Founded by some eminent entrepreneurs and reputed social workers National Bank Ltd. commenced its business on 23rd March 1983 as one of the first generation banks.

NBL is the pioneer among the Bangladeshi private commercial banks to introduce International Master Card in Bangladesh.

NBL has elevated its services by bringing Electronic Banking (E-Banking) and ATM services at the doorstep of clients.
The Merchant Banking Division of National Bank is playing an important role in Merchant Banking activities in the country.

Under its Rural Credit Programme, NBL, with joint collaboration of the Barendra Bahumukhi Unnayan Katripakkha, has been providing improved technology, irrigation facility, agricultural equipments, etc. through disbursement of small credit to the farmers of three districts (Rajshahi, Naogaon, Chapai Nawabganj) of Rajshahi Division.

Out of its sense of responsibility toward the society, NBL established the National Bank Foundation in 1989. Under financial assistance of this Foundation, the National Bank Public School and College has been established at Moghbazar, Dhaka. At present a total of 592 students are studying in the school section from class-I to class‑X, while there are a total of 234 students at the college section. A total of 57 students appeared at the SSC examination from this school in 2003 who came out successful.