IDRA Allows Life Insurers for Competitive Health Insurance

At a dialogue titled "Global Financial Trends & Reforms: Implications for Bangladesh," organized by ICC Bangladesh in Dhaka, business leaders and banking experts warned that rising US tariffs could strain Bangladesh’s banking sector by reducing export earnings, tightening foreign currency liquidity, and increasing non-performing loans.

In Q3 of FY 2024–25, ACI Limited reported a consolidated loss of Tk 13.69 crore, a sharp decline from a Tk 1.65 crore profit in the same period last year, despite a 17% year-on-year revenue growth to Tk 3,573.50 crore.

In Q3 of FY 2024–25, Renata PLC’s profit fell 20% year-on-year to Tk 58 crore, despite a 16% rise in sales to Tk 1,070 crore, driven by strong domestic demand. However, profits declined due to a 100% surge in finance costs, reaching Tk 45 crore from Tk 23 crore, amid rising interest rates.

In just three months ending December 2024, the capital shortfall of 20 Bangladeshi banks soared by Tk1.18 lakh crore, reaching Tk1.72 lakh crore due to a sharp rise in non-performing loans (NPLs), now accounting for 20.2% of total loans. Thirteen banks have provision shortfalls totaling Tk1.09 lakh crore, with major deficits reported in Janata Bank (Tk52,890 crore),

Bangladesh's banking sector is facing a severe capital crisis, with the overall capital-to-risk-weighted assets ratio (CRAR) plunging to 3.08 percent by the end of 2024—far below the Basel III requirement of 10 percent. The drop reflects years of unchecked irregularities under the Awami League government, with state-run, Islamic, and specialised banks suffering the most

To simplify overseas expenses for education, healthcare, and training, Bangladesh Bank has allowed the use of international card platforms for sending money abroad. A circular issued on Sunday extended the previous system, where banks could only use their own branded international cards, by now permitting authorized banks to utilize broader international card platforms.