Smart savings with service and tech

Sheikh Mohammad Maroof
Managing Director & CEO
Dhaka Bank

The Daily Star (TDS): Could you provide an overview of the current savings situation at your bank?

Sheikh Mohammad Maroof (SMM): Dhaka Bank places strong emphasis on mobilising retail deposits to ensure a stable and cost-effective funding base. Post-pandemic, customers have shown increased interest in safe, liquid financial instruments, driving demand for savings products. The bank's consistently growing savings portfolio reflects greater public awareness of financial planning, supported by its attractive, accessible, and digitally enabled offerings. Serving a diverse customer base—from professionals to small businesses—Dhaka Bank's success lies in customised savings products, responsive service, and a robust digital infrastructure.

TDS: What are the top savings schemes that you are currently offering?

SMM: Dhaka Bank offers a wide array of savings products designed to meet the diverse financial needs of its customers. The Regular Savings Account provides flexibility and convenience for everyday banking, offering competitive interest rates, a free debit card, a chequebook, and full access to mobile and internet banking, with digital account opening available via the ezyBank app or assisted service. The Super Savings Plus Account is geared towards middle- to high-income earners, offering higher returns on larger balances and complimentary life insurance. Fixed Deposit Receipts offer higher interest for fixed tenures ranging from one month to three years. The Double Benefit Scheme allows deposits to double over seven to eight years. The Monthly Income Scheme provides regular income from a one-time deposit. Other offerings include Shariah-compliant Mudaraba Savings, School Banking for students, Honourable Seniors Savings, Bundle Savings for flexible goals, the Deposit Pension Scheme for disciplined saving, and Short Notice Deposits offering liquidity with strong returns.

TDS: What initiatives have your bank taken to encourage savings habits among general people?

SMM: Through school banking programmes, the bank partners with schools nationwide to open student accounts and conduct awareness campaigns, issuing debit cards and chequebooks on the same day. Financial literacy campaigns in both urban and rural areas educate citizens on budgeting, savings, and financial management, often in collaboration with NGOs. Special initiatives target women with tailored products and cashless incentives. Additionally, reward programmes and corporate roadshows promote savings products and account openings through engaging, on-site customer enrolment drives.

TDS: What innovative steps have been implemented to make savings products more convenient and accessible for all kinds of customers?

SMM: Customers can now open accounts entirely online through the mobile app using eKYC and live photo verification. Mobile and internet banking platforms offer real-time access for transactions, goal-setting, and automated fund transfers. Select branches feature QR code deposit and smart counter facilities for seamless services. Soon, personalised goal-setting tools will be added to the app. Customers can open term deposits instantly and receive SMS and email confirmations. The app also supports fund transfers, bill payments, recharges, and savings tracking for an efficient digital banking experience.

TDS: What are your future plans regarding the enhancement and expansion of savings products?

SMM: Dhaka Bank is introducing goal-based digital savings planners with progress tracking, flexible deposits, and automated reminders to encourage disciplined saving. A Green Savings Account will channel a portion of profits into environmental initiatives, with impact reports shared with customers. Special products for Non-Resident Bangladeshis will support remittance management and family savings. Biometric banking will enhance financial inclusion for rural users, while bundled savings with insurance will target low-income households. Customers will soon be able to issue instant virtual debit cards for seamless contactless and online payments.