AB Bank, once a leading private lender in Bangladesh, is grappling with severe financial challenges, including Tk 10,115 crore in toxic loans as of September 2024, making up 31% of its total disbursed loans. The bank’s bad loan portfolio has doubled from Tk 5,941 crore in September 2023, triggering concerns over its financial health. Despite efforts to manage the crisis, the bank’s liquidity has also declined, with deposits falling from Tk 35,438 crore in December 2023 to Tk 32,633 crore by September 2024. Furthermore, the bank has been placed in the red category by Bangladesh Bank, contributing to mass withdrawals and further financial strain.
The bank’s troubles date back to a 2016 money laundering scandal and years of irregular loan approvals. These loans, particularly to large groups, have defaulted in recent years. Mismanagement and ineffective loan recovery strategies, compounded by a flawed appointment of an advisor without banking experience, have worsened the situation. The bank’s leadership continues to face criticism as defaulted loans continue to rise.