BRAC Bank tests operational resilience with surprise continuity drill

BRAC Bank PLC conducted its second full-scale, unannounced business continuity plan drill on 4 November 2026. The exercise was designed to evaluate the institution's capacity to maintain essential banking services and protect customer interests during an unexpected operational disruption.

According to the bank's press release, the participating business units were given no prior notice of the drill. This lack of warning was intentional, aimed at testing the genuine readiness of teams to activate continuity protocols, make rapid decisions under pressure, and coordinate a seamless transition to the bank's designated disaster recovery facility.

During the simulation, key personnel relocated from the head office to the recovery site. Once at the facility, these teams continued to perform essential banking functions throughout the working day. The bank stated that critical operations and institutional transactions proceeded without any interruption during the simulated event, demonstrating the effectiveness of the current contingency framework.

The drill involved a wide range of departments, including the Risk Management Division, the Technology Division, and General Services, alongside various support teams and designated business units. Beyond testing immediate response times and logistical coordination, the exercise allowed the bank to assess inter-departmental cooperation and identify specific areas where its continuity strategy could be further strengthened.

Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, the managing director and CEO of BRAC Bank, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative. He described business continuity as a fundamental institutional responsibility, noting that it remains an integral part of safeguarding customer interests, maintaining stakeholder confidence, and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential banking services.