United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank announced plans to issue the ‘Bangladesh Government Special Sukuk-1’, a Shariah-compliant bond worth Tk 10,000 crore, to finance selected national infrastructure and welfare projects. The decision was finalised after meetings held last week by the central bank’s Shariah Advisory Committee under the Debt Management Department, which were presided over by Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr Md Kabir Ahmed. According to the central bank, the Sukuk will have a tenure of 10 years and carry an annual profit rate of 9.75 percent. Read more: Dhaka’s skyline transforms as flat owners reach 3.5 lakh The bond will be issued based on the ‘Ijarah’ (leasing) method, a Shariah-compliant financing structure approved by the committee. Proceeds from the issuance will support seven housing projects for government employees constructed by the Public Works Department. Besides, the funds will be used for specific rail services operated under Bangladesh Railway, underscoring the government’s focus on both housing and transport infrastructure. The ‘Special Sukuk-1’ is scheduled for issuance on January 14, 2026, through a private placement in favour of Sammilito Islamic Bank PLC. The Sukuk represents part of Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to leverage Shariah-compliant financing instruments to fund public projects while providing investors with profit-generating opportunities that align with Islamic finance principles. Read more: House Rent Issues in Dhaka: A Growing Concern