Akij to launch Munafa Digital Bank

Akij Resource plans to establish a digital bank in line with Islamic finance principles, subject to regulatory approval. The company expects to attract customers who have moved away from traditional Islamic banks while providing credit to communities that lack access to financial services. Foreign partners with expertise in digital banking will participate in the venture called Munafa Digital Bank.

Sheikh Jasim Uddin leads Akij Resource as managing director and said the bank would help small business owners and farmers in rural areas get loans. The conglomerate has operated for 85 years across 12 business areas and employs nearly 10,000 workers. Executives presented their vision at a media event in Dhaka on Thursday, outlining plans for a platform without transaction fees.

The project follows central bank guidelines for digital banking and supports national goals for technology advancement by 2030. Akij Resource operates businesses valued at 12,200 crore taka spanning technology, logistics, farming, media, health care and building sectors. Company leaders said their paperless operations will support the new bank’s mission to expand financial access and strengthen the digital economy.