Written by The Banking Post
Mastercard has appointed Zakia Sultana as its Country Manager for Bangladesh, effective immediately, as the company looks to strengthen its position in the country’s fast-evolving digital payments market.
According to a statement, the appointment comes at a time when Bangladesh’s payments ecosystem is shifting from rapid digital adoption to deeper integration among banks, mobile financial services, and fintech platforms. Mastercard said it aims to strengthen partnerships and deliver more seamless and secure payment solutions for both consumers and businesses.
Zakia Sultana succeeds Syed Mohammad Kamal, who is set to retire later this year. Kamal has played a key role over the past decade in expanding Mastercard’s footprint in Bangladesh and laying the groundwork for the country’s digital payments ecosystem.
Zakia has been with Mastercard since 2015, where she has contributed to financial inclusion initiatives and business development efforts that helped expand the company’s reach and partnerships in the market.
In her new role, she will lead Mastercard’s operations in Bangladesh, focusing on scaling digital payment adoption, strengthening partnerships, and advancing a more inclusive financial ecosystem. She will report to Sandun Hapugoda, Group Country Manager for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
“Bangladesh is a strategically important market for Mastercard, with strong growth potential driven by rapid digitalisation and rising demand for innovative payment solutions. We are grateful to Syed Mohammad Kamal for his leadership over the past decade in building a strong foundation for our business in Bangladesh,” said a Mastercard executive. “Zakia’s appointment reflects our commitment to empowering local leadership in high-potential markets. Her deep market expertise and strong ecosystem relationships position her well to support our growth and deepen partnerships across Bangladesh.”
Zakia Sultana said she is honoured to take on the responsibility at a time when the country is moving forward with its digital transformation journey.
“Together with our customers, partners, and regulators, we will continue to deliver secure, inclusive and innovative payment solutions that unlock opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities across the country,” she said.
Zakia brings more than 26 years of experience across telecommunications, financial services, and large-scale transformation projects. Her career includes leading major initiatives such as 3G and 4G network rollouts and managing large-scale operational expansions.
She began her career at Grameenphone in project and change management, later spending a decade at Airtel as Head of Operational Excellence. She also held senior roles at Banglalink and worked with institutions including HSBC, along with leadership and board positions across telecom operators.
