50% of agent banking representatives will be women: BB governor

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said half of all agents under agent banking services will be women, as part of the government's push to ensure greater financial inclusion for women.

He made the remarks today at the inauguration of the "Credit Enhancement Scheme" under the Microenterprise Financing and Credit Enhancement Project of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), at its office in the capital's Agargaon.

Female agents will be able to enter the private spaces of women, and encourage them to open bank accounts, he said.

The governor noted that many women still hide their savings in corners of their homes. 

"They won't have to do that any longer. They can now open bank accounts discreetly, without needing anyone's permission," he added.

He also said the digital banking licence policy will soon be revised, and new licences will be issued.

Mansur further said Bangladesh has been encouraged by the UK's National Crime Agency obtaining freezing orders on two London properties owned by Ahmed Shayan Fazlur Rahman, son of Salman F Rahman, a businessman and investment adviser to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and founder of Beximco.

PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan also spoke at the event.