Bangladesh, Aug. 6 -- Private-sector credit growth fell to a historic low of 4.47 percent in June, below Bangladesh Bank's 5.5 percent target for the month.

The rate was 4.98 percent in May and 4.75 percent in April. In March, it had already hit a record monthly low of 4.72 percent.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan said the central bank had cut its policy rate and begun implementing incentive packages to boost lending and economic activity.

But businesses say the energy crisis is choking demand.

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Mohammad Hatem said many factories were operating at less than half capacity, with some down to one-third.

"Buyers have started reducing orders until the si...