Loan distribution for sustainable finance by banks and financial institutions surged by 32% (Tk28,103 crore) in the second quarter of 2024, reaching Tk1,16,799 crore, according to a central bank report. This increase is attributed to the introduction of new financing products, expanding the total to 94 across 14 sectors, including the newly added blue economy, ICT, and technology. Green finance also saw a rise, increasing by Tk732 crore to Tk7,771 crore.
From January to June, loans in the sustainable sector totaled Tk2.05 lakh crore, surpassing the target of 20% of total loans, with sustainable financing comprising 17.23% of total loans in 2023, up from 11.59% the previous year. The central bank noted that 28 banks and 13 finance companies met their sustainable finance targets in the June quarter, compared to 26 banks and 10 finance companies in the previous quarter. Ongoing policy initiatives and refinancing support from the Bangladesh Bank are expected to further enhance sustainable finance activities in the sector.