Industrial loans experienced a notable 31.52% increase in disbursement during the 2022-23 financial year, reaching Tk 95,172 crore compared to Tk 72,360 crore in the previous year, according to Bangladesh Bank data. However, there are concerns as letter of credit openings for importing capital machinery declined by 55%, and LC settlements dropped by nearly 30%.
Moreover, overdue loans in the industrial sector surged to Tk 59,590 crore by June 2023, up from Tk 50,928 crore in the previous year. This trend raises apprehensions about businesses facing challenges in meeting loan repayment obligations amid economic difficulties, high inflation, currency depreciation, and energy crises in the country. Private banks hold the highest amount of overdue loans, standing at Tk 28,930 crore.