BRAC Bank celebrated the sixth anniversary of its pioneering women's banking initiative, 'TARA,' which introduced a comprehensive range of banking solutions tailored specifically for women in Bangladesh.
Recognised as the first bank in the industry to offer such an extensive suite of services catering to women's diverse banking and financial needs, BRAC Bank revolutionised the landscape of women's banking in the country. TARA empowered women by providing customer-centric solutions that added value to their lives, enabling them to take charge of their finances, businesses, careers, and aspirations.
Over the past six years, TARA has emerged as a trusted partner, supporting the progress of more than 300,000 women across various sectors, including corporate professionals, business owners, homemakers, students, and senior citizens. Regardless of their social strata, TARA has been instrumental in providing suitable solutions to women from all walks of life.
BRAC Bank organised a ceremony at its head office in Dhaka to commemorate this milestone on 22 June. During the event, 24 exceptional officials from Retail Banking and 22 from SME Banking were honoured with the prestigious 'TARA Business Champion Award.' Selim RF Hussain, the Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, presented the awards to the deserving recipients.
M Masud Rana FCA, DMD & CFO; Md. Sabbir Hossain, DMD & COO; Syed Abdul Momen, DMD & Head of SME Banking; Md. Mahiul Islam, Head of Retail Banking; Sheikh Mohammad Ashfaque, Head of Branches; Mehruba Reza, Head, Women Banking Segment TARA & Agami-Student Banking Service; Khadija Mariam, Head of Women Entrepreneur Cell, BRAC Bank, were present.
Selim RF Hussain, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank, said, "TARA has become an integral part of women's lives in Bangladesh. It has transformed how women approach banking, manage their finances, and achieve their life goals. TARA provides guidance to women for better financial planning, economic freedom, and the realisation of their aspirations."
He further said that TARA is not merely a banking proposition; it represents a solution to unlock the potential of every woman. Notably, TARA has played a pivotal role in empowering women, enabling them to take charge of their financial independence. Hussain thanked the valued customers for their support and partnership on this journey of financial inclusion and independence.
TARA offers a range of financial products and services, including high-interest savings accounts, current accounts for women entrepreneurs, credit cards, business loans, home loans, and personal loans at preferential rates, with discounted processing fees.
Moreover, TARA has actively engaged in capacity-building initiatives to foster entrepreneurial dreams among women. Collaborative programs like 'Uddokta 101' with BRAC University, training for women in the hill tracts, partnerships with SME Foundation, and the Babson College-FMO skill development program have enabled women to realize their entrepreneurial potential. TARA's networking and recognition platforms have facilitated women's progress and supported them in accomplishing their aspirations.
As BRAC Bank celebrates TARA's sixth anniversary, it acknowledges its customers' trust and support, whose belief has propelled it to its current stature. TARA has received international recognition, including accolades such as the Data Champion and Women's Market Champion Engagement Award from the Championing the Female Economy Awards 2022, the Best Bank for Women Entrepreneurs from the Global SME Finance Forum, and commendation from Financial Times-IFC for women empowerment and financial inclusion. These accolades have elevated TARA to new heights of success.