Beyond Boarding

Syed Mahbubur Rahman, 
Managing Director & CEO of MTB  

Bangladesh's skies are busier than ever, with new terminals and runways reshaping how the country flies. Amid this transformation, Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) has built the nation's first and largest bank-led lounge network, setting a new benchmark for comfort and convenience. In this interview with The Daily Star, Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of MTB, discusses the future of travel, the role of lounges, and what's next for premium banking.

The Daily Star (TDS): How do you see air travel in Bangladesh changing over the next five years, and what role will lounges play?

Syed Mahbubur Rahman (SMR): Bangladesh's aviation sector is entering a transformative era with rising passenger volumes and major projects like Dhaka's Terminal-3 and Cox's Bazar's runway expansion. As travellers become more discerning and digitally connected, airport lounges are shifting from luxury to necessity. MTB is proud to lead this evolution with the country's first and largest lounge network. Our focus now is on expanding amenities, capacity, and world-class services to meet the expectations of a new generation of travellers, especially Gen Z.

TDS: How many lounges can your cardholders access, and which cards qualify?

SMR: We operate eight lounges across Bangladesh, including the country's first international bank-led lounge at HSIA Terminal-2. Through LoungeKey, our Visa Signature, Mastercard World, and UnionPay Diamond cardholders access 1,300+ lounges worldwide with 10 free visits annually. Domestically, premium cardholders enjoy complimentary entry in line with our policies.

TDS: What privileges do you offer across card tiers?

SMR: MTB lounges provide global-standard amenities such as a Library Corner, massage machines, shoe shiners, and air purifiers. Services like card activation, foreign part enabling, and endorsements are available on-site. At HSIA, premium clients also enjoy 'meet & greet' and 'pick & drop' facilities.

TDS: How do you ensure quality in third-party lounges?

SMR: We select partners carefully, backed by service-level agreements to maintain cleanliness and professionalism. Beyond lounges, MTB supports travellers with foreign exchange booths, ATMs, and premium travel services. Our efforts were recently recognised with the "Gold Award" for Best Airport Lounge (Bangladesh) at the Monitor Airline of the Year 2024.

TDS: What feedback do you receive from customers?

SMR: Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, especially on connectivity between Dhaka and divisional airports. We continuously review suggestions to improve comfort, efficiency, and services.

opportunities are immense, though challenges like digital security push us to keep innovating.

TDS: What's next for MTB lounges?

SMR: We're working on digital check-in, wellness-focused services, and expanded memberships. Challenges like space and security exist, but we view them as opportunities. From Dhaka to Jashore, our lounges symbolise a new benchmark in Bangladesh's travel experience.