Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC. (), one of the private commercial banks of Bangladesh, started its operation in Bangladesh as the first European joint venture bank. The bank was an effort by local shareholders spearheaded by Mr. M Sahabuddin Ahmed (Founder Chairman) and the Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V.(FMO), the Netherlands Development Finance Company.https://www.dutchbanglabank.com/about-us/brief-history.html
Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC was established under the Bank Companies Act 1991 and incorporated as a public limited company under the Companies Act 1994 in Bangladesh in June 1996. It was a Dutch-Bangladesh joint venture and first Bangladeshi-European joint venture of bank in Bangladesh. DBBL commenced formal operation from June 3, 1996. The Bank is listed with the Dhaka Stock Exchange Limited and Chittagong Stock Exchange Limited.
In 2002, Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC established the Electronic Banking Division to accelerate banking automation and introduce modern electronic banking services in Bangladesh.
In 2003, The bank completed full banking automation, becoming the first fully automated bank in Bangladesh and introducing electronic banking and plastic card services to the mass market.
In 2004, The bank introduced real-time online âÂÂAny Branch BankingâÂÂ, enabling customers to conduct transactions from any branch nationwide. It also expanded digital infrastructure by launching Internet Banking, establishing a centralized Data Center, and introducing Debit Cards, ATM services, and POS terminals, which significantly expanded electronic payment facilities in Bangladesh.
In 2007, The bank expanded its card portfolio by launching Credit Card services, further strengthening electronic payment solutions.
In 2008, Fast Track self-service banking centers were introduced to provide customers with 24/7 automated banking facilities through integrated ATM and self-service kiosks.
In 2010, The bank launched the countryâÂÂs first Internet Payment Gateway (IPG) named Nexus Payment Gateway, enabling merchants to accept Visa, MasterCard, and Nexus card payments online, thereby facilitating e-commerce in Bangladesh. Later, Rocket account also incorporated in Nexus Payment Gateway. In the same year, the bank received approval from Bangladesh Bank to introduce Mobile Financial Services (MFS).https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-180027
In 2011, The bank launched Mobile Financial Services, later branded as Rocket, which pioneered mobile banking in Bangladesh and significantly promoted financial inclusion among unbanked populations. The bank also established a Customer Call Center to strengthen customer service and support.
In 2016, The bank introduced VIP Banking Lounge services to provide premium banking facilities for high-value customers.
In 2022, Dutch-Bangla Bank was one of nine banks that held 60% of the excess liquidity in the Bangladeshi market.
DBBL maintains its own network and automation. DBBL has over 4,930 ATM's installed all over Bangladesh, making it the largest network in Bangladesh. On 10 October 2010, DBBL inaugurated its 1000th ATM at the factory premises of the GlaxoSmithKline, Chittagong.
On 3 June 2010, Dutch Bangla Bank announced internet payments gateway system (Nexus Gateway). Using their Internet Payment Gateway merchants are able to charge their customers' Visa, Masters, DBBL Nexus and Maestro cards online. Presently DBBL has more than 400 e-commerce Merchants. Mobile Apps: DBBL Recently Launched Nexus Pay App For Their Customers.
Rocket is a mobile financial service, which pioneered the service in Bangladesh. The service is the third most popular MFS provider, with 18.1% market share as of FY 2022.
Dutch Bangla Bank, under the visionary leadership of its Founder Chairman, Mr. M. Sahabuddin Ahmed, has been actively engaged in CSR activities since its inception in 1996, with social responsibility remaining a core priority of the Bank, carried forward through its Foundation.
Each year, DBBL allocates a significant amount of funds to its Foundation to support various initiatives aimed at the socio-economic development of underprivileged communities. The BankâÂÂs honorable Board of Directors and valued shareholders consistently support these efforts.
Over the years, Dutch-Bangla Bank has made significant contributions through numerous initiatives, including its regular scholarship program, as well as the provision of free cataract surgeries and cleft lip treatments for those in need, ensuring that all eligible individuals receive these services at no cost.
A glimpse of a few such initiatives is presented below:
Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited donated blankets for the cold-hit people of the country. As a part of the blanket distribution program, Mr. Mohammed Sahabuddin Ahmed, Chairman of Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited, is handing over blankets to the honorable Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund (Year 2002).https://www.dutchbanglabank.com/social/social-cause.html
To support the people affected by the earthquake in Iran, Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited donated BDT 1 million and 5,000 blankets to the Honorable Prime MinisterâÂÂs Relief Fund (2003).
In the picture, the bankâÂÂs Chairman, M. Sahabuddin Ahmed, is seen handing over the blankets and the payment order to the Honorable Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia.
Mr. Mohammed Sahabuddin Ahmed, Chairman, Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited is handing over a Payment Order of Taka 5.00 million to the Honorable Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for rehabilitation of the flood affected people (Year 2004).
Mr. Mohammed Sahabuddin Ahmed, Chairman, Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited is handing over a sample of blanket to the Honorable Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Government of the People's Republic Of Bangladesh. A total number Of 20,000 blankets was donated to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the cold stricken people of the Country (Year 2004).