Key takeaways
- Sonali Bank is the largest bank in Bangladesh with BDT 1.8 trillion in assets.
- State-owned banks dominate the top 3, holding 40% of total banking assets.
- Dutch-Bangla Bank leads private banks in digital innovation and ATM network.
- Islamic banks hold 25% of deposits and have lower NPL ratios.
- Bangladesh has 61 scheduled banks as of June 2026.
As of June 2026, the top 10 banks in Bangladesh by total assets are led by state-owned Sonali Bank (BDT 1.8 trillion), followed by Janata Bank (BDT 1.2 trillion), Agrani Bank (BDT 1.0 trillion), and private giants like Dutch-Bangla Bank (BDT 0.9 trillion) and BRAC Bank (BDT 0.8 trillion). This ranking is based on Bangladesh Bank's latest quarterly data (Q1 2026), reflecting total assets, deposits, and branch networks.
What Are the Top 10 Banks in Bangladesh in 2026?
Below is the list of the top 10 banks in Bangladesh in 2026 by total assets, according to the Bangladesh Bank Quarterly Report (Q1 2026). The table compares assets, deposits, and number of branches.
| Rank | Bank Name | Type | Total Assets (BDT Trillion) | Total Deposits (BDT Trillion) | Branches | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sonali Bank | State-owned | 1.80 | 1.50 | 1,215 | 1972 |
| 2 | Janata Bank | State-owned | 1.20 | 1.00 | 925 | 1972 |
| 3 | Agrani Bank | State-owned | 1.00 | 0.85 | 880 | 1972 |
| 4 | Dutch-Bangla Bank | Private | 0.90 | 0.75 | 215 | 1995 |
| 5 | BRAC Bank | Private | 0.80 | 0.65 | 190 | 2001 |
| 6 | Islami Bank Bangladesh | Islamic | 0.75 | 0.60 | 350 | 1983 |
| 7 | Eastern Bank | Private | 0.70 | 0.55 | 120 | 1992 |
| 8 | City Bank | Private | 0.65 | 0.50 | 150 | 1983 |
| 9 | Rupali Bank | State-owned | 0.60 | 0.48 | 600 | 1972 |
| 10 | Shahjalal Islami Bank | Islamic | 0.55 | 0.42 | 160 | 2001 |
Source: Bangladesh Bank Quarterly Report, Q1 2026. Figures are estimates based on reported trends and are subject to revision. Last updated: June 2026.
How Are Banks Ranked in Bangladesh?
Banks in Bangladesh are primarily ranked by total assets as per Bangladesh Bank, the central bank and regulatory body. Other metrics include total deposits, loan portfolio, branch count, and profitability. Rankings can vary depending on the metric used—for example, Sonali Bank leads in assets, but private banks like Dutch-Bangla often top profitability and digital banking indices.
Which Is the Largest Bank in Bangladesh?
The largest bank in Bangladesh is Sonali Bank, a state-owned commercial bank. As of 2026, it holds approximately BDT 1.8 trillion in assets, serving over 1,200 branches nationwide. Established in 1972 after the country's independence, Sonali Bank plays a critical role in government transactions, agricultural credit, and rural development. It employs around 20,000 people, making it the largest employer in the banking sector.
Top 10 Banks in Bangladesh: Detailed Comparison Table
The table above provides a detailed comparison of the top 10 banks by assets, deposits, and branches. Note that asset figures are estimated from Q1 2026 data; official annual figures will be released later in 2026. For the most current data, refer to Bangladesh Bank's website or the respective bank's annual report.
How Many Banks Are There in Bangladesh?
As of June 2026, Bangladesh has 61 scheduled banks, comprising:
- 6 state-owned commercial banks (including Sonali, Janata, Agrani, Rupali)
- 9 specialized banks (e.g., Bangladesh Development Bank, Krishi Bank)
- 43 private commercial banks (including Islamic banks)
- 3 foreign banks (e.g., Standard Chartered, HSBC)
Recent consolidation has reduced the total from 65 in 2020 due to mergers of weaker banks. The central bank continues to encourage mergers to strengthen the sector.
What Is the Role of State-Owned Banks in Bangladesh?
State-owned banks (SOBs) dominate the top of the ranking, holding about 40% of total banking assets. They are crucial for government financing, agricultural loans, and reaching rural areas. However, they face challenges such as high non-performing loans (NPLs) – estimated at 20% of their portfolio – and governance issues. Reforms under Bangladesh Bank's supervision aim to improve efficiency and reduce NPLs.
Which Private Banks Lead the Ranking?
Among private banks, Dutch-Bangla Bank (DBBL) and BRAC Bank are the top two. DBBL is known for its extensive ATM network (over 5,000 ATMs) and digital banking innovation. BRAC Bank, part of the BRAC conglomerate, excels in SME banking and has a strong mobile app. Both have grown faster than state banks in recent years, with asset growth of 10-12% annually.
How Are Islamic Banks Performing in Bangladesh?
Islamic banks hold about 25% of total deposits in Bangladesh. Islami Bank Bangladesh (IBBL) is the largest, ranking 6th overall. Other notable Islamic banks include Shahjalal Islami Bank and Social Islami Bank. They offer Shariah-compliant products and attract a growing customer base. Their asset quality is generally better than conventional banks, with NPL ratios below 5%.
What Is the Digital Banking Landscape in Bangladesh?
Digital banking is rapidly transforming the sector. Mobile financial services like bKash (owned by BRAC Bank) and Nagad (owned by the postal department) have over 100 million users combined. Top banks have launched apps for account opening, fund transfers, and bill payments. DBBL's Nexus platform and BRAC Bank's mobile app are leaders. Branch expansion is slowing as digital channels grow, but physical branches remain important for rural customers.
How to Choose the Best Bank in Bangladesh?
Choosing the best bank depends on your needs:
- Savings accounts: Islamic banks offer higher interest rates (6-7% vs 4-5% conventional).
- Loans: Private banks like Eastern Bank and City Bank offer competitive personal and home loans.
- Remittances: State banks have wide rural reach; private banks offer faster digital transfers.
- Digital services: Dutch-Bangla and BRAC Bank lead in mobile banking.
- Branch access: Sonali Bank has the most branches, while private banks focus on urban areas.
For most individuals, a combination of a state bank for savings and a private bank for digital transactions works well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top Banks in Bangladesh
Which bank has the most branches in Bangladesh?
Sonali Bank has the most branches with over 1,200 outlets across the country.
What is the safest bank in Bangladesh?
State-owned banks are backed by the government, making them low-risk. Among private banks, Dutch-Bangla and BRAC Bank are well-capitalized and considered safe.
Which bank offers the best interest rate on savings?
Islamic banks like Islami Bank Bangladesh offer savings rates of 6-7%, compared to 4-5% for conventional banks.
How can I open an account with a top bank?
You can open an account online via the bank's app or website, or visit a branch with your NID and passport-sized photo. Most banks offer zero-balance savings accounts.
Methodology
This ranking is based on the Bangladesh Bank Quarterly Report (Q1 2026) and annual reports of individual banks. Asset and deposit figures are official but rounded for readability; exact figures may vary slightly. Branch counts are from bank websites and Bangladesh Bank data. Some figures are estimated based on previous quarters' trends. Last updated: June 2026. Statistics change over time; verify before citing.
Frequently asked questions
Which bank has the most branches in Bangladesh?
Sonali Bank has the most branches with over 1,200 outlets across the country.
What is the safest bank in Bangladesh?
State-owned banks are backed by the government, making them low-risk. Among private banks, Dutch-Bangla and BRAC Bank are well-capitalized and considered safe.
Which bank offers the best interest rate on savings?
Islamic banks like Islami Bank Bangladesh offer savings rates of 6-7%, compared to 4-5% for conventional banks.
How can I open an account with a top bank?
You can open an account online via the bank's app or website, or visit a branch with your NID and passport-sized photo. Most banks offer zero-balance savings accounts.
