mobilizing deposits from urban areas and disbursing it to rural areas'. bKash is a leap frog in that journey of financial inclusion for the 'mass' with state of art technology and security.

"Your mobile phone will become your wallet. Customers can avail financial services through any phone, even by the handset that cost the lowest. Our menu-driven system is very user-friendly so that anybody can use the service," added the Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank at a press conference today, July 2, 2011 on the eve of the bank's 10th anniversary.

Country's youngest bank already has set some records: it has acquired over 12 lac customers, bringing full banking services across not only SME, but all strata of the banking industry. Unique industry-initiatives like OMNIBUS, ELDORADO and Public-Private-Partnerships witnessed BRAC Bank leading a tech-savvy platform for the industry to make financial solutions faster and more accessible to people.

"Being the youngest Bangladeshi bank, we have emerged as the largest SME bank serving about 3.65 lac entrepreneurs at grassroots level, an achievement that helped Global Recognition for this Bangladeshi Bank", said Mr. Mamdudur Rashid, DMD of the bank.

The bank believes in 3P philosophy –People, Planet and Profit – and has been active in Green Banking. It has already turned 22 of its SME Unit Offices solar-powered, and plans to turn the rest by 2012. To facilitate solar-based business initiatives in a focused manner BRAC Bank has established "Renewable Energy Desk" under guidelines of Bangladesh Bank.

Apart from Business, BRAC Bank has been active in CSR as well. As a latest initiative, the bank has signed up with BRAC to extend financial support to Libya-returnees, mentioned Mr. Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq, Head of Corporate Affairs to the Press.

bKash has already signed with a leading mobile operator and is in dialogue with others so that the entire mobile subscription base – which currently stands at around 7.5 crore – will be able to have individual digital wallets to avail necessary financial services. In fact, this service will also enable 'agents' in remote locations to provide banking services beyond individual mobile usage. Under a partnership with UNDP and Local Government Division (LGD), bKash is rolling out mobile banking in 4,501 Union Parishads in the country. Any mobile user can register and open up a bKash account and then do transactions over his or her phone in easy, convenient and reliable way.

Mr. Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq, Head of Corporate Affairs, and senior officials of the bank were present at the press conference held at Dhaka Reporters' Unity.

BRAC Bank has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chittagong's leading real estate company Sanmar Properties Limited. Mr. Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking of BRAC Bank, and Mr. Saleem Bin Saleh, GM, Business Development & Corporate Affairs of Sanmar Properties, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations at a program in Chittagong. Under the MoU, customers of BRAC Bank's home loan product 'Apon Ghar' will enjoy special discount from Sanmar Properties.

BRAC Bank has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chittagong's leading real estate company Eternal Design & Development Limited. Mr. Sarder Akhter Hamed, Head of Retail Lending of BRAC Bank, and Eng. A K M Emtajul Islam, Managing Director of Eternal Design & Development, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations at a program in Chittagong. Under the MoU, customers of BRAC Bank's home loan product 'Apon Ghar' will enjoy special discount from Eternal Design & Development.

BRAC Bank has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chittagong's leading real estate company Equity Property Management Private Limited. Mr. Sarder Akhter Hamed, Head of Retail Lending of BRAC Bank, and Mr. Mahfuzul Haque, Director of Equity Property, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations at a program in Chittagong. Under the MoU, customers of BRAC Bank's home loan product 'Apon Ghar' will enjoy special discount from Equity Property.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) has recently extended a loan of US$ 40 million to support the Bank's international trade finance. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, and Mr. Kyle F. Kelhofer, Country Manager, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal of IFC, are seen signing an agreement for the same in presence of other senior officials of the two sides.

BRAC Bank Limited has opened a new branch at New Market area in Chittagong with its modern banking facilities. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, inaugurated the branch at Haji M Rahman Mansion at Anayet Bazar. Local elites and senior officials of the bank were present.

BRAC Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Muradpur in Chittagong with its modern banking facilities. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, inaugurated the branch at Ramna Trade Center. Local elites and senior officials of the bank were present.

BRAC Bank, one of the country's fastest growing banks, has opened a new branch in Manikganj with its modern banking facilities. This is the first in BRAC Bank's branch network to have solar system as alternative power support, a unique initiative in the industry manifesting strong commitment to environment.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, inaugurated the branch on 21st June, 2011.

With this new branch total number of branches including SME/Krishi Branches and SME Service Centres stands at 151 which will make BRAC Bank as one of the largest online network in Bangladesh.

On the occasion, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, said "BRAC Bank always strives to expand its branch network to serve more people with its best-in-the-class service. As part of our commitment to environment, we have installed solar panel for the branch. We are installing solar panels in our SME Unit Offices across the country. In this 10th anniversary year, we are undertaking a number of green banking initiatives and introducing innovative banking solutions for the people as aligned with bank's 3P Philosophy – People, Planet and Profit. ''

Manikganj Branch is located at Chandni Market, Holding # 194, Shahid Rafiq Sarak, Manikganj-1800. The entire areas and the localities wore festive look on these occasion. Local elites, business people and a large number of the Bank's customers along with senior management of the Bank attended the inauguration program.

BRAC Bank and SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility (SEDF managed by IFC, in partnership with DFID and NORAD) jointly organized a workshop on 'Import and Export Management' for SME customers in Chittagong.

The two-day workshop began at Peninsula Hotel in Chittagong on May 21, 2011. Mr. Syed Faridul Islam, Head of SME Banking, and Mr. Syed Abdul Momen, Head of Small Business of BRAC Bank, Mr. Naser Hasan Khan, Financial Market Specialist, and Mr. Ayon Rahman, Consultant of SEDF, attended the closing ceremony on May 22, 2011 and handed over certificates to the participants.

SME sector makes remarkable contribution to national economy. BRAC Bank in association with SEDF organized the workshop to provide uninterrupted support to entrepreneurs in SME sector. Similar workshop was also organized in Bogra and Dhaka.

Expert resource persons made deliberations on issues of import-export management, business initiative, development and growth. Ways and process for a vibrant import and export business by utilizing bank finance was thoroughly discussed in the workshop.

Export Import Bank of Bangladesh Limited has joined OMNIBUS, a platform of shared ATM (Automated Teller Machine) and POS (Point of Sales) networks led by BRAC Bank Limited. From now on, customers of EXIM Bank can use shared network of over 800 ATMs of OMNIBUS across Bangladesh.

OMNIBUS is a facility that combines the ATM and POS networks of member institutions through a combined network of over 800 ATMs.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, and Mr. Kazi Masihur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of Export Import Bank of Bangladesh Limited, signed an agreement on behalf of their respective organizations on June 5, 2011. Mr. Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking of BRAC Bank Limited, Dr. Mohammed Haider Ali Miah, Additional Managing Director, Deputy Managing Directors of Exim Bank, and other senior officials of both the banks were present.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman said, "BRAC Bank initiated OMNIBUS with a vision to create 24x7 seamless ATM and POS Banking at a common platform. We are happy to see so many banks and organizations joining in the platform, which in turn makes banking so much more accessible to customers on round-the-clock basis."

On the occasion, Mr. Kazi Masihur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of EXIM Bank, "EXIM Bank joins OMNIBUS to provide round-the-clock banking services through a greater ATM & POS network for its customers. It is one of the initiatives that we are taking to provide innovative and convenient banking services for our customers."

With joining of EXIM Bank, a total of 36 banks are in OMNIBUS platform: BRAC Bank Limited, QCash - a consortium of 20 banks, ONE Bank Limited, United Commercial Bank Limited, Eastern Bank Limited, Rupali Bank Limited, Cash Link BD Limited - a consortium of 5 banks, Dhaka Bank Limited, Bank Alfalah Limited, NCC Bank Limited, Southeast Bank Limited and Standard Bank Limited. Through this common platform, customers of any of the 36 member banks now can use any of their 800 on 24X7.

BRAC Bank Limited has successfully arranged a syndicated project finance of BDT 1,120.60 million for Meghna Seeds Crushing Mills Limited - a new project of Meghna Group of Industries.

The project aims to set up a seed crushing plant to produce crude edible oil and oil cakes in Meghna Group's industrial park at Meghna Ghat, Narayanganj.

Beside BRAC Bank, Agrani Bank Limited, Pubali Bank Limited, Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited, Southeast Bank Limited and United Leasing Company Limited are the syndicate partners.

The signing ceremony was held at a hotel in Dhaka on May 29, 2011. Mr. Mostafa Kamal, Managing Director of Meghna Group of Industries, Mr Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, BRAC Bank Limited, Mr Helal Ahmed Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO, Pubali Bank Limited, Mr Syed Abdul Hamid, Managing Director & CEO, Agrani Bank Limited, Mr Md Abdur Rahman Sarker, Managing Director, Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited, Mr Syed Imtiaz Hasib, Deputy Managing Director, Southeast Bank Limited, and Mr M A Azim, Deputy Managing Director, United Leasing Company Limited signed the Agreements on behalf of their respective organizations.

Mr Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank, Mr Mahmoodun Nabi Chowdhury, Head of Corporate Banking Division of BRAC Bank, Mr Jasimuddin, Deputy Managing Director of Meghna Group, Mr Syed Golam Maruf, Head of Corporate Institutions and Structured Finance, BRAC Bank and other high officials of all concerned organizations were present at the event.

BRAC Bank has launched Probashi Card to help customers receive overseas remittance directly from ATM and POS all over the country.

With launch of Probashi pre-paid Card, customers can now receive remittance money at anytime avoiding the hassle of coming to the bank branches. Apart from 250 ATMs of BRAC Bank, customers can withdraw money from all VISA ATMs in Bangladesh and can make purchase at over 10,000 POS terminals in shops. This is yet another milestone of BRAC Bank which is in continuous pursuit to satisfy customers with innovative and convenient new banking solutions.

BRAC Bank's Probashi Card is the fastest, safest and the most convenient way of receiving remittance money from across the world for beneficiaries in Bangladesh. Expatriate Bangladeshis will now see their hard-earned money safely reaching pockets of their near and dear ones in Bangladesh with best possible convenience. Any BRAC Bank remittance beneficiary can apply for this card.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of BRAC Bank, formally launched the card at a program at Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on May 30, 2011.

Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Khwaja Shahriar, Head of Cash Management, Custodial Services & Probashi Banking, Mr. Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq, Head of Corporate Affairs of BRAC Bank, and senior officials of the bank were present.

On the occasion, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of BRAC Bank, said, "BRAC Bank has always been bringing in new services for convenience of its customers. Probashi Card gives customers freedom to withdraw desired amount of money directly from ATM and keep the rest as savings for withdrawing as and when required. All these features make this a unique card to facilitate quickest remittance delivery at home. BRAC Bank will continue to introduce innovative banking solutions for the expatriate customers and their beneficiaries."

BRAC Bank has opened its 250th ATM as part of expansion of automatic cash withdrawal facilities for the customers across the country.

Tamara Hasan Abed, Director, and Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, formally opened 250th ATM at Aarong Center at Tejgaon in Dhaka on May 24, 2011.

Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Rais Uddin Ahmad, Company Secretary and Head of Legal, Regulatory & Internal Control, Tahniyat Ahmed Karim, Head of Human Resources, Mr. Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking, Mr. Mohammad Rahmat Pasha, Head of Treasury and Financial Institution and senior officials were present.

bKash Limited (a subsidiary of BRAC Bank) signed an MOU today with Access to Information Programme (A2I), a UNDP supported program and Local Government Division (LGD), to make financial services accessible to grass root people through mobile telecom network.

LGD and A2I are implementation partners who operate Union Information and Service Center (UISC) in 4,501 Union Parishads. Through these Centers, people at grass root level receive Information Technology (IT) access.

bKash – the BRAC Bank subsidiary that is rolling out a universal financial service platform – will act as the Payment Service Operator as per an MoU signed at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) today. As a result of this MoU, the unbanked population of the country will now receive full banking services using simple mobile phones.

Chief Executive Officer of bKash Limited Kamal Quadir, Joint Secretary of LGD Mr. Ashok Madhab Roy and PS-1 to Hon'ble Prime Minister Md Nazrul Islam Khan on behalf of A2I program inked the Memorandum of Understanding at Karabi Hall, Prime Minister's Office yesterday. Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of BRAC Bank Ltd Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman along with other BRAC Bank official positions witnessed the signing.

"It is a landmark collaboration with the government in bringing such a visionary service", said Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank. "This MoU will strengthen our efforts in creating access for the low-income, mostly rural and unbanked people of Bangladesh."

For the people at union-parishad level, this MoU will create a way to have access to banking without in fact going to the bank at all. The UISCs will act as a key channel for any mobile user to register and open up bank accounts and then do virtual transactions over mobile phone in easy, convenient way.

Kamal Quadir, CEO of bKash, on signing this MoU, said "bKash has been created to promote sustainable micro-savings to achieve broader financial inclusion by providing services that are convenient, affordable and reliable."

BRAC Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Parkway Health of Singapore to provide special healthcare services to its premium customers and employees.

Under the MoU, BRAC Bank Premium Banking customers, Platinum cardholders and BRAC Bank employees will enjoy exclusive services and preferential rates at world- class hospitals within the Parkway Group -- Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital and Parkway East Hospital, Singapore.

Mr. Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking and Tahniyat Ahmed Karim, Head of Human Resources of BRAC Bank Limited and Mr. Zahid Hassan Khan, Director, and Mr. Steven Mok, Senior Marketing Manager, Marketing & Services of Parkway Health, signed the agreement at BRAC Bank Head Office in Dhaka recently.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO and Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank Limited and senior officials were present.

The agreement also gives customers the opportunity to address their major health concerns in Bangladesh before travelling to Singapore. Apart from Premium customers and Platinum cardholders, the employees of BRAC Bank will also enjoy top priority, exclusive services and preferential rates at Parkway Health.

BRAC Bank Limited has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dun & Bradstreet Rating Agency Bangladesh Limited for credit rating services of its SME customers. Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank, and Mr. Tarique Afzal, Chief Executive Officer of Dun & Bradstreet Rating Agency Bangladesh Limited, signed the agreement at the bank's Head Office in Dhaka. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, and senior officials were present.

BRAC Bank has launched a new 24 hour Customer Service Centre for the banking convenience of its customers

BRAC Bank Limited launched new Service Centre, Apon Shomoy, a customer service centre dedicated to serving BRAC Bank customers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, inaugurated the 10th 'Apon Shomoy' centre on May 15, 2011 at Ibrahimpur in Dhaka.

Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking; and other senior officials of the bank were also present.

'Apon Shomoy' is a round-the-clock Customer Service Centre where clients can carry out regular banking transactions like cash deposit and withdrawal facilities, account and loan applications, cheque book requests, etc.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited said, "Banking services are no longer restricted to time and place from now on after the launching of BRAC Bank's 'Apon Shomoy' - an innovative new approach, with its outlets which will serve clients at any day, at any time. This is also going save energy and resources in many ways. We will expand the service to serve more customers."

BRAC Bank and SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility (SEDF managed by IFC, in partnership with DFID and NORAD) jointly organized a workshop on 'Import and Export Management' for SME customers.

Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman inaugurated the two-day workshop on May 14, 2011 at Westin Hotel in Dhaka. A total of 100 SME customers took part in the workshop.

SME sector makes remarkable contribution to national economy. BRAC Bank in association with SEDF organized the workshop to provide uninterrupted support to entrepreneurs in SME sector.

Expert resource persons made deliberations on issues of import-export management, business initiative, development and growth. Ways and process for a vibrant import and export business by utilizing bank finance was thoroughly discussed in the workshop.

Head of SME Banking of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Faridul Islam, and senior officials of SEDF and BRAC Bank were present.

BRAC Bank and United Insurance signed an agreement for fire insurance coverage to SME customers of BRAC Bank. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, and Mr. Shahriar Ahsan, Managing Director of United Insurance, signed the agreement in bank's Head Office recently.

BRAC Bank has recently signed an MOU to provide Cash Management solution to ACI Godrej Agrovet Private Limited through the bank's 149 on-line branch network. Mr. Khwaja Shahriar, Head of Cash Management, Custodial Services & Probashi Banking of BRAC Bank, and Mr. Puneet Pokhriyal, Managing Director, ACI Godrej Agrovet, signed the agreement on behalf of the respective organizations.

BRAC Bank has launched a full-scale exchange house -- BRAC Saajan Exchange Company Limited – in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) from UK now has a secured, fast, online transfer option available for sending remittance to their loved ones in Bangladesh from UK.

Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of BRAC Bank, formally inaugurated BRAC Saajan Exchange Company at a program in Birmingham on April 29, 2011.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Rais Uddin Ahmad, Company Secretary and Head of Legal, Regulatory & Internal Control, and Mr. Khwaja Shahriar, Head of Cash Management, Custodial Services & Probashi Banking of BRAC Bank, Mr. Abdus Salam, Managing Director of BRAC Saajan Exchange Company, were present.

The company has been formed through acquisition of 75 % shares in the erstwhile Saajan Worldwide Money Transfer Limited by BRAC Bank Limited.

Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of BRAC Bank, said, "The acquisition has strengthened our operation in remittance market in UK. We are better equipped now to provide the best service to Bangladeshis living here in sending money to near and dear ones back home. Their families can receive money from over 3,000 Remittance Delivery Points across Bangladesh. Apart from remittance services, expatriates can avail different schemes of BRAC Saajan to invest in Bangladesh."

BRAC Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) jointly organized a workshop on 'Import Finance' in Bogra on April 23-24, 2011. Entrepreneurs in SME sector in the region took part in the workshop. Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid and senior officials of BRAC Bank and IFC pose for photograph along with the participants.

Farmers at the grassroots level working in dairy, poultry, fisheries and animal husbandry sectors will now get easy loan facilities from BRAC Bank through Jagorani Chakra Foundation.

Farmers and entrepreneurs in crop farming, biogas, fruit, betel leaf and other agricultural sectors will also get easy loan for business expansion.

BRAC Bank, the largest SME bank in the country, and Jagorani Chakra Foundation, a microfinance organization, signed an agreement to provide loan to farmers and small entrepreneurs in agriculture sector.

Under the agreement, BRAC Bank will provide Tk. 10 crore loan to Jagorani Chakra Foundation for disbursement among farmers and small entrepreneurs in agro-based sector.

Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid and Executive Director of Jagorani Chakra Foundation Mr. Azadul Kabir Arzoo signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations at the bank's Head Office on April 21, 2011. Head of SME Banking of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Faridul Islam and senior officials were present.

Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid said, "BRAC Bank has always been financing in productive sector like agriculture and SME, which are backbone of our economy. We believe our joint effort will facilitate easy loan facilities for grassroots level farmers and small entrepreneurs in agriculture sector."

BRAC Bank, one of the country's fastest growing banks, is now in Bonosree and Rokeya Shoroni, Dhaka with its modern banking facilities.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, inaugurated Bonosree Branch and Rokeya Shoroni Branch on 26th April, 2011.

With these two new branches total number of branches including SME/Krishi Branches and SME Service Centres stand at 149 which will make BRAC Bank as one of the largest online network in Bangladesh.

On the occasion, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, said "BRAC Bank always strives to expand its branch network to serve more people with its best-in-the-class service. We will soon introduce a new mobile-banking service for financial inclusion of the mass people. . In this 10th anniversary year, we will continue to bring innovative banking solutions for the people. ''

The Bonosree Branch is located at Plot# 12, Block# C, Main Road, Bonosree, Rampura, Dhaka and the Rokeya Shoroni Branch is located at Holding No.# 129, Senpara Parbata, Mirpur, Dhaka. The entire areas and the localities wore a festive look on these occasions. Local elites, business people and a large number of the Bank's customers along with senior management of the Bank attended the inauguration programs.

Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder Chairman of BRAC Bank and Chairperson of BRAC, in a courtesy visit to the bank, has formally inaugurated Annex Building of the bank's Head Office today, April 24, 2011 at Tejgaon.

His visit coincides with 10th anniversary of the bank – an institution he founded with the philosophy of serving small and medium entrepreneurs of the country.

Originally founded on a small 3-storey premise, BRAC Bank's Head Office today has over 170,000 square feet together with this new premise. About 2,000 employees work at different functions at the Head Office, a force that has taken this youngest bank into being one of the top in the country.

Addressing to bank employees, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed said that BRAC Bank started as the first SME bank and now has become one of the largest private banks in the country with 1.2 million customers and whole array of financial solutions. "We started with a vision of financial inclusion of the mass people. You will soon see a new mobile-baking business where customers can access their account through cell phone. Customers at the farthest end of the country will now be able to do banking. With this, we hope we will have inclusion of 5 million customers in next 5 years."

Sir Abed reiterated, "As a member of Global Alliance for Banking on Values, BRAC Bank operates under a 'Triple Bottom Line' agenda – People, Planet and Profit. We serve people and planet and sustain reasonable profit. We are proud to have a dedicated workforce who contributed greatly for growth and development of this bank." He said BRAC Bank will have its own building very soon.

Mr. Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of BRAC Bank along with Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO, Management Committee Members and other officials of the bank were present during Sir Abed's visit.

Employees of BRAC Bank celebrated Bangla Nababorsho 1418 with Boishakhi Mela, Bangla songs and other festivities at Head Office on April 13, 2011. Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman and Deputy Managing Director Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid and other Management Committee Members took part in the program along with their spouses. All employees were also present.

BRAC Bank has launched a new 24 hour Customer Service Centre for the banking convenience of its customers

BRAC Bank Limited launched new Service Centre, Apon Shomoy, a customer service centre dedicated to serving BRAC Bank customers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited, inaugurated the seventh 'Apon Shomoy' centre on April 11, 2011 in Rupnagar in Dhaka.

Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking; Ms. Tahniyat Ahmed Karim, Head of Human Resources Division; and Mr. M. Sarwar Ahmed, Head of Special Assets Management (SAM)-SME & Retail Banking; and other senior officials of the bank were also present.

'Apon Shomoy' is a round-the-clock Customer Service Centre where clients can carry out regular banking transactions like cash deposit and withdrawal facilities, account and loan applications, cheque book requests, etc.

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited said, "Banking services are no longer restricted to time and place from now on after the launching of BRAC Bank's 'Apon Shomoy' - an innovative new approach, with its outlets which will serve clients at any day, at any time. This is also going save energy and resources in many ways. We will expand the service to serve more customers."

BRAC Bank has sponsored new solo album titled "Chowa" by youth musical sensation Hridoy Khan.

The album was launched at ceremony at a restaurant in Dhaka on April 4, 2011. Mr. Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq, Head of Corporate Affairs of BRAC Bank, was present at the ceremony.

The ceremony was also attended by people from music and cultural arena of the country as well as senior officials of BRAC Bank and Agniveena, producer of the album.

In message on the launching, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank said, "BRAC Bank always supports initiatives to enhance as well as to sustain tradition and cultural identity of the nation. Our support to this album is a testament to that continual support. We firmly believe in talent and potentials of our youth musicians."

Mr. Hridoy Khan said, "My first solo album 'Bolna' was a big hit. With the support from BRAC Bank, today my second album is out now. I believe with such support Bangla music will be more enriched in coming days."

BRAC Bank has always been supportive to quality Bangla music. This year BRAC Bank sponsored Fahmida Nobi's album titled 'Akash O Somudro Opar' composed by Selim Al-Deen and Krishnokoli's album 'Alor Pithe Adhar'. BRAC Bank also launched a poetry audio CD on liberation war and patriotism titled 'Tomar Potaka Jare Dao'.

BRAC Bank recently organized a training titled "Thrust for Excellence" for its Zonal Managers (ZMs) of SME Division at BCDM in Rajendrapur, Gazipur. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, BRAC Bank, chaired the training session. Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Syed Faridul Islam, Head of SME Banking, were also present. The picture shows senior officials of the bank along with participants.

BRAC Bank and Karnaphuli Group have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for easy home loan facilities for the customers under BRAC Bank's 'Apon Ghar'. Mr. Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking of BRAC Bank, and Mr. Nurul Mostafa, Director of Karnaphuli Group, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

BRAC Bank has recently signed an agreement with Trans-Fast Remittance LLC, USA for remittance services. Picture shows Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman shaking hands with CEO of Trans-Fast Remittance LLC Mr. Samish Kumar after signing the agreement. Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Head of Probashi Banking Mr. Khwaja Shahriar and other officials are also seen.

On occasion of the Independence Day, employees of BRAC Bank across the country came together and sung the National Anthem and Patriotic Songs as a gesture of respect to the Martyrs and Freedom Fighters.

On the eve of country's 40th year of Independence and 10th year of BRAC Bank, employees of this leading Bangladeshi Bank organized this exceptional event across the country.

Dot at 9 am, more than 4,000 employees of the Bank got together in 17 different locations across the country. The employees hoisted the national flag and sang national anthem and other patriotic songs as a part of this program.

Apart from Dhaka, this program simultaneously took place in Barisal, Bogra, Chittagong, Comilla, Cox's Bazaar, Dhaka, Feni, Gazipur, Gopalganj, Jessore, Khulna, Kushtia, Mymensingh, Narayanganj, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Sylhet. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank said, "We are independent today because of the sacrifice of millions of people during the liberation war. We got together to remember and pay tribute to these valiant souls. We believe, the fight is still on – but for an economically independent, beautiful Bangladesh."

BRAC Bank Limited has declared 20 percent Stock Dividend (Bonus Shares) and 10 percent Cash Dividend for its honorable shareholders for the year 2010.

The dividends were announced at the Bank's 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Bashundhara Convention Centre (BCC), Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka-1229 on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 10 a. m.

Chaired by Mr. Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of BRAC Bank Limited, the meeting was attended, among others, by the Directors Mr. Quazi Md. Shariful Ala, Ms. Nihad Kabir, Mr. Shib Narayan Kairy, Dr. Hafiz G. A. Siddiqi, the Managing Director & CEO Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman and Company Secretary Mr. Rais Uddin Ahmad.

The Chairman of the Bank informed the AGM that Bank earned Taka 4,969 million operating profit and Taka 1,664 million Profit-After-Tax during the year 2010; growth rates are 34% and 28% respectively, which is another milestone of continuous success for BRAC Bank Limited.

Addressing the AGM, the Bank's Chairman expressed his gratitude to the shareholders, stakeholders and management for their continuous support to the Company.

A large number of shareholders also attended the AGM.

She fought on the grounds fearlessly during our 1971 liberation war. She made great contribution in war for independence of the country where we now live in.

She was accorded 'Bir Protik' medal -- only one of the two women in the country to have received the accolade -- as a recognition for great bravery in liberation war as a freedom fighter.

And now she is fighting against poverty for her very survival in her liberated homeland.

Valiant freedom fighter Taraman Bibi is leading a helpless life in a remote village in Northern Bangladesh, 350 km from Dhaka. She is gravely ill and needs financial support for her treatment and for her family.

As the news of Taraman Bibi's poor health came in, BRAC Bank has decided to provide a monthly support of Tk. 10,000 for rest of her life. The bank officials recently visited her house at Kacharipara village under Char Rajibpur upazila in Kurigram and handed over the first month's cheque to her. UNO Mr. Abdul Kader and Muktijoddha Sangsad Commander of Rajibpur Mr. Md. Abdul Hai Sarkar were also present.

Taraman Bibi was surprised to see BRAC Bank officials in her house. Taraman Bibi expressed her gratitude to BRAC Bank for standing beside her in time of need. "I am happy BRAC Bank has come this far to visit my house and help me. You are doing great service to the society. I am grateful to you," a tearful Taraman told the bank officials.

Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman said, "This is the least we could do as a socially responsible, Bangladeshi Bank - for the only Bir Protik woman living in Bangladesh, within our limit and ability. BRAC Bank wants to continue to be more human bank, on this 10th year and beyond."

Dr. Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, Prominent Scientist, Professor, Writer and also a well-known columnist is seen formally inaugurating the BRAC Bank Library in presence of Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank. Other MANCOM Members and Senior Officials of the Bank were also present. BRAC Bank employees donated books for building this library for their own welfare.

BRAC Bank has been named the sole winner for Best Retail Bank in Bangladesh at the 10th International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards Programme.

The bank received the award at The International Excellence in Retail Financial Services 2011 Awards ceremony, held in conjunction with the region's most prestigious retail banking event, the Excellence in Retail Financial Services Convention.

Mr. Abdur Rahman, Head of Branch Banking of BRAC Bank, received the award at the award ceremony held at the Shangri La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on March 11, 2011. BRAC Bank is the sole winner in Asia for the award in Best Retail Bank in Bangladesh.

About 150 senior bankers from award-winning banks in 29 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa attended the glittering event that recognises their efforts in bringing superior products and services to their customers. The awards programme, administered by The Asian Banker and refereed by prominent global bankers, consultants and academics, is the most prestigious of its kind.

On the prestigious award, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman said, "We consider this international recognition as impetus to reach new height. Our diversified retail product range with online facilities and superior customer service give us edge over competitors in retail banking. While we continue to focus on SME Banking and maintain our leadership position, we will thrive for excellence in other areas too. And this kind of international recognition will always encourage us to do so."

BRAC Bank's strategy in 2010 was to provide a well-rounded retail banking platform for the Bangladesh market. It achieved this by focusing on developing its physical and electronic distribution network, and developing new products and services.

With the largest network of terminals, branches, ATMs and point of service outlets in Bangladesh, the bank has quickly gained the reputation of being a leading bank that customers can rely on. The bank was the leader in attracting "1 million customers" in Bangladesh, outpacing its closest competitors within a relatively short period.

BRAC Bank has had solid growth in retail deposits, revenues and profits. The bank also scored a first with the launch of the country's first e-commerce banking platform. In the inward remittance segment, it was able to capture almost 40% of the total market share. In December 2010, BRAC Bank launched Bangladesh's first e-commerce banking platform in alliance with Visa.

Chris Kapfer, Head of Asian Banker Research, says, "This has changed the retail banking landscape as it offers more options for customers in using Visa cards for online shopping. This is innovative as the online shopping platform presents customers with 24/7 opportunities to shop for daily necessities and other goods from the convenience of their homes."

BRAC Bank recently organized a competition titled "Bangla Pori, Bangla Shikhi – Shuddo Bhasha Bolte Shikhi" for children of its officials. Photo shows eminent artist Hashem Khan, singer Samina Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman and senior officials along with the children.

May be their all hopes in life faded away. They were doubtful about leading a normal life again after acid incident. But now Tahura Khatun of Lalmonirhat and Manika Halder of Barisal have got new hope in life.

In an exceptional initiative, BRAC Bank has come forward to employ these acid survivors on the occasion of International Women Day 2011.

Actress and cultural personality Sara Zaker and eminent novelist and journalist Mr. Anisul Hoque formally handed over appointment letters of BRAC Bank to the women at a program in bank's head office on March 10, 2011. Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid was also present.

Manika Halder of Barisal broke down in tears as she was asked to share her experience. She fell prey to acid attack after S.S.C. exam. She said life was intolerable after acid attack. However, she continued studies overcoming difficulties. She said, "I never thought I could get a chance to work in BRAC Bank. I still think I am in dream. I wish no one ever become acid victim like me."

Tahura Khatun of Lalmonirhat expressed her heartfelt gratitude to BRAC Bank for giving a chance to work in the bank.

Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid said, "BRAC Bank is always committed in ensuring security and equal rights of employees in workplace irrespective of gender. We try to go beyond conventional initiatives in respect to women empowerment. We are proud to have the new members on board."

BRAC Bank is always working on women empowerment and development in the country. Last year the bank extended support for rehabilitation of 70 acid survivors of Dinajpur in collaboration with Prothom Alo Trust. BRAC Bank introduced 'Prothoma Loan' for women entrepreneurs. This tailor-made loan facility is helping women entrepreneurs across the country to expand business and become financially self-reliant.

All female employees and senior officials of the bank were also present at the program.

BRAC Bank has recently launched its "Grahok Adhikar" campaign which is first of its kind in the banking sector in the country. With a slogan "Aamader Astha Shacchatay Ebong Grahok Adhikare", the campaign aims at creating awareness among the customers about their rights and privileges and ensuring transparency in customer service. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, MD & CEO of BRAC Bank formally inaugurated the campaign at bank's Gulshan Branch. Later, Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, DMD of BRAC Bank inaugurated the campaign at bank's Tongi SME Unit Office and Uttara SME Service Center.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hands over a cheque for Tk. 4.8 lac as yearly contribution for the third year provided by BRAC Bank Limited to Ms. Tanni Yasta Chowdhury, wife of Lt. Col. Elahi Monzur Chowdhury who was killed in BDR incident of 2009, at a ceremony at Gonobhaban in Dhaka recently. Director of BRAC Bank Limited Mr. Shib Narayan Kairy is also seen in the picture. BRAC Bank will provide financial assistance to the family for 10 years.

BRAC Bank recently organized a Town Hall Meeting for its employees of Chittagong Region, chaired by Mr. Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of the bank. On occasion of the Bank's 10th year, employees serving the bank for more than 5 years were awarded as recognition for their contribution to the bank. The picture shows senior management officials of the bank along with awardees. Similar Town Hall Meetings were also held in Dhaka and Rajshahi.

BRAC Bank recently organized a Town Hall Meeting for its employees of Rajshahi Region, chaired by Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO. On occasion of the Bank's 10th year, employees serving the bank for more than 5 years were awarded as recognition for their contribution to the bank. The picture shows senior management officials of the bank along with awardees.

BRAC Bank today launched a CD on timeless poems written by famous poets of Bangla literature at Bangla Academy.

The CD titled "Tomar Potaka Jaare Dao" includes timeless poems by Michael Madhusudhan Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore, Jibonananda Das, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Shamsur Rahman, Syed Shamsul Haque, Asad Chowdhury and many other legendary poets. These poems on patriotism and the liberation war in the country were recited by renowned reciters Jayanta Chottopadhya, Bhaskar Bandopadhya, Praggya Laboni, Belayet Hossain and Dalia Ahmed. The CD was produced by Jagoron.

During the same program, BRAC Bank launched its Bangla website, the first by a Bangladeshi Bank. In the website www.bracbank.com/bangla, the customers will be able to view SME banking, Retail Banking, Corporate Banking & all other banking information in Bangla. This storage of information in Bangla will be very helpful to the customers.

Director General of Bangla Academy Mr. Shamsuzzaman Khan formally inaugurated the Bangla website at Bangla Academy Book Fair premises on February 26, 2011. Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, poet Asad Chowdhury, Managing Director of Jagoron Sangskriti Chorcha o Ghobeshona Kendra Professor Dr. Abdul Khaleque, Managing Director of Step Media Mr. Mostafa Touhid Khan and senior officials of BRAC Bank were also present in website & CD launching ceremony.

Director General of Bangla Academy Mr. Shamsuzzaman Khan said, "I thank BRAC Bank for launching the CD of poems and its Bangla Website. With these initiatives, we see BRAC Bank is very responsible towards the society. I believe BRAC Bank's contribution towards Bangla language and literature will continue in future."

Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman said, "BRAC Bank has always been trying to promote and support country's art, culture, health, education, environment and various other sectors."

It mentionable here that BRAC Bank for the third time has proudly sponsored Ekushey Book Fair this year. In this great month of language movement, BRAC Bank has, for the first time, organized a Bangla spelling competition for school students.

BRAC Bank for the first time in the country organized Bangla spelling competition for school students.

Twelve schools took part in the competition styled "BRAC Bank Banan Protijogita". The grand finale of the contest was held on February 18, 2011 at Shishu Academy in Dhaka. Renowned rhymester Mr. Lutfor Rahman Riton handed over prizes to the winners as Chief Guest. Head of SME Banking Division of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Faridul Islam was present as Special Guest. Guardians, school teachers and bank officials were also present.

Agrani School & College, Banani Biddya Niketon, BCIRS School, Dhaka Public School, Kakoli School, Lalmatia Girls School, Oxford School, Rajdhani School, South Point School, Saint Joseph School, T&T Girls High School and Viqarunnisa Noon School & College took part in the competition.

In the initial stage, two students were selected through internal contest in each school to represent the school in the final competition. In the final day of the competition, top-scoring three schools were declared winners through verbal spelling, MCQ and spelling correction in passage. St. Joseph School clinched the title while Lalmatia Girls School came out 1st Runners Up and South Point School 2nd Runners up.

Head of SME Banking Division of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Faridul Islam said, "We have organized this spelling competition on the sidelines of Ekushey Book Fair in this historic month of Language Movement as part of our commitment to the society. With this competition we strongly believe that the students will be committed to mother language and be inspired to learn Bangla with correct spelling from the early age."

Mr. Lutfor Rahman Riton said, "I am so happy to be here in this congregation of smiling and delightful school students. Their enthusiasm in Bangla spelling has really made me very optimistic about our future generation." He thanked BRAC Bank for organizing such a program and urged to expand it countrywide.

BRAC Bank Limited has opened two service booths at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on February 16, 2011 to provide remittance and other banking services to the outbound passengers with a special focus on Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).

It shows the fastest growing bank's continuous pursuit to reach out to different customer segments to provide the best-in-the-class banking service with the most modern technology based innovative banking products and services. BRAC Bank plays a vital role in bringing remittance of approximately Tk. 4,500 Crores in the country per year.

Mr. Shafique Alam Mehdi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism formally inaugurated the booths as the Chief Guest. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO, BRAC Bank Limited was present as the Special Guest. Senior officials of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and the bank were also present.

The booths are 'Probashi Kollyan Booth' and 'Probashi Biniyog Booth' situated at Departure Lounge in Terminal 1 and 2. The booths will provide - foreign currency exchange services, account opening, remittance advice, information about legal remittance channels and authorized remittance houses, Internet banking and investment in capital market facilities to the Bangladeshis expatriates.

On the occasion Mr. Shafique Alam Mehdi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism appreciated the role of Bank's management for carrying forward to establish the booths for the well being and convenience of expatriates Bangladeshis. He also believed that the booths would play a vital role in promoting remittance inflow through legal channels.

Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank Limited Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman said, "The opening of the booths will help flow remittance through legal channels contributing to government's foreign exchange reserve. It will also help expatriates to invest in the capital market from abroad. It will also add new dimension to passenger services improving reputation of the airport." He thanked and expressed his gratitude to the government, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and Civil Aviation Authority for allowing BRAC Bank to open the booths for provide banking services to the passengers.

A two-day SME Financing Fair will be held at Engineers' Institute in Chittagong from February 15 to February 16, 2011. BRAC Bank is the prime sponsor of the fair.

BRAC Bank, the pioneer in SME financing and largest SME bank in Bangladesh, has supported the fair to expand flow of credit in SME sector. Only 10 years into operation, BRAC Bank has disbursed Tk. 14,500 crore to 3.2 lac SME entrepreneurs which is a milestone in the banking sector in the country. This has created employment for around 12 lac people. The simple model adopted by the bank in SME financing is to mobilize deposits from urban areas and disburse it to SME entrepreneurs in rural areas.

In a message on the occasion of the fair, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman said, "We express our gratitude to Bangladesh Bank and SME Foundation for associating BRAC Bank in organizing the fair in Chittagong. With 147 branches, 421 SME Units and 8,000 employees, we are working relentlessly to serve SME sector. We strongly believe that this fair will open avenues for more prospective SME entrepreneurs to come under loan coverage."

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman will formally inaugurate the fair on February 15. Chairperson of SME Foundation Mr. Aftab ul Islam, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of SME Foundation Mr. Syed Rezwanul Kabir, General Manager, Bangladesh Bank, Chittagong Mr. Mohammad Nowshad Ali Chowdhury and General Manager-SME & Special Programs, Bangladesh Bank Mr. Sokumal Singha Chowdhury will be present at the inaugural ceremony.

Thirty two banks and financial institutions are taking part in the fair. The fair will be open for all from 12:00pm to 7:30pm on February 15 and from 10:00am to 6:00pm on February 16, 2011. Meanwhile, on the eve of the fair a press conference was organized at Bangladesh Bank Chittagong Office on February 14. General Manager, Bangladesh Bank, Chittagong Mr. Mohammad Nowshad Ali Chowdhury, and Managing Director and CEO of SME Foundation Mr. Syed Rezwanul Kabir, and Head of Corporate Affairs of BRAC Bank Mr. Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq were present at the press conference.

BRAC Bank, one of the country's fastest growing banks, is now in Nawabganj and Zinzira, Dhaka with its modern banking facility. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited formally inaugurated the Nawabgonj and Zinzira Branch today. Besides the inauguration ceremony of BRAC Bank Nawabgonj Branch, the Bank also donated Computers for students of Bagmara High School, Nawabgonj.

BRAC Bank is the pioneer of SME Banking in Bangladesh. The Bank has become the Largest SME Bank in the country now. The Bank has established more than 40% of its branches in semi-urban or rural area with having largest online network. The 2 new branches are an addition to this network.

On the occasion, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank Limited said, "Being a Socially Responsible Bangladeshi Bank, BRAC Bank is always striving to expand its branch network across the country to serve the mass people with its best-in-the-class service within affordable price range. We believe, our branches will support the financial requirements of the localities."

Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Limited handed over 6 computers to Mr. Zia Uddin Ahmed, Head Master, Bagmara High School, Nawabgonj, Dhaka. Apart from BRAC Bank senior officials, local TNO, Officer in Charge of Nawabgonj Police Station, Chief Engineer of LGED and other local elites of Nawabgonj were also present in the ceremony.

The Nawabgonj Branch is located at Isamoti Plaza, Plot # 415 (Ground Floor), Dhaka-Bandura Main Road, Nawabgonj, Dhaka and the Zinzira Branch is located at Mona Trade City (1st Floor), Dakpara, Zinjira High Way, Keraniganj, Dhaka-1310. The entire areas and the localities wore a festive look on these occasions. Local elites, business peoples and a large number of the Bank's customers along with senior management of the Bank attended the inauguration program.

BRAC Bank recently signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sunlife Insurance Company to provide Cash Management solution to Sunlife Insurance Company (SIC) which will facilitate the policy holders of SIC with more systematic, improved and efficient nationwide collection system through BRAC Bank's 144 on-line branch networks. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, BRAC Bank and Mr. Md. Mahafuzul Bari Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO, Sunlife Insurance Company signed the MoU on on behalf of the respective organizations, in presence of Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, DMD, BRAC Bank; Dr. Kalyan Krishna Chakraborty and Mr. Md. Rabiul Alam, DMDs of Sunlife Insurance Company and other senior officials of both the organizations.

BRAC Bank recently signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Grameenphone to provide Cash Management Payment solution to Grameenphone (GP) in Rajshahi & Sylhet region which will facilitate the vendors of GP with more systematic, improved and efficient nationwide collection system through BRAC Bank's 144 on-line branch networks as well as bring ease to the Regional Finance Operational Process of GP. Mr. Md. Mainur Rahman Bhuiyan, Deputy Director & Head of Corporate Finance and Treasury, Finance Division of Grameenphone and Mr. Khwaja Shahriar, Head of Cash Management, Custodial Services and Probashi Banking of BRAC Bank signed the MoU on behalf of the respective organizations in presence of other senior officials of both the organizations.

BRAC Bank recently signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kazi Farms Group to provide Cash Management solution to Kazi Farms Group (KFG) which will facilitate the distributors of KFG with more systematic, improved and efficient nationwide collection system through BRAC Bank's 144 on-line branch networks. Mr. Kazi Zeeshan Hasan, Director, Kazi Farms Group and Mr. Khwaja Shahriar, Head of Cash Management, Custodial Services and Probashi Banking, BRAC Bank signed the MoU on behalf of the respective organizations, in presence of Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, BRAC Bank; Mr. Kazi Zahedul Hasan, Managing Director, Kazi Farms Group and other senior officials of both the organizations.

BRAC Bank recently distributed Blankets and Warm Clothes among the less-advantaged people suffering from severe cold in North Bengal as a part of its CSR activity. Employees of BRAC Bank have donated the Blankets and Warm Clothes which has been distributed to the needy cold-hit people and orphan children of Nilphamary and Kurigram by BRAC Bank SME Division. Mr. Zillur Rahman, District Commissioner of Nilphamari; senior officials of BRAC Bank and local government bodies were also present on the occasion.

The employees at BRAC Bank started its new year with a marathon and walkathon event styled "BRAC Bank DAUR – Kallayaner Pathchala" to raise fund for humanitarian cause. Mr. Roquibul Hassan, former Captain of Bangladesh National Cricket Team, inaugurated the "BRAC Bank DAUR – Kallayaner Pathchala" at the centre point of Manik Miah Avenue as the Chief Guest in presence of Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO and more than 1,500 employees of BRAC Bank Limited.

The marathon started at 7:00 a.m. early in the morning followed by walkathon at 7:15. Around 1,200 employees participated in the DAUR that started from the centre point of Manik Miah Avenue towards Khamar Bari, and then crossing Rokeya Shoroni, Agargaon, Mirpur Road Shishu Mela, Asad Gate and finally finishing at the center point of Manik Miah Avenue again.

"This is an exceptional event in the country", said an enthusiastic Roquibul Hassan. The ex-Captain of Bangladesh team said, "While fund-raising marathons have been in practice in many countries, I see this as a start in Bangladesh, and that too by the employees of a certain organization!" He added that such events will also help raise physical fitness of corporate employees.

The employees raised a fund of nearly Taka 9 Lac, and the company doubled it from its CSR fund. Half of the total fund was donated to a non-profit, charitable organization that assists and hosts Children and adults suffering from Cancer for their treatment, named "Diganta Memorial Cancer Foundation". This young organization not only hosts the patients for free, but also works towards filling up the information gap between patients and doctors, and works on motivating the cancer patients through peer-group networking. The foundation members received the donation cheque at the closing of the "DAUR". The other half would be utilized to distribute blankets and warm clothes among less-advantaged people suffering from severe cold in North Bengal through the extensive network of BRAC Bank SME Team. The Bank's Head of SME Mr. Syed Faridul Islam received the cheque for the same.

In this memorable event, Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, BRAC Bank Limited thanked his team saying, "It is inspirational to have a team that works for the society besides their day to day jobs. In line with our 3P (People, Planet, Profit) philosophy, today's event marks a great start of the year that involves people and planet in a commendable way!"

BRAC Bank recently held a road-show at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet as a part of a series of campus contacts that the country's fastest growing Bangladeshi Bank is carrying out in various universities countrywide for exploring Future Leaders as well as to bring more practical industry exposure to the academia. Ms. Tahniyat Ahmed Karim, Head of Human Resources, BRAC Bank is seen delivering her lively interactive presentation for the students of SUST at the road-show. Considering people as a human capital, the Bank has initiated this series of Road Shows at different universities.

BRAC Bank Limited recently held the Lottery for its Subordinated 25% Convertible Bond Application. The Total Issue Size of the Bond was BDT 300 Crore where Private Placement was BDT 270 Crore and Public Offering was BDT 30 Crore. Mr. Rais Uddin Ahmad, Company Secretary and Head of Legal, Regulatory & Internal Control of BRAC Bank; other senior officials of DSE, CSE, CDBL, IDLC, BUET, SATCOM IT, BRAC Bank and applicants were also present in the lottery.