Sylhet Division, rich in natural resources and business potential, lags in accessing bank loans, evident in its low Advances-to-Deposit Ratio (ADR). With a deposit contribution of Tk 696 billion in 2023, it received only Tk 200 billion in investments, reflecting an ADR of 0.29, the lowest among divisions. Despite significant contributions to the banking sector, businesses, especially SMEs, suffer from limited access to credit. The discrepancy highlights regional disparities, exacerbating economic challenges. Industry leaders attribute this to a lack of entrepreneurship and stringent bank requirements. They advocate for regulatory interventions to ensure equitable fund allocation and support regional development. However, challenges persist, including a preference for overseas employment and insufficient industry documentation, hindering credit accessibility and economic growth in the region.
Source for more details:
