Pubali Bank PLC (পূবালী ব্যাংক পিএলসি) is the largest private commercial bank in Bangladesh, with the highest number of branches among private banks in the country. The bank originally emerged in the banking sector of then East Pakistan as Eastern Mercantile Bank Limited in 1959 under the Bank Companies Act of 1913. It was established by Bengali entrepreneurs to provide credit facilities, as they had limited access to funding from other financial institutions at that time.
After the independence of Bangladesh in 1972, the bank was nationalized under government policy and renamed Pubali Bank. However, due to changing circumstances, it was denationalized in 1983, transitioning into a private bank and rebranded as Pubali Bank PLC. Since its inception, Pubali Bank PLC has played a vital role in socio-economic, industrial, and agricultural development, contributing to the overall economic growth of Bangladesh through savings mobilization and investment of funds.
Currently, Pubali Bank PLC is the largest private commercial bank in Bangladesh, with 508 branches and 207 sub-branches and and 25 Islamic banking windows, operating the largest real-time centralized online banking network. The bank offers a wide range of financial services, including retail banking, corporate banking, mortgage loans, private banking, credit cards, finance, and insurance, catering to diverse customer needs.
Overview of Pubali Bank PLC:
Pubali Bank PLC (পূবালী ব্যাংক পিএলসি) is the largest private commercial bank in Bangladesh, with a rich history dating back to 1959. Initially established as Eastern Mercantile Bank Limited, it was nationalized in 1972 and renamed Pubali Bank. In 1983, the bank was denationalized and became a private entity under the name Pubali Bank Limited, later rebranded as Pubali Bank PLC.
Over the years, the bank has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic, industrial, and agricultural development of the country. Currently, Pubali Bank PLC operates 508 branches, 207 sub-branches, and 25 Islamic banking windows across Bangladesh, making it the largest real-time centralized online banking network in the country.
The bank offers a comprehensive range of services, including deposit accounts, loans, trade finance, Islamic banking, digital banking, card services, and offshore banking. In 2023, Pubali Bank PLC achieved a profit growth of 35.42% compared to the previous year, with a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 8.05% over the last decade. The bank’s total deposits reached 60,629.64 crore BDT, while advances stood at 55,449.55 crore BDT in the same year.
See also:
❏ Banks in Bangladesh
| Pubali Bank PLC at a glance: | |
| Bank Name | Pubali Bank PLC (পূবালী ব্যাংক পিএলসি) |
| Logo |  |
| Legal Status | Public Limited Company |
| Established | 1972 |
| Type | Public Bank |
| Category | Commercial Bank |
| Origin | Local Bank |
| No. of Branches | 508 |
| No. of Sub-Branches | 207 |
| Islamic Banking Windows | 25 |
| No. of ATM Booths | 448 |
| No. of Employees | 9608 |
| Authorized Capital | Tk. 20,000.00 million |
| Paid up Capital | Tk. 10,282.94 million |
| Face Value per Share | Tk 10 |
| Subsidiary Company | Pubali Bank Securities Ltd |
| Address | Pubali Bank PLC, Head Office: 26, Dilkusha Commercial Area, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh |
| GPO Box Number | 853 |
| Call Center | 16253, +8809666016253 (Overseas) |
| PABX | +88 02223381614 |
| IP PBX | +88 09666 820000, +88 09666 820820 |
| FAX | +88 029564009 |
| Bank Code | 175 |
| SWIFT Code | PUBABDDH |
| Stock Code | PUBALIBANK – DSE CSE |
| info@pubalibankbd.com | |
| Website | www.pubalibangla.com |
| Service Hours | Business day (Sun ~ Thu) 10:00 am ~ 4:00 pm * (Fri ~ Sat) Closed |
| Services |
|
History of Pubali Bank PLC:
Pubali Bank PLC (পূবালী ব্যাংক পিএলসি) is the largest private sector commercial bank in Bangladesh. The bank originally emerged in the banking sector of then East Pakistan as Eastern Mercantile Bank Limited in 1959, established by Bengali entrepreneurs under the Bank Companies Act of 1913 to provide credit facilities to those who had limited access to financing from other financial institutions. After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Eastern Mercantile Bank Ltd. was nationalized under the Bangladesh Bank (Nationalization) Ordinance of 1971 and renamed Pubali Bank.
As per the Bangladesh Bank (Nationalization) Amendment Ordinance of 1983, the bank was denationalized on June 30, 1983, and reinstated under its original name, Pubali Bank Limited. The Government of Bangladesh transferred all assets and liabilities of Pubali Bank to Pubali Bank Limited. Subsequently, due to changing circumstances, the bank was renamed Pubali Bank PLC. Since then, it has been engaged in commercial banking services as the largest private sector bank in Bangladesh. The bank is registered and listed on both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE).
Pubali Bank PLC has taken the initiative to alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment, and address socio-economic challenges by providing financial assistance to agriculture and large, medium, and small-scale industries. Additionally, the bank promotes infrastructure development and supports industrial establishments through financing. It also offers incentives to encourage new industrial entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Pubali Bank PLC plays a proactive role in improving the healthcare sector by supporting various health-related initiatives.
The main functions of Pubali Bank PLC include deposit mobilization, financing productive activities, conducting foreign exchange transactions, and providing a wide range of banking services to its customers. The bank’s lending primarily focuses on jute, textiles, ready-made garments (RMG), and other large, medium, and small-scale industries. It also finances transport, housing, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), rural and agricultural development, working capital, microcredit, trade and commerce, and export-import businesses. As of December 31, 2023, Pubali Bank PLC had established correspondent relationships with 357 foreign banks and various international financial institutions. The bank’s total investments stood at Tk. 554,495.50 million, covering government securities, income tax bonds, treasury bills, loans to the government, national investment bonds, bridge financing, company shares and debentures, and national prize bonds.
Pubali Bank PLC has undertaken various programs to support economic development, including initiatives to boost foreign currency income. To facilitate hassle-free remittance transfers for Bangladeshi expatriates and ensure their money reaches their relatives smoothly, Pubali Bank PLC has established a network with 357 representative institutions and Western Union Bank. The bank swiftly disburses remittances through its extensive branch network across the country. Additionally, the SWIFT division of the bank is connected with 100 banks worldwide, further enhancing international financial transactions. To support expatriate wage earners, the bank offers a specialized program called the Non-Resident Credit Scheme. Under this scheme, individuals seeking overseas employment can avail loans on easy terms to cover their expenses before migrating.
Currently, Pubali Bank PLC is the largest private commercial bank in Bangladesh, with 508 branches, 207 sub-branches, and 25 Islamic Banking windows. It operates the largest real-time centralized online banking network in the country. Pubali Bank PLC has achieved dynamic profit growth over the years. In 2023, the bank recorded a 35.42% profit growth compared to the previous year, with a Compound Average Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.05% over the last 10 years. Both deposits and advances have consistently increased over the past decade, with growth rates of 12.12% and 13.97%, respectively. As of now, the bank’s deposits stand at Tk. 606,296.40 million, and advances amount to Tk. 554,495.50 million.
To meet the growing demand for Shariah-compliant financial services, Pubali Bank PLC has established Islamic Banking corners across the country. These corners offer a range of deposit and investment products based on Islamic principles, including Mudaraba, Musharaka, Bai’-Muajjal, Bai’-Murabaha, and Waqf. In January 2025, Pubali Bank PLC inaugurated an Islamic Banking Corner at its Khamarbari Branch, highlighting its commitment to expanding Shariah-compliant services.
With a legacy spanning over six decades, Pubali Bank PLC continues to be a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s banking sector, committed to innovation, customer satisfaction, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
Services Offered by Pubali Bank PLC:
Pubali Bank PLC (পূবালী ব্যাংক পিএলসি), the largest private commercial bank in Bangladesh, offers a comprehensive range of banking services to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. With over 500 branches and a robust real-time centralized online banking network, the bank ensures accessibility and convenience across the nation.
Deposit Products:
- Savings Accounts: Secure and accessible savings options for individuals.
- Current Accounts: Designed for daily transactions for both individuals and businesses.
- Fixed Deposits: Offers attractive interest rates for fixed-term investments.
- Recurring Deposits: Encourages regular savings with flexible terms.
Loan Products:
- Personal Loans: Financial assistance for personal needs such as education, medical expenses, or home renovations.
- Home Loans: Financing options for purchasing or constructing homes.
- Car Loans: Loans tailored for vehicle purchases.
- SME Financing: Specialized loans to support small and medium enterprises.
Corporate Banking:
- Term Loans: Long-term financing solutions for business expansion and capital expenditures.
- Short-Term Finance: Assistance for managing working capital and operational needs.
- Trade Finance: Services including import/export financing, letters of credit, and guarantees.
Islamic Banking: Operating under Shariah principles, Pubali Bank offers:
- Deposit Accounts: Mudaraba Savings, Mudaraba Term Deposits, and more.
- Investment Modes: Bai’-Muajjal, Bai’-Murabaha, and HPSM (Hire Purchase under Shirkatul Melk).
Digital Banking: Emphasizing technological advancement, the bank provides:
- PI Banking: A platform for 24/7 account management, fund transfers, bill payments, and more.
- Mobile Banking: Access to banking services via mobile applications.
- Internet Banking: Online portal for various banking transactions and services.
Card Services:
- Debit Cards: Facilitates cashless transactions with wide acceptance.
- Credit Cards: Offers flexible payment options and rewards.
- Co-Branded Cards: Collaborations with organizations like the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh for specialized benefits.
Offshore Banking: For international clients and businesses, Pubali Bank offers:
- Deposit Accounts: In USD, EUR, and GBP with attractive interest rates.
- International Banking Services: Facilitating global trade and investment opportunities.
Additional Services:
- Remittance Services: Efficient handling of international money transfers.
- Locker Services: Secure storage solutions for valuables.
- Automated Challan System: Streamlined payment processing for government fees and taxes.
Pubali Bank PLC is committed to continuous innovation and has integrated artificial intelligence to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. For residents in the Mymensingh Division, including Gaibandha, the bank operates several branches and sub-branches, ensuring local access to its wide array of services.
For more detailed information or specific inquiries, visiting the official Pubali Bank website or contacting the nearest branch is recommended.
Contact
Pubali Bank PLC, Head Office: 26, Dilkusha Commercial Area, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh or contact any Branch/ Sub-Branch/ Agent Banking Outlet of the Bank
GPO Box Number: 853
✆ Call Center: 16253, +8809666016253 (Overseas)
PABX: +88 02223381614
IP PBX: +88 09666 820000, +88 09666 820820
FAX : +88 029564009
Bank Code: 175
SWIFT Code: PUBABDDH
CABLE: Pubalipeak, Dhaka
Email: info@pubalibankbd.com; mailbox@pubalibankbd.com
Website: www.pubalibangla.com
I am from Islami Bank but I love Pubali Bank PLC very much for high motivated team and Management.