Dhaka Bank PLC has received the ‘Leading SME Trade Bank’ award from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the third consecutive year for its contribution to facilitating international trade and expanding trade finance access for small and medium enterprises.
The award was given under ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme (TSCFP) at the 12th TSCFP Awards and Partners Dinner held in Singapore on 8 September 2026, Dhaka Bank said in a press release.
ADB’s Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance Steven Beck and South Asia Unit Head Neha Noronha handed over the award to Dhaka Bank Deputy Managing Director Akhlakur Rahman at the event attended by more than 200 representatives from leading financial institutions worldwide.
Akhlakur Rahman said the recognition reflected Dhaka Bank’s commitment to reducing trade finance gaps, supporting local businesses and improving their access to international markets.
“Through our partnership with global institutions such as ADB, we remain committed to creating new opportunities for businesses and contributing to Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Dhaka Bank has been an issuing bank under ADB’s TSCFP since 2009, helping connect local businesses with global markets and facilitating cross-border trade.
Through the programme, ADB supports trade finance in developing economies by addressing financing gaps where commercial banks alone may not always be able to meet demand.
The latest recognition highlights Dhaka Bank’s role in providing trade finance support to businesses at a time when Bangladesh’s economy remains heavily dependent on export earnings and trade-driven employment.
ADB’s TSCFP awards have recognised Dhaka Bank’s performance in previous years as well. The bank received the ‘Leading Partner Bank’ recognition in Bangladesh in 2024 and the ‘Momentum Award’ in 2025.
Dhaka Bank said the latest award strengthens its position within ADB’s global partner bank network and reflects its long-term collaboration with the international development finance institution.
The bank said it would continue working with ADB and other international partners to expand trade opportunities, support businesses and contribute to Bangladesh’s economic growth under its “Transforming Together” vision.
