Nonprofits and NGOs in Bangladesh run on an organisation current account at a scheduled bank, opened in the registered body name. Foreign donations are routed through an authorised dealer bank under exchange control rules, and an NGO that takes overseas funds needs NGO Affairs Bureau registration and prior approval before money is released.
Suits Nonprofits best
An organisation current account at a domestic bank that handles foreign donation routing, such as BRAC Bank or a large state bank.
Typical fee
About BDT 300 half yearly maintenance plus VAT, with transaction charges on top. As of 19 January 2026.
Foreign donation position
Allowed through an authorised dealer bank with NGO Affairs Bureau approval. Verify with the bank.
Providers that fit
Several domestic scheduled banks. Wise Business is not available.
Fees and features as of 19 January 2026Last reviewed 19 January 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
Nonprofits in Bangladesh open an organisation current account in the registered body name at a scheduled bank such as BRAC Bank, City Bank, or a large state bank like Sonali Bank. BRAC Bank lists NGO and Project bodies, educational institutions, and co operative societies among those eligible for its PRAPTI current account, which opens with a minimum balance of BDT 1,000 as of 19 January 2026. An organisation that receives foreign grants or donations must route them through an authorised dealer bank and hold NGO Affairs Bureau registration with prior clearance, for example an FD 6 approval, before the funds are released. Wise Business is not available to Bangladesh based organisations, so cross border donations run through the bank channel. Confirm current terms with each provider.
What Nonprofits in Bangladesh need from a business account
A nonprofit needs an account in the registered organisation name, clean records for audit and for the NGO Affairs Bureau, the ability to receive local donations and government or grant payments, and a compliant route for foreign donations where these apply. Several signatories and dual authorisation on payments are common. A domestic current account at a scheduled bank covers day to day running, while foreign donation handling depends on registration and on the bank acting as authorised dealer. As of 19 January 2026.
How foreign donations are handled
Foreign grants and donations are governed by exchange control and by the Foreign Donations Voluntary Activities Regulation Act. The organisation registers with the NGO Affairs Bureau, obtains prior approval for the project or the donation, and receives the funds into a designated account at an authorised dealer bank. Because the route is regulated, a foreign multi currency provider is not the path here. Verify the current process with the bank and the NGO Affairs Bureau before relying on any timeline.
B
BRAC Bank
A large private commercial bank whose PRAPTI current account lists NGO and Project bodies, educational institutions, and co operative societies among eligible organisations. It opens with a minimum balance of BDT 1,000 and pays interest on the daily balance. Confirm eligibility for your body type.
Best for
Registered nonprofits wanting an organisation current account
Fee
About BDT 300 half yearly maintenance plus VAT, as of 19 January 2026.
S
Sonali Bank
The largest state owned commercial bank, widely used by NGOs and projects for government linked payments and for receiving foreign assisted programme funds through its authorised dealer branches. Suits bodies that work with public sector counterparts. Verify branch capability and current terms.
Best for
NGOs handling government and donor programme funds
Fee
Varies by account and branch, as of 19 January 2026. Confirm with the bank.
Compare accounts for Nonprofits in Bangladesh
These providers serve organisations in Bangladesh. Fees and eligibility shown as of 19 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Questions about banking for Nonprofits in Bangladesh
Can a nonprofit or NGO open a business account in Bangladesh?
Yes. A registered nonprofit, NGO, society, trust, or co operative can open an organisation current account at a scheduled bank. BRAC Bank lists NGO and Project bodies among those eligible for its PRAPTI current account, which opens with a minimum balance of BDT 1,000 as of 19 January 2026. Verify current terms with the bank.
How do NGOs in Bangladesh receive foreign donations?
Foreign grants and donations must route through an authorised dealer bank into a designated account, and the organisation needs registration with the NGO Affairs Bureau and prior approval, for example an FD 6 clearance under the Foreign Donations Voluntary Activities Regulation Act, before funds are released. Confirm the current process with the bank and the NGO Affairs Bureau.
Is Wise Business available to nonprofits in Bangladesh?
No. Wise Business is not offered to Bangladesh based organisations as of 19 January 2026. Foreign donations are handled through an authorised dealer bank under exchange control rules rather than through a foreign multi currency provider. Confirm the current position with the provider.
How much does a nonprofit current account cost in Bangladesh?
Organisation current accounts commonly carry a half yearly maintenance fee of about BDT 300 plus VAT, with transaction charges on top, as of 19 January 2026. Bangladesh Bank set the maintenance fee at BDT 300, reduced from BDT 500. Verify current figures with the bank.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 19 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.