The financial sector in Bangladesh is grappling with a rising trend in defaulted loans, impacting both weak and strong non-bank financial institutions. According to Bangladesh Bank, defaulted loans increased by Tk 822 crore from April to June this year, reaching approximately Tk 24,711 crore, or 33.15% of total loans.
This surge reflects a liquidity crisis and heightened competition with banks, alongside a tarnished reputation due to irregularities. Many borrowers are unable to repay loans on time, exacerbating the default situation. Notably, institutions linked to PK Halder exhibit alarmingly high default rates, with People’s Leasing at 99%, Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company Limited (BIFC) at 96.85%, and International Leasing at 94.76%. The trend of rising non-performing loans also indicates a lack of effective supervision from Bangladesh Bank, raising concerns about financial stability in the sector.