NPLs totaled Tk 1,20,656 billion

As of June 30, this year, Shariah-based banks in Bangladesh disbursed significantly more in loans and investments than the deposits they collected, according to Bangladesh Bank data. Deposits in these banks totaled approximately Tk4.40 lakh crore, while investments amounted to around Tk5.13 lakh crore, leaving a gap of Tk73,307 crore.

In the first 14 days of September, expatriate Bangladeshis sent $116.72 million in remittances through legal channels, equivalent to approximately 14,000 crore BDT (assuming an exchange rate of 120 BDT/USD). This follows $584.04 million received in the first week of the month.

A recent study by Gazprom and Bapex has identified a potential gas resource in Bhola, Bangladesh, estimated to be up to 5.109 trillion cubic feet (tcf). This includes a recoverable 2.423 tcf from Shahbazpur to Elisha and an additional 2.686 tcf from Char Fasson.

The interim government is considering issuing additional bonds to alleviate the Bangladesh Power Development Board's (BPDB) significant unpaid dues to private power producers. BPDB's total unpaid bills amount to approximately Tk42,000 crore, with Tk7,000 crore owed to independent power producers (IPPs). The remaining dues include Tk17,000 crore for gas bills, Tk10,000 crore for state-owned power plants, and Tk8,000 crore for Indian entities like the Adani Group.

SM Shamsul Alam, chairman of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, is transferring over 3.64 crore shares to his family members. Alam, who owns 6 crore shares (19.81% of Walton), will transfer 1.81 crore shares to his daughter Sabiha Jarin Orona and 90.81 lakh shares to his wife Shahinur Akter Jolly. His other daughter, Tahmina Afrose Tanna, will receive 91.75 lakh shares. The transfer, classified as a gift, will occur outside the trading system within the next 30 working days starting from September 11, 2024.

India has removed the floor price for basmati rice exports, effective Friday, to boost overseas sales just before the new-season crop arrives. Previously, the minimum export price (MEP) for basmati was set at $1,200 per metric ton and later reduced to $950. With supplies increasing, exporters requested the removal of the MEP to avoid unsold stocks when the new crop comes in a month. Both India and Pakistan promote basmati rice similarly to French Champagne or Darjeeling tea.