United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank has ordered all scheduled banks to promptly update loan repayment data as prospective MP candidates, many of them business and political figures, scramble to clear defaults and overdue installments to remain eligible for the national polls. Managing directors of various banks, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), and Bangladesh Bank officials said they are receiving a surge in applications for loan regularisation. In response, the Credit Information Bureau (CIB) of Bangladesh Bank (BB) has issued a strict directive to all banks and financial institutions nationwide, ordering rapid updates of loan-related data to confirm the financial eligibility of potential candidates. Bangladesh Bank eases SME loan rules for refinance fund amid rising defaults Bangladesh Bank officials said on Saturday that even if a borrower secures a stay order from a court, financial institutions must report the accurate status of the loan to the CIB without any alteration. The central bank emphasised that there will be no scope to conceal information or offer ‘arbitrary’ concessions. A special meeting was held on October 29 with CIB representatives from all banks and NBFIs, where institutions were informed of the government’s firm instruction to complete loan data updates before the election to ensure no loan defaulter can contest. “The Bangladesh Bank has made it clear that the government will not allow any loan defaulter to become a candidate in the upcoming election,” said a CIB official. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, said the central bank is updating customers’ loan statuses as per government instructions. He added that providing updated credit information to Bangladesh Bank is a routine responsibility of banks. Govt may compensate investors in 5-bank merger: Bangladesh Bank The central bank has also directed all institutions to strictly follow existing rules concerning borrowers attempting to reschedule long-overdue defaulted loans ahead of the election. No exceptions, special privileges, or rule violations will be permitted for rescheduling. All financial institutions, particularly those yet to submit their default data to the CIB, have been ordered to do so immediately. Updated reports detailing the full status of all new and ongoing loans, based on month-end outstanding balances, are mandatory. Banks have been specifically instructed to update the following information: Accounts of ongoing and settled loans, along with accurate balances and classification status, Maturity dates and overdue balances, Number and value of defaulted instalments, and details of installment payments or recoveries. To ensure round-the-clock verification of loan information for potential candidates, Bangladesh Bank has directed every bank branch to appoint a dedicated officer. Their names and mobile numbers must be submitted to the central bank. Bangladesh Bank directs MFS providers to halt online gambling transactions Electoral law clearly states that a candidate will be disqualified if their bank loan status is not classified as ‘regular’ up to seven days before the submission of nomination papers. Officials concerned believe this rigorous initiative by Bangladesh Bank will play a decisive role in preventing loan defaulters from securing nominations ahead of the election.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is continuing its review of Bangladesh’s progress under the ongoing loan programme and a final decision regarding the next installment is expected only after the formation of the next political government. “The IMF has acknowledged that the government has been working to address macroeconomic challenges and implement reforms. They have some recommendations, particularly on revenue generation. We agree that tax revenue remains low, and there are structural reasons for this,” Dr Ahmed said. Talking to reporters at Bangladesh Secretariat after holding a series of meetings, the adviser said the government has already undertaken necessary reforms and is consolidating the progress before the upcoming general election, scheduled for February 2026. He said tax compliance among citizens remains weak, while the temporary suspension of the new National Board of Revenue (NBR) for two months also had an impact on revenue collection. “We are working to resolve these issues.” According to the adviser, the IMF has also emphasised increasing expenditure in the social sectors, especially health, education and social protection. “On food security, we are performing reasonably well.” BGMEA briefs IMF on RMG risks, urges govt to prioritize FTAs to counter LDC graduation challenge Responding to a question on whether the government expects to receive the next IMF tranche during the tenure of the interim administration, Dr Ahmed said the focus now is to maintain stability and hand over a well-structured economic reform framework to the elected government. “We will consolidate the work done so far. Of course, we cannot complete everything. Major reforms such as tax restructuring, public sector pay commission review, and strengthening the banking sector will continue. These will be carried forward by the next government,” he said. The adviser said Bangladesh has already submitted relevant reports to the IMF, and a review mission will visit the country again early next year. “The IMF will review again around the election period and then decide on disbursement. We have no objection to this. A stable political government is needed for sustained reform.” Asked about recent remarks by the Bangladesh Bank Governor on certain policy proposals, Dr Ahmed declined to comment but said any major decision would be taken collectively by the government. “This is an internal matter of the Bangladesh government. It will go to the advisory council for consideration,” he said. In response to a question, the adviser said he is scheduled to hold final discussions with the IMF on November 15.  “I have already had a virtual meeting with them. They said they are very happy with the overall economic direction. They acknowledged the efforts we have made and are making.” IMF to probe ‘NPL data concealment’ in Bangladesh’s banking sector The adviser also informed that an independent committee comprising economists has been formed to recommend reforms in the tax system. He identified the banking sector as the most critical challenge in the economy. “Some reforms have already begun, and the rest will proceed gradually. These issues will also be handed over to the next government.” Responding to whether the sixth installment of the IMF loan will be released during the interim government’s tenure, Dr Salehuddin said the IMF will review progress again after the national election expected in February.   “They want to see how much the political government continues the reforms. That is important for them. So, after their review early next year, they will make a decision,” he said. The $4.7 billion IMF loan programme, approved in January 2023, aims to support Bangladesh’s economic stability, strengthen fiscal reforms, and enhance resilience amid global economic pressures. Several tranches have already been disbursed, while further installments remain tied to policy performance benchmarks and structural reforms. The IMF will delay disbursing the sixth tranche until the next national election and the new elected government assumes office. The interim government that assumed power on August 8, 2024 three days after the Awami League regime was ousted amid a mass uprising has announced that the next general election would be held in February. Finance ministry officials said that they were expecting the releases of the sixth and the seventh tranches in June 2026.  IMF-WB proposes unified debt management office in Dhaka to strengthen public debt governance On June 23, the IMF approved the release of the fourth and fifth tranches amounting to $1.3 billion, taking the overall amount of disbursement to $3.6 billion. In June 2025, the IMF also increased the overall loan amount to $5.5 billion from $4.7 billion under the loan programme that began in 2023 under the AL regime in 2023 to meet the balance of payment shortage.  The progarmme period has also been extended by six months to January 27, 2027 from July 2026, following requests from Dhaka. The interim government has already reduced the balance of payment pressure. Driven by higher remittance and export earnings, the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves increased to $32 billion on October 16, the highest in 31 months. The latest IMF mission is also linked to the Article IV report, an annual consultation with its member countries on overall economy, on Bangladesh.    

A personal loan is an unsecured form of credit that helps individuals meet personal needs like education, travel, or medical emergencies without needing any collateral. It is repaid through fixed monthly instalments over 1 to 5 years. In this article, we will explore the top 6 banks in Bangladesh offering personal loans and compare their features, eligibility, and benefits to guide you in choosing the best loan provider based on your needs. 6 Bangladeshi Banks to Consider for Personal Loans in 2025 Here we have reviewed the personal loan schemes of six selected banks in Bangladesh in 2025. The detailed information regarding the loans can be accessed from the official websites of respective banks.  Jamuna Bank When it comes to fulfilling personal needs—be it for marriage, travel, education, medical emergencies, or simply upgrading your lifestyle—Jamuna Bank’s Personal Loan stands out as a versatile and trustworthy solution.  Designed for a wide spectrum of borrowers, including salaried professionals, self-employed individuals, landlords, and businesspersons, this loan is available for any lawful purpose deemed acceptable by the bank. Applicants can secure financing from BDT 1 lakh up to BDT 20 lakh with repayment tenures extending up to 5 years. This provision offers flexibility to suit individual financial capacities.  Read more: How to Invest in Bonds: A Comprehensive Guide To be eligible, applicants must be aged between 21 and 60 and meet specific income thresholds starting from BDT 40,000 for salaried persons and going up to BDT 80,000 for businesspeople. Experience requirements vary by profession, ensuring responsible lending and borrower credibility.  Jamuna Bank requires standard documentation, including a national ID, proof of income, six months’ bank statements, and professional certifications. Loan repayment is easy and convenient through EMIs, which can be paid via bank transfer, cheques, MFS, or directly from a Jamuna Bank account. The bank also allows early settlements and partial payments, adding more flexibility for borrowers. With transparent terms, responsible lending, and a customer-friendly approach, Jamuna Bank remains a top-tier choice for personal loans in Bangladesh in 2025. Agrani Bank Agrani Bank PLC offers a highly dependable personal loan option tailored specifically for its salaried employees. This exclusive product is designed to help meet a variety of financial needs, such as home renovation, marriage, medical treatment, educational expenses, or lifestyle enhancements.  Read more: How to Buy Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond: Everything You Need to Know The bank offers loans up to BDT 20 lakh, with a maximum tenure of 5 years or until the end of the applicant’s service period, whichever comes first. The interest rate is fixed at 13.40%, providing predictable and manageable monthly payments.  Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 55 years of age and be full-time salaried individuals working within Agrani Bank PLC. This internal loan product is specially structured to maintain minimal risk while providing meaningful financial support to its staff. In terms of security, Agrani Bank requires both a personal guarantee and an additional guarantee from a solvent person, reinforcing the loan’s reliability and ensuring responsible borrowing. Brac Bank BRAC Bank’s Personal Loan is a flexible and accessible financial solution designed to fulfil a wide range of personal needs. This unsecured loan offers up to BDT 20 lakh without requiring any collateral or cash security, making it a truly customer-centric option for individuals across Bangladesh. The loan comes with a variable interest rate, aligned with Bangladesh Bank’s guidelines and BRAC Bank’s current lending policies. There is a processing fee of up to 0.50% of the loan amount, and other charges are applicable as per the bank's retail loan schedule of charges. One notable feature is the inclusion of an insurance shield, with the premium conveniently payable through the bank itself. Read more: How to Raise Angel Investment for Startups in Bangladesh Applicants aged 25 to 65 years are eligible, with a minimum income requirement of BDT 25,000 per month. Salaried individuals must have at least one year of confirmed employment, while businesspersons need a minimum of three years’ experience in the same business. The repayment period is quite flexible, ranging from 12 to 60 months, and borrowers even get extra time to pay their first EMI. For loans up to BDT 5 lakh, no guarantor is needed, making it even more convenient. BRAC Bank’s personal loan is a hassle-free option backed by quick processing, strong customer support (available 24/7 via 16221), and clear eligibility requirements. All these make it a reliable financial partner for all your life’s important moments.  Standard Chartered Bank Standard Chartered Bank’s Personal Loan is a versatile and convenient solution tailored to meet your various financial needs. With loan amounts ranging from BDT 50,000 to BDT 20 lakh and flexible repayment options of 12 to 60 months, this product ensures financial comfort with complete control. Salaried individuals aged 21 and above and self-employed/businessmen aged 25 and above are eligible, provided they meet the minimum monthly income requirement of BDT 26,000 to BDT 55,000, depending on their banking relationship. Applicants must also be Bangladeshi citizens with a valid NID and reside in cities like Dhaka, Narayanganj, or Chattogram, among other branch-covered areas. Read more: How to Build Social Capital to Grow Your Business One of the standout features of Standard Chartered’s personal loan is its seamless repayment method. Even if you do not have an account with the bank, your EMIs can be automatically collected from any other bank account via BEFTN, eliminating the need for post-dated cheques. The bank also offers employee banking privileges, including preferential treatment and top-up loan options for existing customers. Also, insurance coverage is available to protect your loved ones in unforeseen circumstances. Loan processing is swift, within 2 working days for payroll clients and up to 5 days for others, ensuring fast access to funds when you need it most. United Commercial Bank When life calls for a financial boost, United Commercial Bank (UCB) stands ready with its versatile and customer-friendly personal loan. This all-purpose loan offers up to BDT 20 lakh, catering to a wide range of legitimate personal financial needs, without requiring any collateral or cash security. One of UCB’s strongest features is its completely unsecured structure, which means hassle-free approvals and no need for a mortgage or guarantees. With a repayment tenure of up to 5 years, borrowers can comfortably manage EMIs based on their income flow.  Read more: Gold vs Diamond: Which Should You Choose for Investment? The bank also provides top-up and takeover facilities, allowing existing borrowers to access additional funds or switch from other institutions—ensuring maximum flexibility. Additionally, UCB extends this facility to Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and offers global citizens a chance to finance needs back home. Eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive. Salaried individuals and doctors with a monthly income of BDT 25,000 and self-employed professionals, businesspeople, or landlords earning at least BDT 50,000 can apply.  Applicants must be at least 21 years old. UCB takes pride in its transparent loan terms, with no hidden charges, a fast approval process, and attractive interest rates that make borrowing both affordable and stress-free. This makes UCB a smart, reliable choice for anyone seeking quick and flexible personal financing in 2025.  City Bank City Bank’s Personal Loan is designed to add joy and ease to your life by helping you manage your financial needs smartly. Offering a generous loan range from BDT 2 lakh to BDT 20 lakh, this loan is structured with flexible repayment tenures between 12 and 60 months, allowing borrowers to comfortably plan their EMIs over time. Read more: Silent Partner vs Investor in Business: Know the Difference, Pros and Cons City Bank stands out with its competitive interest rates, no hidden charges, and a unique Double Benefit Insurance Coverage. This insurance ensures that in the unfortunate event of death or permanent total disability, your outstanding loan is taken care of—providing your loved ones with peace of mind. Such value-added features make it more than just a loan—it is a complete financial solution.  Eligibility criteria are straightforward. Applicants must be between 22 and 60 years of age and meet specific experience and income thresholds depending on their profession. For instance, salaried individuals must earn BDT 40,000/month, professionals BDT 60,000, landlords BDT 50,000, and businesspeople BDT 100,000. Additionally, applicants must have at least 2–3 years of professional or business experience.  City Bank’s transparent process, coupled with quick approvals and an emphasis on customer satisfaction, makes it one of the most dependable choices for personal loans in Bangladesh. Whether you are planning a major life event or need a financial bridge for unforeseen needs, City Bank helps you reach new heights and celebrate life’s journey with confidence.  Read more: What to Consider Before Taking a Personal Loan from a Bangladeshi Bank Final Words Each of these top-tier banks offers unique strengths—from fast approvals to flexible tenures and insurance-backed security—making them ideal choices for personal loans in Bangladesh. Choose based on your income, profession, and specific needs for the best financial fit.

In response to various external economic challenges, Bangladesh Bank has formed a five-member selection committee to provide policy support for restructuring the businesses and financial operations of affected borrowers. Officials said the initiative aims to stabilise the banking sector and sustain economic activities amid ongoing global and domestic uncertainties. The committee consists of representatives from Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and the private sector. Bangladesh Bank set to unveil monetary policy as rate speculation swirls The committee is convened with Mezbah Ul Haque, Executive Director of the Off-site Supervision Department at Bangladesh Bank, with Dr Delwar Hossain, Joint Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division; Mamun Rashid, Economist; and Abdul Haque, Business Representative from Haq’s Bay, as members, while Shahriar, Director of the Banking Regulation and Policy Department, serves as the Member Secretary. Many businesses in Bangladesh have suffered financial setbacks due to factors beyond control, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, global economic downturn, floods and political disruptions. To mitigate the impact and ensure loan recovery, the newly established committee will recommend necessary policy measures to rehabilitate affected businesses, ensuring their viability and profitability, according to the officials. The selection committee will assess whether borrowers have genuinely suffered due to uncontrollable circumstances. Furthermore, it will evaluate the feasibility of restructuring distressed businesses through policy assistance, enabling them to regain operational efficiency and repay their loans. Bangladesh Bank to announce monetary policy on Feb 10 Spokesperson Husne Ara Shikha confirmed that there is no fixed time limit for the committee’s task completion. However, members can receive remuneration for up to two meetings per month, she said. Shikha said the committee’s scope includes loans amounting to Tk 50 crore or more that have been classified due to external economic factors. Its recommendations will focus on policy-driven solutions to restore business sustainability and enhance financial stability in the banking sector.

The release of the fourth tranche of Bangladesh’s $4.7 billion budget support loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been deferred until March, primarily due to scheduling adjustments caused by natural disasters. A senior official at Bangladesh Bank (BB) told to UNB that the matter was initially set for discussion in the IMF executive board meeting on February 5. But the meeting has been postponed, with the new date set for March 12. The IMF's month-long closure of activities, prompted by natural disasters, is cited as the main reason behind the change in the schedule. The global lender has emphasised several conditions tied to the loan's release. One critical demand is the liberalisation of the US dollar exchange rate, which the central bank is reportedly aligning with market trends. US delegation with focus on workers' rights visits BGMEA Another major point of contention relates to revenue collection targets set for the National Board of Revenue (NBR). While IMF officials have raised concerns regarding these targets, an NBR source has stated that measures to enhance revenue collection are already underway and there are no significant hurdles from their side. The fourth tranche, amounting to $645 million, follows three previous installments under the loan program. BFIU prepares to recover Tk 15,000 crore from seized accounts Meanwhile, Bangladesh has requested an increase of $750 million in the overall $4.7 billion package. The IMF has agreed to this request but has set strict conditions, including increased revenue collection and structural changes like separating tax collection from policy-making.

The government will have to pay some Tk 2915 billion (Tk 29,150 crore) in the next two fiscals for Interest payments, as it looks to service the debt it has built up over the years under a neoliberal paradigm. Of the total, Tk 1370 billion (13,700 crore) will be needed for 2025-26 fiscal while Tk 1545 (15,450 crore) billion for 2026-27 fiscal, according to an official document of the Finance Ministry. In 2025-26, Tk 1140 billion will be needed to pay domestic interest while Tk 230 billion for external interest rate. For 2026-27 fiscal, the projection is Tk 1285 billion for domestic interest payment and Tk 260 billion for external interest payment. In the running 2024-25 fiscal, the estimation of the interest payment is Tk 1130 billion. Of the amount, Tk 930 billion will be required for domestic purpose while Tk 200 billion for external. Overall, the Interest payments projection illustrates a rising tendency  in the government's interest expenditure over the years. Stock Market falls in both Dhaka and Chattogram Interest payments were Tk 777.7 billion in FY22, of which Tk 732 billion was for domestic interest payment while Tk 45.6 billion for external interest payment. As a proportion of the total budget, interest payments exhibit some fluctuation, starting at 15.3 percent in FY22, decreasing to 13.5 percent in FY24, and gradually rising again to 15.3 percent in FY27. Domestic interest payments form the majority of total interest expenditure, projected to rise from Tk 732.18 billion in FY22 to Tk 1,285 billion in FY27. The share of domestic interest payments in the total budget is estimated to decrease initially, from 14.1 percent in FY22 to 11.7 percent in FY25, before increasing back to 12.7 percent in FY27. FICCI voices concerns over lack of stakeholder consultation prior to VAT policy revisions External interest payments, although a smaller portion of the total, are projected to increase significantly from Tk 45.6 billion in FY22 to Tk 260 billion in FY27. The proportion of external interest payments in the total budget is also expected to rise from 0.9 percent in FY22 to 2.6 percent in FY27, reflecting an increasing impact of external debt on the budget. Although roughly 40 percent of the deficit financing came from external sources in recent years, interest expenditure on domestic loans has been significantly higher than the interest expenditure on foreign loans. This is due to the fact that most of the external loans that Bangladesh received from its developed partners are in concessional terms, while most of the domestic loans have been borrowed at market rates. However, because of the tight monetary policy adopted by the advanced countries since 2022, interest expenditure on foreign loans is gradually increasing. Interest expenditure on foreign loans are expected to remain above 2 percent in total expenditure in the medium-term primarily for two reasons- (1) reference rates in advanced countries are expected to remain elevated in the near future and (2) graduation from group of LDCs will gradually shrink the window for Bangladesh to get concessional loans from external sources. The overall implicit interest rate on financing remains relatively stable throughout the period, ranging between 6 percent and 6.8 percent. This indicates that the government's overall cost of borrowing is well-managed and remains within a predictable range. The implicit interest rate on domestic borrowing shows a period of higher rates in FY24 and FY25, reaching 9.1 percent in FY24 and peaking at 9.6 percent in FY25. This spike is primarily due to high inflation and tight monetary policy during these years. However, inflation is expected to ease in the medium term, leading to a potential reduction in both the central bank policy rate and domestic interest rates. China's exports in December grew 10.7%, beating estimates as higher US tariffs loom Consequently, the implicit interest rate on domestic borrowing is projected to decline to 9.4 percent in FY26 and further to 8.2 percent in FY27. The implicit interest rate on external borrowing exhibits a gradual increase over the period, starting from 1 percent in FY21 and rising to 2.6 percent in FY27. This increase is attributed to a higher proportion of borrowing through floating and semi-concessional rates, which are more sensitive to market fluctuations compared to fixed-rate financing.

Considering the current situation, Bangladesh Bank has instructed all banks and financial institutions to not charge any extra fees for late payment of credit card bills, and loan installments. The central bank issued a directive to banks and financial institutions in two separate notifications in this regard on Wednesday. Those who had time to pay their loan installments, credit card bills, and savings deposit installments during the curfew and public holidays can make the payments till July 31. Bangladesh Bank has said that banks and financial institutions will not collect any additional interest, penalties or late fees for installments/card bills payable between July 18 and 25. No savings scheme can be canceled due to failure to pay installment during this time. According to the central bank notification, many borrowers and credit card users have not been able to pay their dues to the banks on time due to the current situation. Read more: Offices, banks reopen for four hours; Commuters suffer amid traffic gridlock Besides, many depositors could not deposit installments of various savings schemes including Deposit Pension Scheme (DPS) on time. Under the circumstances, the new guidelines will be effective from July 18 to 25 in respect to dues of loans, credit card bills, and installments of various savings schemes including DPS. The Bangladesh Bank directive stated that if the loan and credit card dues are paid by July 31, any interest or profit and penalty interest, additional interest, excess profit, late fee on the outstanding amount will be deducted. If installments of savings schemes are paid by July 31, no late fee or penalty can be collected. Apart from this, interest or profit and penalty interest or late fee on any loan or credit card and any kind of late fee or penalty on various savings schemes that has already been collected has to be refunded or adjusted. Read more: Overcrowding and long queues as banks reopen today for only 4 hours

Personal loans are a great option for those looking to make a big financial decision in their life. It could be buying a new car, planning a wedding, going on a vacation abroad, paying for higher studies, or getting a new home. Personal loans offer secured debt consolidation as they cover tons of financial needs. While taking out a personal loan is pretty straightforward, you should consider some key aspects before going for one.  Things to Consider Before Taking Out a Personal Loan from a Bangladeshi Bank  Purpose of the Loan  Personal loans are mostly taken as a form of investment source. It can be debt consolidation or a major investment for future benefit. Regardless, a loan means incurring a liability until it is paid off. It is important to properly assess whether taking the loan is a feasible decision or not.  It is also important to consider alternative funding sources like personal savings, emergency funds, or borrowing from family.  Interest Rate One of the prime things to consider is the interest rate accrued to the loan capital. Currently, Bangladesh Bank has a regulation in place that outlines the upper limit that can be charged by the banks. The Bangladesh Bank interest rate regulation can be checked from the lending rate of scheduled banks (https://www.bb.org.bd/en/index.php/financialactivity/interestlending). Read more: Top 10 Strongest Currencies in the World as of May 2024 Additionally, a borrower can use websites like aamartaka.com to compare the rates among banks, check eligibility criteria, and even apply through their designated channels. Understand the Eligibility Criteria  The first thing to consider while applying for a personal loan is to understand the eligibility criteria. Personal loans can come in both secured and unsecured options. Granted that the unsecured options will incur a higher interest rate.  However, most banks require a set of eligibility criteria for one to apply for a loan. For example, the valuation of collateral against the loan or the liquidity level of the applicant. Other aspects like personal history verification, job verification, income, and salary credit account can also be the eligibility criteria depending on the lender. Another key aspect is the history of bankruptcy or loan default which might disqualify a person from applying for a personal loan.  Have a Good Credit Rating  A credit history is one of the key determinants of loan disbursement abroad. One can’t even apply for a credit card without a stable credit rating, let alone a personal loan. Credit rating determines the creditworthiness of an individual, that is how likely they are to repay a loan based on previous credit history.  Read more: How to Buy Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond: Everything You Need to Know There are several credit scoring systems globally like FICO score and VantageScore. However, in the case of Bangladesh, the banks and NBFIs do not follow a set credit score while approving loans. Alternative credit scoring like asset ownership, utility payments, device data, and rental payments are taken into consideration. It is mostly because a large portion of the demographic is unbanked or underbanked to make credit scoring the sole determinant for loan approval. 

Independent MP AK Azad on Monday (February 12, 2024) demanded a list of those who have laundered money abroad taking loans from banks be placed in Parliament. Azad, who was elected MP for the first time, came up with the demand while participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech. He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is totally against corruption and Awami League's manifesto also cited that. “First of all, good governance will have to be established in the banking sector,” Azad said. Read more: Bangladesh Bank sets an 11-point roadmap to realise default loans Welcoming Bangladesh Bank's roadmap for reforming the banking sector, Azad, also President of Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), said the amount of defaulted loans in Bangladesh is around Tk 1,45,633 crore. “But in reality, the amount is much more. But through write off, the amount of debt is shown less. Those who have taken loans and invested in factories and failed to repay, may be exempted subject to investigation,” he said. He demanded to bring to justice those who did not invest loan money in any business, and instead laundered the money. “They made home at Begum Para, and second homes. Their list should be published in the parliament,” he demanded. Read more: Bank MDs working under increased stress due to default loans, board interference: Experts He also commented that Bangabandhu's dream will not be realised unless they are brought under the law. The independent MP said that those who looted banks are responsible for the rise in commodity prices and inflation. Azad said that he wants to be accountable to the countrymen and voters through this parliament. Azad also said he wants to make the parliament effective and lively through constructive criticism of the government. He expected cooperation of the Speaker in this regard. Read more: Businesses should get opportunities to turn around before wholesale declaration of loan defaulters: FBCCI President

French President Emmanuel Macron has said his country will sign an agreement with Bangladesh to finance climate-change adaptation and loss and damage in the first half of 2024. The French Development Agency will be contributing €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in investment, and the IMF will be extending up to $1 billion worth of SDRs in new loans, Macron said. "This also implies identifying, on a global scale, governance mechanisms for the most crucial challenges we will have to face in the coming years, access to water being one of the most pressing. In this regard, France and Kazakhstan will convene a One Water Summit during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024," wrote the French president in an article, titled "Pillars of Green Wisdom," published by the Project Syndicate. For the most vulnerable countries, he said, they must create conditions that enable them to finance their climate-change mitigation and adaptation efforts and access the green technologies that are the new engines of growth. Russia launches the biggest aerial barrage of the war and kills 30 civilians, Ukraine says "This implies going further than traditional ‘official development assistance’ and doing for vulnerable countries what rich countries did for themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic: pursue an unorthodox fiscal and monetary policy," wrote President Macron. "The results are already there: in two years, following the initiative we took in Paris in the spring of 2021, we have released over $100 billion in special drawing rights (SDRs, the International Monetary Fund’s reserve asset) for vulnerable countries," he wrote. By activating this “dormant asset,” Macron said they are extending 20-year loans at near-zero interest rates to finance climate action and pandemic preparedness in the poorest countries. "We have begun to change debt rules to suspend payments for such countries, should a climate shock occur. And we have changed the mandate of multilateral development banks, such as the World Bank, so that they take more risks and mobilize more private money," he said. Macron said they are going to continue working on this, including within the framework of the new loss and damage fund, where they must mobilize new private insurance mechanisms in the face of climate risk. "We will start from the specific needs of the hardest-hit countries." The French president said they will not succeed if they cannot reform the World Bank and the IMF, which play a prominent role in establishing the norms and financing the green transition on a global scale. Jaishankar meets Putin and Lavrov in Moscow, praises growing trade Eighty years after their creation, these institutions remain underfunded, relative to the size of the global economy and population, and emerging and developing countries continue to be shut out of their governance, he said. "But we will not be able to agree on goals and financing until every country negotiating is on an equal footing.To this end, we must review Bretton Woods governance, and ask emerging countries to assume their share of accountability in financing global public goods," said Macron. He said, “We must not allow the ongoing war in Ukraine and the fighting in Gaza to distract us from collective efforts to reduce our greenhouse-gas emissions, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, save our biodiversity, and fight poverty and inequality.” The world’s most advanced economies, which have also been the main CO2 emitters since the industrial revolution, must move away from fossil fuels, he noted. He also wrote, “Science has set the trajectory: we must move away from coal by 2030, from oil by 2045, and from gas by 2050. While the G7 countries bear the greatest responsibility, China, which is now the second-largest emitter in history, must be fully committed, too.”  “While it is the G7’s responsibility to move away from coal by 2030 (France will have done so in 2027), emerging economies are now the biggest coal consumers. In these countries, we need to speed up the financing of renewables, as well as nuclear power, which, as a manageable and a decarbonized energy source, must play a key role,” he wrote. Ukraine celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25 for the first time, distancing itself from Russia  “We must also put private financing and trade at the service of the Paris agreement. The cost of investment must be higher for players in the fossil-fuel sector. We need a green interest rate and a brown interest rate. Similarly, we need a climate clause in our trade agreements, because we cannot simultaneously demand that our industries become greener while supporting the liberalization of international trade in polluting products.  “Moreover, we must focus on building the basis of a ‘bio-economy’ that will pay for the services provided by nature. Nature is our best technology to sequester carbon on a large scale. The countries with the most important carbon and biodiversity reserves, especially in the three main tropical forest basins, must obtain much greater resources, determined on a country-by-country basis, in exchange for their stewardship of these vital reserves. France has already launched three contracts of this type at COP28, with Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Macron wrote.  “But reform of the voluntary carbon market is essential. We need to create an international carbon and biodiversity exchange that will allow governmental and private actors to organize voluntary carbon credit swaps, based on sufficiently ambitious criteria to avoid greenwashing, and to remunerate local communities. “The ocean is our most important carbon sink, and we must protect it. France and Costa Rica will convene the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025, with the aim of updating international law, including on the prohibition of plastic pollution and on protection of the deep sea and seabed. These reforms would also enable the development of national strategies for seaboard protection by countries with exclusive economic zones,” the French president wrote. ‘A lie’: French ambassador dismisses claim of journalists’ visa requests being denied.