Shahida Khanam has spent nearly six years in BRAC Bank’s retail sales team, learning the bank’s products, serving customers and gradually becoming one of the top performers while balancing work and family life.
“BRAC Bank trains women in specific skills and ensures a safe work environment, and our performance reflects that support,” she said.
Across the bank, more women like Shahida are stepping into frontline roles in retail and SME sales.
The bank said about 200 women now lead sales operations in the two segments, giving BRAC Bank one of the largest female sales forces among state-owned and private commercial banks in Bangladesh.
For many of them, the bank’s reputation helps build trust with clients.
“Customers trust BRAC Bank as one of the safest banks in the country, and that trust makes it easier for us to serve them,” said sales officer Konika Akhter.
Inside the sales teams, cooperation and workplace support have become important drivers of performance.
SME sales officer Umme Habiba, who has worked at the bank for 12 years, said a supportive work culture often matters more to women employees than a high salary.
“I took maternity leave soon after joining, and my supervisors treated it as normal and supported me through my pregnancy, while the bank’s daycare helped me manage work and motherhood,” she said.
She added that regular recognition and flexible work management help ensure that demanding sales targets do not become overwhelming.
Technology has also changed how the teams work.
Retail sales officer Jebin Akhter Mousumi said the bank’s digital services allow employees to serve customers remotely, reducing physical barriers in the profession.
“BRAC Bank leads in digital services, so we can serve customers remotely, which opens more opportunities for women,” she said.
For Jannatul Ferdous, another member of the team, cooperation across departments and access to senior leadership remain important sources of encouragement.
“We can ask any department for help, and senior leaders remain connected with us, and that encouragement matters a lot,” she said.
Senior executives say the progress of female officers reflects the bank’s internal work culture.
BRAC Bank Deputy Managing Director and Head of Retail Banking Md Mahiul Islam said many women employees maintain strong efficiency in their daily work.
“Many female colleagues aim to finish their tasks within office hours so they can spend time with their children, and that efficiency often improves overall performance,” he said.
He added that the bank provides dedicated transport for employee safety and operates an internal women’s forum called TARA where female staff can raise workplace concerns.
BRAC Bank Additional Managing Director and Head of SME Banking Syed Abdul Momen said communication skills help female officers build strong relationships with clients.
“Women often build relationships easily and act as financial advisers who help customers solve personal and business challenges, and we strengthen these skills through customised training,” he said.
BRAC Bank Managing Director and CEO Tareq Refat Ullah Khan said the bank aims to develop more women professionals in frontline banking roles.
“Our long-term goal is to build skilled women professionals, and with a safe workplace, quality training and strong support, our female sales teams are delivering strong results,” he said.
He added that the bank plans to recruit more women in sales and customer service roles in the coming years.
