Dhaka, Sept. 24 -- Multinational banking giant Standard Chartered is reportedly preparing to wind down its retail banking operations in Bangladesh as part of a global strategic shift, sparking interest among leading local lenders to acquire its high-value consumer portfolio.

While the bank has not made any official announcement, industry sources revealed that competitive bidding may soon be launched to sell the retail division.

Top private commercial lenders BRAC Bank and City Bank have already emerged as frontrunners in separate preliminary discussions to acquire the business.

Commercial banking sources confirmed that initial talks regarding the transfer mechanism have taken place between Standard Chartered and interested domestic ban...