Top Defaulters
According to the latest Bangladesh Bank report, the top 100 defaulters include 10 entities from the S Alam Group, which borrowed BDT 61,188 crore, with BDT 22,329 crore classified as NPLs. The Beximco Group features prominently with 28 entities, holding loans worth BDT 28,414 crore, of which BDT 25,382 crore are non-performing. Notably, 26 of Beximco’s entities are fully defaulted. The bad loans of these two groups alone could cover the costs of the Padma Bridge and the metro rail projects.
Overall Loan Scenario
As of March 2025, the total disbursed loans in the banking sector stood at BDT 1,741,992 crore, with NPLs amounting to BDT 420,334 crore. The top 100 defaulters account for BDT 108,132 crore, with 65% of their loans classified as bad. Sources indicate that by June, all these entities could be fully defaulted.
Economists’ Perspective
Dr. Moinul Islam, Professor of Economics at the University of Chittagong, commented, “These loans were disbursed under political influence and power. The defaulters knew they wouldn’t have to repay. Using black money and influence, they have evaded legal processes for years.”
Additional Insights
The list only includes funded (cash) loans. Non-funded loans (letters of credit and bank guarantees) and loans under court stay orders are excluded, meaning the actual NPL figure could be significantly higher if these are included.
