Dhaka Bank Honoured by ADB for Third Consecutive Year, Wins ‘Leading SME Trade Bank’ Award 2026

Dhaka Bank PLC. has once again been awarded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), marking its third consecutive recognition under ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme (TSCFP). This year, the Bank received the prestigious title of “Leading SME Trade Bank”, acknowledging its strong performance in facilitating international trade and expanding access to trade finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Mr. Akhlaqur Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of Dhaka Bank, received the award from Mr. Steven Beck, ADB’s Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance, and Ms. Neha Noronha, Unit Head of South Asia, at the 12th TSCFP Awards and Partners Dinner held in Singapore on 8 September 2026, in the presence of over 200 representatives from leading financial institutions worldwide.

On receiving the award, Mr. Akhlaqur Rahman said, “This recognition is a proud moment for Dhaka Bank and a testament to our continued commitment to bridging trade finance gaps, empowering local businesses and enabling greater access to international markets. We remain deeply committed to working with global institutions such as ADB to create opportunities for businesses and contribute to sustainable economic progress in Bangladesh.”

Dhaka Bank has been an Issuing Bank under ADB’s TSCFP since 2009, playing a major role in connecting local businesses with international markets and facilitating cross-border trade. Through the programme, ADB helps address market gaps in trade finance that commercial banks alone may not always be able to bridge, particularly for businesses operating in developing economies. By recognising Dhaka Bank in this category, ADB is highlighting the Bank’s meaningful contribution to financing and supporting Bangladesh’s trade transactions through this partnership, at a time when the country’s economy remains heavily dependent on export earnings and trade-linked employment.

Dhaka Bank’s accolade carries significance beyond the award itself, further strengthening the Bank’s standing within ADB’s network while reflecting the depth, continuity and mutual value of its relationship with one of the world’s leading development finance institutions. Together, the recognition and the partnership with ADB underscore Dhaka Bank’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for businesses, job creation and contributing to Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth.

The latest recognition builds on the Bank’s continued success at the ADB TSCFP Awards, following its recognition as “Leading Partner Bank” in Bangladesh in 2024 and receipt of the “Momentum Award” in 2025. Guided by its motto, “Transforming Together,” Dhaka Bank remains committed to delivering innovative financial solutions and creating greater opportunities for businesses to connect with the global economy.