Sustainable financing by banks witnessed an 8.23% decline in Q3, 2023, totaling Tk 32,296 crore compared to Tk 35,196 crore in the preceding quarter, as per Bangladesh Bank data. The dip is attributed to an overall slowdown in loan disbursement ahead of the upcoming national elections scheduled for January 7, 2024.
Industry insiders suggest that banks are adopting a cautious approach in disbursing loans for sustainable projects during this period. Sustainable finance covers environmental, social, governance, and economic aspects, while green finance specifically addresses climate finance. A significant portion of green finance in Bangladesh is directed towards energy efficiency initiatives in textile factories and the establishment of green factories to reduce carbon emissions for global market appeal.