Sonali Bank Enters Agreement with Titas Gas

Bangladesh’s banking sector experienced a nearly 5% decline in total financial transactions during the first eight months of FY 2024–25, amounting to a Tk 1.76 trillion reduction compared to the same period last year. Transactions dropped from Tk 36.16 trillion to Tk 34.40 trillion, primarily due to a sharp 19% fall in check payments, a 3.96% drop in card usage, and a 4.63% decline in agent banking activity.

BRAC Bank reported a record Tk 14.32 billion profit in 2024, a significant 73% increase compared to the previous year, primarily driven by substantial returns from investments in government securities. This strong financial performance resulted in a consolidated earnings per share of Tk 6.95, up from Tk 4.30. Consequently, the bank's board of directors announced a 25% dividend for shareholders, comprising 12.5% cash and 12.5% bonus shares,

Banks across Bangladesh are facing difficulties in recovering massive defaulted loans from the Chattogram-based S Alam Group as auctions of the conglomerate's properties are failing to attract buyers, reportedly due to fear. Janata Bank, for instance, couldn't find any bidders for six auctions aimed at recovering Tk10,700 crore, forcing them to pursue legal action.

Bangladesh Bank's first climate stress testing report reveals that the banking sector faces increasing loan losses and financial instability if swift climate action is not implemented. The report highlights the link between climate-induced GDP slowdowns and a rise in non-performing loans, emphasizing that higher damage climate scenarios would lead to greater loan losses.

In February 2025, deposits in Bangladesh’s banking sector rose by 7.9% year-on-year, reaching Tk 17,92,685 crore, up from Tk 16,61,649 crore in February 2024, according to Bangladesh Bank data. Monthly deposit growth averaged over Tk 10,000 crore, with figures steadily increasing since July 2024.

Qatar has agreed to renew a previously expired MoU with Bangladesh for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply and advance discussions on a land-based LNG terminal in Cox’s Bazar. Under the existing SPA signed in 2017, Bangladesh imports 1.5–2.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG for 15 years, with a second SPA signed in June 2023 for an additional 1.5 MTPA starting in January 2026.