ONE Bank Signs Agreement with Smart Technologies

Credit card transactions in Bangladesh rose significantly in October, with domestic spending increasing by 7.41% to Tk 28.66 billion and international transactions by Bangladeshi cardholders surging 18.56% to Tk 4.98 billion, according to a Bangladesh Bank report. Foreign-issued card spending in Bangladesh also grew by 15.89%, reaching Tk 1.29 billion.

The Bangladesh Bank has introduced the "Special Regulations of Bangladesh Bank-2024" to allow hiring international consulting firms (ICFs) for diagnosing and improving commercial banks’ financial health. Communicated via notification, the regulations took immediate effect following approval at the central bank's 438th board meeting. 

Customers of Southeast Bank PLC can now pay savings and loan installments through Nagad, the digital financial service of the Bangladesh Postal Department. This new feature enables users to deposit money into bank accounts, pay DPS installments, and repay loans via the Nagad app.

Padma Bank, facing severe financial difficulties, has requested Tk 1,300 crore in liquidity support from Bangladesh Bank to repay depositors. The bank's CEO, Kazi Md Talha, stated that the application for support was made last week, but no response has been received yet.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating Salman F Rahman, former adviser to the PM, and Shah Alam Sarwar, former MD of IFIC Bank, for their involvement in a loan scam totaling Tk 19.07 billion. Allegations include abuse of power, irregularities, and loan disbursements without proper competition, with funds misused for five companies.