Islami Bank Routing Numbers
What Is an Islami Bank Routing Number?
An Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) routing number is a 9-digit code that identifies the exact branch where an IBBL account is held within Bangladesh's payment network. Every domestic transfer processed through BEFTN, NPSB, or RTGS uses this code to direct funds to the correct IBBL branch automatically.
The 9 digits encode 3 distinct pieces of information:
- Bank code (first 3 digits): Always 125 for every Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited branch
- District code (next 2 digits): Identifies the district where the branch operates, such as 26 for Dhaka North or 15 for Chattogram
- Branch code (final 4 digits): Identifies the specific branch within that district
IBBL organises its Dhaka branches across 3 administrative zones: Dhaka, Dhaka-North, and Dhaka-South. Each zone carries a different district code. A branch in Dhaka-North and a branch in Dhaka-South share the same bank code but have different district codes and will have different routing numbers even if they are located close to each other geographically.
How to Use Your IBBL Routing Number
How an IBBL routing number is used depends on 3 transfer types, each with different requirements.
BEFTN and NPSB (local transfers)
To send via BEFTN or NPSB, log into your bank's internet banking, select Fund Transfer, choose Other Bank, and enter 2 pieces of information:
- The recipient's 9-digit IBBL routing number
- The recipient's IBBL account number
No SWIFT code is needed for either system. NPSB settles near-instantly within Bangladesh Bank processing hours. BEFTN settles on the next business day.
RTGS (high-value local transfers)
RTGS requires the routing number plus the recipient branch's SWIFT code. IBBL's base SWIFT code is IBBLBDDH, with a branch-specific suffix. Confirm the full suffix directly with the recipient branch before sending. RTGS payments are irrevocable once processed. Bangladesh Bank regulations place full liability for instruction errors on the sender, with no reversal mechanism available regardless of the error amount.
How to Verify Your IBBL Routing Number Before Sending
4 methods confirm an IBBL routing number before any transfer:
- Cheque leaf: The 9-digit routing number is printed along the bottom of every IBBL cheque, directly below the account number
- IBBL internet banking: L:og into internet banking, navigate to Account Details, and the routing number appears alongside your branch name
- Branch phone call: Call your specific IBBL branch directly (not the central helpline) and ask: "What is the routing number for this branch?"
- Bangladesh Bank official directory: Bangladesh Bank publishes a complete routing number registry at bangladeshbank.org.bd, updated when new branches are added
Cross-referencing at least 2 sources before an RTGS transfer eliminates the liability risk from instruction errors.
Sub-Branches
IBBL operates sub-branches across Bangladesh alongside its main branches. Sub-branches share the routing number of their parent branch. The table above lists the routing number each sub-branch uses in brackets alongside its name. To confirm which routing number applies to a specific sub-branch account, call the parent branch directly and confirm the account's registered routing number before any transfer.
Receiving money from abroad using IBBL Routing Number
To receive an international wire transfer into an IBBL account, provide the sender with 4 pieces of information:
- Bank name: Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited
- SWIFT/BIC code: IBBLBDDH (plus branch suffix, confirm with your branch)
- Your 9-digit branch routing number
- Your full account number and registered account name
IBBL operates Shariah-compliant banking. International transfers into IBBL accounts follow the same SWIFT routing process as conventional banks. The bank converts incoming foreign currency to BDT at the rate applied at the moment the funds clear.
Receiving USD as a Freelancer or Remote Worker
Bangladeshi freelancers receiving USD from foreign clients, Upwork, Fiverr, or foreign employers face a specific limitation with IBBL routing numbers. Routing numbers operate within Bangladesh's domestic payment rails. International senders wire through the SWIFT network using IBBL's SWIFT code, and IBBL converts the incoming USD to BDT at the rate applied at clearing. The account holder does not choose the conversion rate or timing. IBBL applies Shariah-compliant principles to all transactions including foreign currency conversion.
Some Bangladeshi freelancers use an nsave account alongside their IBBL account to address this. nsave is a fintech platform that provides people from Bangladesh with USD payment account details on the US ACH network. A freelancer gives clients the nsave US account details for dollar payments, holds earnings in USD, and transfers to a local Bangladeshi account when preferred rather than at the moment of receipt. nsave is not a bank. Accounts held with nsave are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Customer funds are held in regulated UK and EEA financial institutions, separated from company funds, and protected through safeguarding rules designed for electronic money services.
nsave is not a bank. Accounts held with nsave are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Customer funds are held in regulated UK and EEA financial institutions, separated from company funds, and protected through safeguarding rules designed for electronic money services.
The information in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice from nsave or any of its affiliates. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified financial adviser. We make no representations or warranties, whether expressed or implied, that the content is accurate, complete, or up to date.
Fees, exchange rates, incentives, and product availability may change and can vary by user and jurisdiction. Examples are illustrative only. Before making any financial decisions, seek advice from a qualified financial adviser who can assess your individual circumstances and objectives.
nsave helps freelancers and professionals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Egypt, and other emerging markets receive and manage USD abroad. As a non-bank payment provider, your money is not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Customer funds are held in regulated, UK and EEA financial institutions, separated from company funds, and protected through safeguarding rules designed for electronic money services.
