Dhaka Bank PLC was proud to participate in the National Policy Workshop on Promoting Movable Asset Financing for SMEs in Bangladesh, held on 24 June 2025. The event was jointly organized by SME Foundation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Mr. Sheikh Mohammad Maroof, Managing Director of Dhaka Bank PLC, was a featured panel discussant in this high-level workshop.

The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the Secure Transactions (Movable Assets) Act, 2023 among key stakeholders, share global best practices in movable asset-based lending, and facilitate dialogue on legal and operational readiness. It also focused on integrating movable asset financing into the upcoming National SME Policy 2025 and launching a multi-stakeholder initiative for market activation, registry development, and product innovation. The landmark legislation enables businesses to use movable assets—such as machinery, inventory, and receivables—as collateral for loans. This is expected to ease financing challenges for small businesses, particularly those without traditional immovable assets.

The event began with welcoming remarks from Mr. Martin Holtmann, Country Manager, IFC and Mr. Md. Nazeem Hassan Satter, Deputy Managing Director, SME Foundation. The panel discussants consisted of Mr. Sheikh Mohammad Maroof, Managing Director of Dhaka Bank PLC, Mr. Md. Iqbal Mohasin, Director, Financial Inclusion Department, Bangladesh Bank, Barrister Saidul Alam Sohel, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Mr. Fahim Masroor, Managing Director & Board Member, Bdjobs.com. The panel was moderated by Ms. Ananya Wahid Kader, Cross Regional Lead, Financial Institutions Group. Mr. Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director, SME foundation concluded the panel with special remarks.

Distinguished guests included Ms. Nurun Nahar, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Mr. Rashidul Hassan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industries, and Chief Guest Mr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Chairperson of the SME Foundation.

Dhaka Bank’s presence in this pivotal workshop reaffirms its commitment to financial inclusion, SME empowerment, and product innovation. The bank remains a proactive partner in supporting Bangladesh’s transition to a more inclusive and diversified financial system.