Bangladesh Bank is extending liquidity support to struggling commercial and Islamic banks, providing repo support to commercial banks and special liquidity assistance to Shariah-based Islamic banks. In November 2023, the central bank provided the highest liquidity support of Tk 23,941 crore on November 22.
On average, banks seek Tk 15,000 crore to Tk 16,000 crore in liquidity support. The repo rate is fixed at 7.75%, aligning with the central bank’s aim to make money more expensive. However, concerns arise as continuous support, especially to banks failing to meet Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), can fuel inflation.
Five Islamic banks, including Islami Bank Bangladesh and Social Islami Bank, continue to face liquidity crises, with deficits ranging from Tk 465 crore to Tk 1,590 crore at the end of September.