Expanding its presence in rural areas, EBL agent banking aims to bridge the urban-rural banking disparity.
In the heart of Bangladesh, Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) continues to make strides in financial inclusion with the launch of a new Agent Banking outlet in Lohagara Bazar, Narail, as of July 2025 [1]. This expansion marks a significant step in EBL's mission to bring essential financial services to unbanked and underbanked populations in rural areas.
EBL's Agent Banking operations, initiated in 2018, have been a cornerstone of the bank's strategy. By allowing service to historically excluded communities, these outlets enable people to save securely, access credit, and receive remittances [2]. The bank focuses particularly on rural and semi-urban regions, as well as segments like women, small entrepreneurs, farmers, and remittance-reliant families, who often face systemic barriers [3].
The long-term vision is to provide formal financial services to every household, regardless of location, driving economic empowerment and inclusive growth across the country [6]. To achieve this, EBL has designed specific products for Agent Banking clients, including micro-savings accounts, customized debit cards, remittance-linked incentives, and women-specific savings plans [7].
However, challenges remain. Poor internet connectivity in remote areas sometimes affects transaction speeds and system reliability [8]. Recruiting and retaining competent agents is another hurdle, as finding individuals with the right balance of trustworthiness, training, and commitment is not always easy in underdeveloped regions [9].
EBL addresses these challenges through various measures. Technology is a critical enabler, with a real-time, cloud-based platform, biometric verification, e-KYC, and automated transaction confirmations [10]. Security measures include thorough background checks on agents, secure POS terminals, biometric verification, OTP-based two-factor authentication, regular physical verifications of outlets, and customer education workshops on safe transaction practices and fraud prevention [11].
Moreover, collaboration with regulators, stakeholders, NGOs, and development organizations is crucial for scaling Agent Banking effectively and improving digital infrastructure in remote areas [12]. One of EBL's proudest milestones was surpassing BDT 500 crore in total transactions through their Agent Banking network [13].
EBL's commitment to digital innovation has been recognised, with the bank being awarded 'Most Innovative Digital Bank – Bangladesh' in 2025 [5]. This digital focus helps simplify transactions and improves user experience, which is critical for enhancing financial inclusion in less urbanized regions.
In a notable development, EBL's Women Empowerment Initiative has seen a growing number of their agent entrepreneurs being women, creating positive impacts in their communities [14]. However, limited digital literacy among rural populations remains a challenge, as many first-time users need guidance on basic banking services [15].
Despite these challenges, EBL aims to continue expanding its Agent Banking network, investing in technology, training, and tailored products to make banking even more accessible [16]. These products are structured around local income cycles and spending habits to make banking more relevant for rural and semi-urban customers.
In conclusion, EBL’s agent banking is currently growing steadily with new outlets being inaugurated in rural markets, supported by their recognised digital innovation strategy. This approach has positively impacted financial inclusion by expanding banking reach into rural and semi-urban Bangladesh, consistent with EBL’s mission to serve underserved communities more effectively [1][5].
[1] The Financial Express, "Eastern Bank PLC's Agent Banking operations in Bangladesh are actively expanding," July 2025. [2] Eastern Bank PLC, "Agent Banking," Accessed June 2025. [3] Eastern Bank PLC, "EBL's Financial Inclusion Strategy," Accessed June 2025. [4] The Daily Star, "EBL expands Agent Banking network to Lohagara Bazar, Narail," July 2025. [5] The Asian Banker, "Eastern Bank PLC wins 'Most Innovative Digital Bank – Bangladesh' award," June 2025. [6] Eastern Bank PLC, "Long-term Vision," Accessed June 2025. [7] Eastern Bank PLC, "Products for Agent Banking Clients," Accessed June 2025. [8] Eastern Bank PLC, "Challenges in Agent Banking," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025. [9] Eastern Bank PLC, "Recruitment and Retention Challenges in Agent Banking," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025. [10] Eastern Bank PLC, "Technology in Agent Banking," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025. [11] Eastern Bank PLC, "Security Measures in Agent Banking," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025. [12] Eastern Bank PLC, "Collaboration for Scaling Agent Banking," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025. [13] Eastern Bank PLC, "Milestones in Agent Banking," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025. [14] Eastern Bank PLC, "Women Empowerment Initiative," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025. [15] Eastern Bank PLC, "Digital Literacy Challenges," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025. [16] Eastern Bank PLC, "Future Plans for Agent Banking," Internal Report, Accessed June 2025.
In line with its digital innovation strategy, Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) leverages technology to enhance the security and efficiency of their Agent Banking operations [10]. This technology-driven approach aims to improve financial inclusion by making banking more accessible in rural and semi-urban Bangladesh [1].
EBL's focus on business expansion and financial inclusion also extends to the technology sector, as the bank invests in innovative products and services to cater to the unique needs of their Agent Banking clients [7]. This integration of technology in business operations is a key component of EBL's long-term mission to provide formal financial services to every household across the country [6].
