Habib Bank Limited (HBL) is marking 50 years of operations in Bangladesh, celebrating five decades of working with businesses, financial institutions and customers while supporting trade, investment and financial flows between Bangladesh and international markets. HBL began its operations in Bangladesh in 1976 and has since developed a longstanding presence in the country, growing alongside its customers and contributing to financial connectivity across regional and international markets.
A ceremony was held in Dhaka to commemorate the milestone, bringing together HBL clients, regulators and senior executives of the bank. Distinguished attendees included Sultan Ali Allana, Chairman of HBL; Muhammad Nassir Salim, President and Chief Executive Officer of HBL; Farhan Talib, Head of International at HBL; and Alamgir Morshed, Country Manager for Bangladesh. The gathering marked the bank’s five-decade presence in the country and its continued focus on serving businesses operating across domestic and international markets.
Over the past five decades, HBL has established a strong position in Bangladesh by supporting companies and financial institutions involved in local and international business activities. The bank has provided financial services aimed at facilitating trade and investment while helping businesses connect with markets beyond Bangladesh. Its long-term presence has also allowed it to build relationships with customers and institutions participating in the country’s evolving commercial and financial environment.
Bangladesh remains an important market within HBL’s regional operations and forms part of the bank’s wider strategy of connecting businesses, capital and commercial opportunities across major trade corridors. HBL’s international network spans key markets in South Asia, China, the Middle East and Africa, allowing the bank to support clients involved in cross-border business activities and financial transactions. Through this network, HBL seeks to facilitate trade and investment flows between companies operating in different markets.
The bank said its international network provides a particular proposition for businesses operating in Bangladesh by strengthening economic connections between the country and HBL’s key international markets. These connections are becoming increasingly relevant as Bangladesh continues to prioritize foreign investment and the expansion of international trade. Emerging opportunities along the China–Middle East–South Asia trade corridor are also creating additional scope for businesses seeking access to regional markets and international capital.
HBL Bangladesh has also expanded its services for clients by offering account services denominated in Renminbi or Chinese yuan (RMB/CNY). The offering is aimed at supporting businesses involved in transactions and financial activities connected with China. The availability of RMB services can help companies manage financial flows associated with trade with Chinese counterparties and provide greater flexibility for businesses participating in cross-border commercial activities.
HBL said it is among three banks from South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region offering end-to-end RMB intermediation in China. This capability allows the bank to support cross-border trade and financial flows while engaging directly with leading Chinese state-owned enterprises and top-tier financial institutions. The service forms part of HBL’s broader international banking proposition and its efforts to connect customers with major commercial and financial centres.
The bank’s 50-year presence in Bangladesh comes as international trade relationships across Asia continue to develop. For businesses operating in Bangladesh, access to banking services that connect domestic operations with markets such as China, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa can support international transactions and investment activity. HBL’s regional network is positioned to provide these connections through its presence across multiple markets.
The anniversary also highlights the role of HBL’s international operations in supporting cross-border business relationships. From its start in Bangladesh in 1976, the bank has continued to build its presence while maintaining a focus on trade, investment and financial connectivity. Its latest RMB offering and broader international network reflect its efforts to serve businesses as Bangladesh expands its participation in regional and international trade corridors.
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