, Sept. 22 -- long legacy of politically influenced lending, balance-sheet manipulation, and weak oversight has plunged Bangladesh's banking sector into a structural crisis of unprecedented proportions, according to industry experts and recent central bank data.

As independent audits and international loan classification standards expose the true state of non-performing assets, Bangladesh now grapples with a defaulted loan ratio of 32.78 percent-the highest globally-alongside a severe capital shortfall that threatens overall financial stability.

Surging NPLs and Concentration:

Central bank statistics reveal that out of Tk18.51 lakh crore in total disbursed loans across the banking sector as of June 2026, a staggering Tk6. 07 lakh crore...