In 2023, state-run commercial banks in Bangladesh, including Sonali, Agrani, Rupali, and Janata, reported varying profits but collectively faced a notable increase in bad loans, reaching Tk 62,913 crore by year-end, a 27 percent surge from the previous year. Janata Bank experienced the highest increase in bad loans, rising by 53 percent, followed by Agrani Bank with Tk 17,655 crore in bad loans.
Despite this, Sonali Bank saw a 7.9 percent increase in bad loans, totaling approximately Tk 12,800 crore, while Rupali Bank recorded a 14 percent increase, reaching Tk 9,250 crore. The rise in bad loans impacted their bottom line, although higher income from interest and treasury bond investments partially offset the losses. Consequently, while Sonali Bank’s profits surged by 83 percent to Tk 747 crore and Rupali Bank’s profits doubled to Tk 62 crore, Agrani Bank’s profits fell by 27 percent to Tk 103 crore, and Janata Bank’s profits plummeted by 50 percent to Tk 62 crore.
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