Across picturesque village roads, in courtyard gatherings known as ‘Uthan Boithok’, and in modest outlets beside bustling local markets, a transformation is unfolding in rural Bangladesh. On one side of the counter stands a woman customer; on the other, a woman banker representing BRAC Bank’s TARA. Their exchange is more than a financial transaction — it is a moment built on trust, comfort and shared understanding.
At the heart of this change are the women entrepreneurs leading BRAC Bank’s Agent Banking outlets, widely known as ‘TARA’ Agents. As proprietors of these outlets, they are redefining both financial inclusion and women’s leadership in rural communities.
Redefining women’s role in financial inclusion
Women’s financial inclusion has long remained a challenge in Bangladesh. Social norms, mobility constraints and limited financial awareness have kept many women outside the formal banking system. BRAC Bank addressed this gap not only by expanding women’s access to banking services but also by placing women at the forefront as providers of those services.
Today, BRAC Bank operates 90 TARA Agent Banking outlets nationwide, with 81 women directly serving as entrepreneurs. Supporting them are nearly 900 female Agent Banking Field Officers who travel to remote and underserved communities, delivering services and promoting financial awareness at the grassroots level.
The impact is tangible. Through TARA outlets alone, more than 60,000 new bank accounts have been opened, most by first-time customers. These accounts now hold deposits exceeding BDT 250 crore. Beyond the numbers, this reflects a deeper shift: growing trust in women-led financial services and rising confidence among rural women to engage with formal banking.
Building comfort, trust and connection
In many rural areas, women often hesitate to interact with male bankers. TARA Agents have effectively removed this barrier. A remarkable number of customers at women-led outlets are female, drawn by the comfort and trust that come from engaging with women service providers.
These outlets have become safe and welcoming spaces — symbols of accessibility and empowerment within their communities.
From ‘Uthan Boithok’ to bank accounts
Financial awareness begins at the doorstep. Female agents and field officers conduct door-to-door visits and organise Uthan Boithok sessions to educate women about savings, account-opening procedures, remittance channels, DPS and FDR schemes, and basic financial planning.
In 2025 alone, BRAC Bank Agent Banking organised 72 financial literacy sessions across the country, engaging over 5,500 participants. These initiatives are steadily building financial capability and confidence among women who were once excluded from the system.
Women-friendly financial products
‘TARA’ Agent Banking outlets offer specially designed products for women, including TARA Probashi Poribar Savings Account, TARA Savings Deposit, TARA First Account, TARA Triple Benefits Savings Account and TARA Uddokta SME Loan for women entrepreneurs, providing a range of options as they access banking services.
These products are not just about banking convenience — they are designed to simplify women’s lives and turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality. ‘TARA’ agents ensure that these services reach women who need them most.
Loans that go to business and manufacturing
Loans disbursed through the TARA channel are largely invested in income-generating activities such as livestock and poultry farming, small retail shops, tailoring, home-based enterprises and food production.
These investments are fostering financial independence and strengthening women’s roles within their households and communities. Regular follow-ups by TARA Agents and field officers ensure proper loan utilisation and timely repayments, reinforcing a sustainable model of inclusion.
Women as leaders and role models
TARA Agents are more than banking representatives — they are entrepreneurs, community leaders and role models. Their presence challenges traditional norms and inspires other women to pursue leadership roles.
Nazma Akhter, a TARA Agent of the Banchharampur Agent Banking Outlet, reflects: “Running an agent banking outlet has strengthened my management and leadership skills. Every day brings new learning. Many women in my community feel inspired by my journey. I hope more institutions across the country will invest in developing women leaders the way BRAC Bank has.”
A story of transformation
Women who once hesitated to step into banks now sit confidently behind banking counters, guiding others towards financial security. This transformation affirms a simple yet powerful truth: when given opportunity, trust and institutional support, women can drive meaningful economic and social change.
Through its TARA Agent Banking initiative, BRAC Bank continues to expand the frontiers of financial inclusion — bringing formal banking to the doorsteps of the underserved and proving that women, when empowered, become catalysts of progress for families, communities and the nation.
