As of June 30, this year, Shariah-based banks in Bangladesh disbursed significantly more in loans and investments than the deposits they collected, according to Bangladesh Bank data. Deposits in these banks totaled approximately Tk4.40 lakh crore, while investments amounted to around Tk5.13 lakh crore, leaving a gap of Tk73,307 crore. This disparity follows a similar trend from December 2023, when deposits were about Tk4.22 lakh crore and investments nearly Tk4.77 lakh crore. In the first half of this year, deposits grew by Tk17,963 crore, but investments surged by Tk36,278 crore, exacerbating liquidity issues.

As of June, the total deposits in Shariah-based banks were Tk4.40 lakh crore, up from Tk4.24 lakh crore in April. Investments stood at Tk5.13 lakh crore, rising from Tk4.82 lakh crore in January. Among these deposits, Mudaraba deposits made up 85.51%.

A recent study by Gazprom and Bapex has identified a potential gas resource in Bhola, Bangladesh, estimated to be up to 5.109 trillion cubic feet (tcf). This includes a recoverable 2.423 tcf from Shahbazpur to Elisha and an additional 2.686 tcf from Char Fasson. The report indicates varying probabilities of discovery: a 10% chance of finding 5.109 tcf, a 50% chance of 3.391 tcf, and a 90% chance of at least 1.809 tcf. Valued at approximately Tk6.5 lakh crore based on the current LNG spot price, this resource could significantly address Bangladesh’s gas shortages, reduce inflation, and lower costs. Current production in Bhola stands at 80 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), with potential to increase to 920 mmcfd with new wells. Plans include connecting Bhola’s gas to the national grid and reducing LNG imports. Experts urge expedited drilling and infrastructure development, suggesting joint exploration with foreign firms to boost domestic production.

The interim government is considering issuing additional bonds to alleviate the Bangladesh Power Development Board’s (BPDB) significant unpaid dues to private power producers. BPDB’s total unpaid bills amount to approximately Tk42,000 crore, with Tk7,000 crore owed to independent power producers (IPPs). The remaining dues include Tk17,000 crore for gas bills, Tk10,000 crore for state-owned power plants, and Tk8,000 crore for Indian entities like the Adani Group.

Previously, the government issued Tk20,620 crore in special bonds to clear outstanding liabilities, collaborating with City Bank and Pubali Bank. These bonds, with an 8% coupon rate, are set to mature in up to 10 years. The Finance Division plans to negotiate further with banks such as BRAC Bank and Bank Asia to manage additional liabilities.