Bangladesh’s foreign debt servicing is set to reach a record $5.3 billion in FY27, with $1.9 billion for interest and $3.4 billion for principal repayments. While this peak is expected, repayments will decline in subsequent years. In FY26, total servicing is projected at $5 billion.
The finance ministry reports that just three months of inward remittances could cover the entire year’s external debt liabilities. Despite rising external debt linked to infrastructure projects, the IMF rates Bangladesh at low risk of debt distress, with a public debt-to-GDP ratio of 15.59%—well below the 40% threshold.
Over the past 15 years, external debt has surged 242.56%, with repayments increasing 283.42%, from $875.58 million in 2009 to $3.36 billion in FY24. The government is urged to maintain prudent borrowing to ensure sustainable debt management.