Premier Cement Secures Tk 350 Crore Loan from Idcol

In the wake of recent governance changes in Bangladesh, foreign correspondent banks are easing their previously tightened credit lines for Bangladeshi banks. This shift follows prompt repayment of overdue import bills—over $2.5 billion—which had previously caused international banks to restrict credit access.

During a high-level meeting in Dhaka, Holcim Group reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Bangladesh market. Martin Kriegner, Holcim’s regional head for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the company's continued investment and highlighted the use of non-recyclable plastics as fuel at its Chhatak plant, claiming zero environmental impact.

In the October–December quarter of 2024, banks in Bangladesh recovered Tk 9,791 crore in non-performing loans (NPLs), marking a 23% increase from Tk 7,960 crore in the same period of 2023. Despite this nominal rise, the NPL recovery ratio—which indicates the percentage of recovered loans relative to total outstanding defaulted loans—declined to 3.44% from 5.12% in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

In a major financial crime verdict, a Dhaka court has sentenced 11 individuals, including seven former officials of Sonali Bank, for embezzling Tk 1.38 crore from the bank’s Sheraton Hotel branch. The judgment was delivered on Monday by Judge Mohammad Zakaria Hossain of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-6. Among the convicted, seven former bank officials received 3-year prison terms

Moody's Ratings has identified Bangladeshi banks as among the most vulnerable in the Asia-Pacific region to the recent 37% increase in U.S. import tariffs on Bangladeshi goods. This heightened exposure stems from Bangladesh's heavy reliance on ready-made garment (RMG) exports, a sector now facing substantial challenges due to the tariff hike.

In FY24, Bangladesh’s steel industry faces significant challenges driven by declining demand, political uncertainty, and high operational costs. BSRM, with an annual production capacity of 24 lakh tonnes, and Abul Khair Steel, producing 30 lakh tonnes, both expanded based on prior economic momentum now lost.