Monday, 6th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 14th February 2026, 11:09 PM
Standard Bank PLC has officially inaugurated a comprehensive, month-long initiative aimed at revolutionising its digital footprint and enhancing the flow of foreign remittances into Bangladesh. Operating under the evocative slogan, “Sincere Service Bridging Shari’ah and Modernity,” the campaign represents a strategic pivot for the lender as it seeks to harmonise traditional Islamic values with the rapid pace of 21st-century financial technology.
The campaign was formally launched on 10 February 2026 during a high-profile ceremony held at the bank’s head office in Dhaka. Siddiqur Rahman, the Acting Managing Director of Standard Bank, presided over the event, marking the commencement of a nationwide drive across all branches and sub-branches.
The inauguration was attended by a cohort of the bank’s senior leadership, underlining the internal importance of this digital transition. Notable attendees included:
Sirajul Kabir: Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Special Asset Management.
Mansoor Ahmed: Executive Vice President and Head of Investment Risk Management.
Mohammad Kaiser Alam Mozumder: Executive Vice President and Head of Human Resources.
The primary objective of the month-long drive is to accelerate the adoption of Smart Banking solutions among its diverse domestic customer base. By migrating traditional over-the-counter transactions to secure mobile and web platforms, the bank aims to increase operational efficiency and provide a more seamless user experience.
Simultaneously, the campaign places a heavy emphasis on remittance services. With millions of Bangladeshis working abroad, Standard Bank is positioning itself as a premier, high-speed conduit for expatriate funds. By offering competitive exchange rates and streamlined digital collection points, the bank hopes to encourage the use of formal banking channels over informal, risky alternatives.
A unique pillar of this campaign is the promotion of specialized Shari’ah-compliant accounts. Standard Bank is actively marketing products that cater to the specific religious and social obligations of the Muslim community, ensuring that modern banking does not come at the cost of personal faith.
| Account Type | Target Audience / Purpose | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Haj Account | Prospective pilgrims | Systematic savings for the holy pilgrimage |
| Mohor Account | Grooms/Husbands | Fulfilling the Islamic dower (Mahr) obligation |
| Waqf Account | Philanthropists | Perpetual charitable endowments and social welfare |
| Remittance A/C | Expatriates & Families | Fast, secure, and legal cross-border transfers |
| Smart Digital | Tech-savvy users | Paperless banking and 24/7 app accessibility |
By focusing on the “Smart Banking” narrative, Standard Bank PLC is attempting to bridge the gap between rural accessibility and urban technological advancement. During his keynote address, Mr Rahman emphasised that the campaign is not merely about promotion, but about educating the public on the security and ease of digital financial tools. As the month progresses, the bank expects a significant uptick in both digital app registrations and the volume of inward remittances handled through its network.
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