Govt Bank Borrowing Rises by Tk 6,568 Crore in FY25

On November 20, 2024, the Standing Committee on Non-Concessional Loans (SCNCL) approved two hard-term loans worth $260 million to fund key infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. The loans will finance power transmission upgrades, road development, and terminal projects. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing $100 million for public-private partnership (PPP) projects, including the Dhaka bypass and Patenga terminal in Chittagong.

Pubali Bank PLC has been recognized at the Mastercard Excellence Awards 2023 for its efforts in promoting financial inclusion and strengthening the digital economy. The bank won in two categories: "Excellence in Mastercard Debit Business (International) 2023-24" and "Excellence in Mastercard Business Growth (Acquiring) 2023-24."

Following the dissolution of its previous board on August 5, 2024, Social Islami Bank PLC, now led by an independent director and chairman, is undergoing significant reforms to address a liquidity crisis and restore stability. The Shariah-based lender has a total deposit of Tk 32,272.45 crore and investments of Tk 37,534.59 crore as of November 17, 2024

Global rating agency Moody’s has downgraded the long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of BRAC Bank, Mercantile Bank, and Premier Bank due to Bangladesh's recent sovereign downgrade to B2 on November 18, 2023. This marks the first downgrade in 14 years, reflecting heightened economic risks.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has raised the foreign currency endorsement limit at money exchange houses for travelers to $2,000, doubling the previous cap of $1,000. The new policy, announced on November 19, 2024, aims to ease currency access for Bangladeshis traveling abroad. A senior BB official stated that travelers could now purchase up to $2,000 in cash from money changers, increasing convenience.

Md Jashim Uddin has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Bangladesh Development Bank PLC, effective November 20, 2024. Before this role, he served as Deputy Managing Director at Janata Bank PLC, where he began his banking career in 1988 as a senior officer. Over the years, he held several key positions, including branch manager, zonal head, divisional office head, and general manager of various departments