Scheduled Banks in Bangladesh | (2025)

Scheduled banks are the institutions officially listed by Bangladesh Bank and fully licensed to offer standard banking services. If you’re researching scheduled banks in Bangladesh, here’s the quick picture: there are about 62 right now, grouped into state-owned commercial banks, specialized banks, private commercial banks (both conventional and Islami/Shariah-based), and foreign bank branches. Counts can change when mergers happen or when a bank converts to full Islamic operations, so always check the latest statistics.

In this blog, you’ll get a definition, a verified, category-wise list of scheduled banks, and a quick scheduled vs non-scheduled comparison. We’ll also flag recent changes to watch and answer common FAQs, so you can understand the landscape fast and pick the right banking partner with confidence.

What are Scheduled Banks in Bangladesh?

A scheduled bank is a bank that Bangladesh Bank has formally included on its official schedule under the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 and that is licensed under the Bank Company Act, 1991. In everyday terms, these are fully authorized, regulated banks allowed to provide standard commercial banking services nationwide.

Why it matters: scheduled banks operate under closer supervision, can access standard central bank facilities, and inspire greater public confidence due to stronger oversight.

Inclusion on Bangladesh Bank’s schedule (Order 1972) + licensing under Bank Company Act, 1991.

List of Scheduled Banks in Bangladesh

Use the table below for quick reference. Ownership and operating model are shown at a glance. Recent rename/merger or conversion notes appear in the last column.

How Many Scheduled Banks Are There in Bangladesh in 2025?

The best headline count is about 62 scheduled banks. Numbers can shift when mergers are proposed or when conventional banks convert to full Islamic operations. Always re-check the latest Scheduled Banks Statistics released by Bangladesh Bank for the authoritative roster.
This article was last verified on Nov 9, 2025.

Scheduled Banks in Bangladesh & their Categories

Bangladesh Bank groups scheduled banks into clear buckets. Private Commercial Banks (PCBs) appear in two operating models: Conventional and Islami (Shariah-based).

State-Owned Commercial Banks(SOCBs)

Government-owned universal banks serving retail, SME, and corporate customers across the country.
Examples: Sonali, Janata, Agrani, Rupali, BASIC, Bangladesh Development Bank.

Specialized Banks(SDBs)

Government-owned banks with focused mandates (e.g., agriculture, regional development, or expatriate welfare).
Examples: Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, Probashi Kallyan Bank.

Private Commercial Banks— Conventional

Privately owned, interest-based banks serving retail, SME, and large corporates with nationwide digital/branch coverage.
Examples: BRAC, City, Eastern, Dutch-Bangla, Bank Asia, EBL, MTB, Prime, UCB, Pubali, IFIC, Mercantile, NCC, Mutual Trust, One Bank, Southeast, Dhaka Bank, AB, Premier, Jamuna, NRB, NRBC, Midland, Modhumoti, Meghna, Community Bank Bangladesh, Citizens, Bengal Commercial, SBAC, Shimanto, Bangladesh Commerce.

Private Commercial Banks — Islami (Shariah-based)

Privately owned banks operating on profit-and-loss sharing principles under Shariah governance, with Shariah boards and Islamic product sets.
Examples: Islami Bank Bangladesh, Al-Arafah Islami, Shahjalal Islami, Social Islami, EXIM, First Security Islami, Global Islami, ICB Islamic, Standard Bank (converted to full Islami), Union Bank.

Foreign Commercial Banks (Branches)

Branches of overseas banks operating in Bangladesh under Bangladesh Bank regulation.
Examples: Standard Chartered, HSBC, Citibank N.A., Commercial Bank of Ceylon, State Bank of India, Woori Bank, Bank Alfalah, Habib Bank, National Bank of Pakistan.

Category counts (approx.): SOCBs: 6 • SDBs: 3 • PCBs total: ~43 (Conventional ~33; Islami ~10) • Foreign branches: 9
Counts can move—always verify with Bangladesh Bank.

Cross-check with Bangladesh Bank’s latest “Scheduled Banks Statistics” and, for operational names, the e-GP Member Scheduled Banks directory. If very recent mergers/renames occur, reflect them in “Notes.”

Scheduled vs Non-Scheduled Banks (Quick Comparison)

Core difference: Scheduled banks are formally listed on Bangladesh Bank’s schedule and hold full commercial banking permissions. Non-scheduled banks are not on the schedule and operate within a narrower, limited scope. To know more about this comparison visit Scheduled banks vs non-scheduled banks in Bangladesh.

Aspect	Scheduled Banks	Non-Scheduled Banks
Legal basis	On BB’s official schedule (Order 1972) + licensed under Bank Company Act, 1991	Not on the schedule; separate/limited permissions
Scope	Full commercial banking (deposits, lending, payments, etc.)	Limited activities; not universal banking
Examples	SOCBs, SDBs, PCBs (Conventional/Islami), foreign branches	Certain specialized financial institutions (not on the schedule)

Recent Changes & Mergers to Watch (2026)

• Islamic conversions: Some conventional PCBs have shifted to full Shariah operations (e.g., Standard Bank’s conversion earlier), affecting category counts.
  
• Merger discussions: Consolidation headlines appear periodically; treat them as proposals until Bangladesh Bank issues final approvals.
  
• Operational renames: Rebranding and status updates occur for governance and restructuring reasons—verify live names before citing.
  
• Policy guidance: Bangladesh Bank circulars and the quarterly Scheduled Banks Statistics remain the primary reference for counts and categories.
  
• Editorial note: Media reports may change; always reconfirm with official publications.
  

Always re-verify in Bangladesh Bank circulars and the latest statistics before citing totals.

Conclusion

• Definition & legal basis: Scheduled banks are those on Bangladesh Bank’s schedule (Order 1972) and licensed under the Bank Company Act, 1991.
  
• Categories & complete list: SOCBs, SDBs, Private Commercial (Conventional and Islami), and Foreign branches—organized above in a practical table.
  
• Keep it current: Numbers and names can move due to mergers, conversions, or policy updates—recheck Bangladesh Bank’s latest statistics.
  

FAQs on Scheduled Banks in Bangladesh

What makes a bank “scheduled” in Bangladesh?

Inclusion on Bangladesh Bank’s official schedule under the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972, plus licensing under the Bank Company Act, 1991.

How many scheduled banks are there right now?

About 62 as of the latest verification. The number may change—check Bangladesh Bank’s Scheduled Banks Statistics.

What are the main categories of scheduled banks?

SOCBs, Specialized Banks, Private Commercial Banks (Conventional), Private Commercial Banks (Islami), and Foreign Commercial Bank branches.

Are Islamic banks considered scheduled banks?

Yes. Several Private Commercial Banks operate as Islamic scheduled banks under Shariah governance.

Where can I check the official list?

Bangladesh Bank’s Scheduled Banks Statistics is the authoritative list. Government directories (like the e-GP member banks page) help cross-check operational names.

What’s the difference between scheduled and non-scheduled banks?

Scheduled banks have full commercial permissions and central bank schedule status; non-scheduled banks do not and operate with limited scope.

Have there been recent mergers or conversions?

Yes, from time to time—especially conversions to full Islamic operations or proposed consolidations. Verify each case in recent BB publications.