Bangladesh’s banking sector saw its provision shortfall nearly double to Tk 55,378 crore in September 2024, up from Tk 31,549 crore in June, driven by a surge in distressed assets. State-owned banks accounted for 72% of the deficit, with their shortfall tripling to Tk 40,204 crore. Private banks’ shortfall also rose to Tk 15,831 crore.
Defaulted loans, the main culprit, surged to Tk 2,84,977 crore in September, constituting 17% of total bank loans—the highest ratio in South Asia. Regulatory requirements for provisions against classified loans remain unmet due to escalating non-performing loans, undermining banks’ financial stability, according to Bangladesh Bank.