A Policy Research Institute (PRI) study reveals stark financial inequality in Bangladesh’s banking sector. As of FY 2023–24, just 0.1% of account holders, each with deposits over Tk 1 crore, control 42% of all deposits. Similarly, only 1.2% of loan accounts—loans of Tk 1 crore or more—account for 75% of total bank loans. Geographically, Dhaka and Chattogram alone hold 64% of deposits and receive 78% of loans. Between 2019 and 2024, 40–42% of loans went to industry, while agriculture received just 4–5%. The study found loan accounts declined in 126 upazilas and deposit accounts fell in 46, while 60 and 66 upazilas saw respective doubling in loan and deposit accounts. The report underscores systemic exclusion, with private banks largely absent in less wealthy regions. Bangladesh Bank aims to address this via agent banking, QR payments, and empowering local governments, though structural reforms remain essential for inclusive finance.
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