Dhaka, Aug. 19 -- Bangladesh's non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) are facing one of their most challenging periods in recent years, with rising losses, mounting bad loans and eroding public confidence threatening the sector's stability.

There are currently 35 licensed NBFIs in the country, of which 23 are listed on the stock market. Sixteen have so far released their half-yearly financial statements for the current fiscal year, and the results reveal a stark divide.

According to the reports, ten institutions together posted losses amounting to Tk 1,790 crore - a 17 per cent increase from the same period last year - while six recorded combined profits of Tk 1,780 crore, just enough to offset the overall sectoral deficit.

Bangladesh...