Digital Speed, Green Growth

Mohammad Ali
Managing Director and CEO
Pubali Bank PLC

Pubali Bank is finalising a fully digital SME loan platform to automate applications and approvals, drastically reducing paperwork and turnaround time. While CMSME customers already use the “PI App” for daily banking, this new system will enable faster, remote loan disbursement.

Aligning with the “Future Generation” theme of MSME Day 2026, Pubali Bank PLC is redefining its support for young and women-led enterprises. By offering collateral-free financing up to Tk. 20 lakh and launching a $100 million international Green Bond, the bank is bridging the gap between financial inclusion and environmental sustainability.

The Daily Star (TDS): The theme for MSME Day 2026 is “The Future Generation of MSMEs.” How is your bank changing its plans to support this new group of young and modern entrepreneurs?

Mohammad Ali (MA): Pubali Bank PLC is actively changing its focus towards the new group of young and modern entrepreneurs. In line with Bangladesh Bank’s guidelines, our bank contributes to a dedicated ‘Start-up Fund’ to offer low-interest and flexible financing to young entrepreneurs with new and innovative business idea.

TDS: It is often hard for very small (cottage/micro) businesses to get loans. What new methods are you using to provide loans without requiring security (collateral), and are these reaching people who have never had a bank account before?

MA: To help the small cottage and micro-businesses, Pubali Bank PLC offers Special SME Products such as Pubali Suborna, Pubali Kormouddok, Pubali Sujon etc. through which loans up to Tk.10.00-Lac are provided without collateral or against personal guarantees and the initiatives have already been taken to increase this limit up to Tk.20.00-Lac.

TDS: This year focuses heavily on youth and women. What special loan packages or services do you offer to help young entrepreneurs and women grow their businesses?

MA: Pubali Bank PLC has several specialised CMSME loan products such as Pubali Subarna, Pubali Prochesta, Pubali Kormouddok and Pubali Sujon which meet various financial needs of small scale entrepreneurs. For women entrepreneurs, we have a specialised loan product named ‘Pubali Kormouddok’.

TDS: How is your bank encouraging “Green” businesses or those that focus on protecting the environment and being socially responsible?

MA: Pubali Bank PLC drives Bangladesh toward a sustainable future by integrating robust environmental and social governance into its financial operations. Formally recognised by Bangladesh Bank as a leading sustainable bank, it empowers eco-friendly enterprises through PUBALI DHORITRI, a dedicated green loan product offering reduced interest rates. The bank has got approval from the Board to launch $100 million international Green Bond to fund large-scale climate projects in renewable energy, waste management and energy efficiency. Beyond lending, Pubali Bank pursues ecological restoration by planting over 100,000 trees during last two years and funding coastal char protection projects.