Welcome to Banking Almanac (2020 and 2021) - Fourth Edition

In the economic architecture of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Bank, the banks and financial institutions occupy a place of great importance and vital significance. They are essential institutional backbones that keep the Bangladesh economy functioning. They are also important instruments utilized to implement the monetary policy of Bangladesh. Beginning from 2016 Bangladesh Banking Almanac is being regularly published containing detailed data and information on the banks and financial institutions of Bangladesh. The present fourth edition of the Almanac continues to be the only source book of its type which has compiled detailed information and data on the organizational structures of Bangladeshi banks and financial institutions in the private and public sectors, their capital composition, loan and debt portfolios, product varieties, spatial distribution, CSR activities and other performance indicators. The Almanac this year has also as a new addition of comprehensive information on the Central Bank of Bangladesh- the Bangladesh Bank. The previous editions of the Almanac were very well received. The fourth edition of it , with its updated information and data, it is hoped will also be an important source book of information and data for students, academics, researchers, practitioners, policy makers. The data and information in the present edition of the Almanac assumes particular importance as they help to have a good idea of the present state of health of the banks and financial institutions of Bangladesh and their contributions to the economic activities of the country.

In the context of various economic challenges now being faced by Bangladesh presently, attention is now focused on the overall performance of the economy in the real sectors -agriculture, industries and services sectors, consumption, investment and resource balance. Similarly, serious discussions are taking place on the relative performance of the external sector of the country, fiscal trends, debt sustainability, risks in the future and imperative reform priorities. In all of these it is recognized that Bangladesh must continue to manage her financial sector to overcome present challenges and ensure future long term sustainable growth. The Bangladesh Banking Almanac 2020-21 like its previous editions, consisting of information on the Central Bank of Bangladesh-Bangladesh Bank, its recent major policy guidelines, directives and detailed data and information on the banks and financial institutions of Bangladesh is an important reference book on the financial sector of Bangladesh. In the present edition of the Almanac all information, data and details are available in a concise form.

Foreword for the Fourth Edition
CHAIRMAN, Board of Editors Banking Almanac

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed Former Governor, Bangladesh Bank (Central Bank) Professor, Graduate School of Management (GSM), BRAC University

The slow recovery of the global economy from the impact of the COVD-19 pandemic last year was abruptly disrupted by the conflict surrounding the Ukraine crisis at the beginning of the current year. Countries across the globe including Bangladesh have been seriously affected as their economies experienced new setbacks due to a rise in commodity prices, soaring energy bills and depreciating national currencies relative to US dollars. Current account deficits and depleting foreign exchange reserve have created new volatility and uncertainties and the prospect of looming recessions in many countries have become a source of worries all around. Under such challenging ground reality efforts are being made to address the challenges faced in different degrees by different countries individually and internationally. The state of the health of financial institutions and the ways they can be best utilized for crisis management are being specially considered at this moment of unprecedented challenges .The need for adequate data and information on financial institutions and careful analysis on them are of considerable importance. The financial institutions, their policies and functions are to be effectively leveraged for crisis management besides their other economic roles. The work on the Almanac on Bangladesh Banks and financial institutions for the year 2020 and 2021 was specially planned and completed to be available timely to meet this purposes. Read More

Deputy Governor
Bangladesh Bank

Mr. Abu Farah Md. Nasser
Deputy Governor, Bangladesh Bank

In modern times, the role of central bank is changing regularly. The central bank has to perform multiple duties. Bangladesh Bank is no exception of that kind. Bangladesh Bank as the apex organization for regulating the banking system has been performing its duties under immense pressure. As a regulatory body, Bangladesh Bank perform the job of formulating & implementing monetary policy, regulating & supervising of banks & non-bank financial institutions, management of FOREX reserve etc. In the recent crisis of Russia-Ukraine war, Bangladesh Bank as a central bank is increasingly looking to align its operations with sustainability objectives, not only to ensure financial stability, but in terms of managing its own investment portfolios. On the other hand, as a pro-active central bank, during the pandemic period (COVID-19), Bangladesh Bank took numerous steps to continue the economic development of Bangladesh. Read More

Chairman
Association of Bankers Bangladesh Limited (ABB)

Mr. Selim R.F Hussain
Chairman, ABB
Managing Director of Brac Bank

I would like to, on behalf of Association of Bankers Bangladesh Limited (ABB), convey our best wishes to all the readers of the Banking Almanac: Banks and Financial Institutions of Bangladesh (2020 & 2021) 4th Edition.
It is good to see that the Banking Almanac is finally being published - after the pandemic induced break for 2020 and 2021. This publication is a very useful source of information and analysis on our banks and financial institutions and will serve many stakeholders.
Over the last decade or so, Bangladesh has delivered commendable growth and development in all sectors. Bangladesh is one the fastest growing economies in the world - supported by a demographic dividend, strong ready-made garment export, remittances and underpinned by stable macroeconomic conditions. We are now scheduled to officially become a developing country in 2026 as the UN committee recommended that the country should get five years, instead of three, to prepare for the transition due to impact of the COVID-19 on its economy. Read More

Chairman
Bangladesh Leasing and Finance Companies Association

Mr. Mominul Islam
Chairman, BLFCA
Managing Director & CEO
IPDC Finance Limited

I feel sincerely honored to address the Banking and Financial Institutions community of Bangladesh, one of the most persevering communities the country has known. As the COVID-19 crisis subsided, Bangladesh economy has marked a strong comeback against pandemic-laced headwinds with a GDP growth of 7.25% in FY 2022, fueled by expansion of manufacturing and services sector. Banks and Financial Institutions, led by the greatest minds of the country, played an equally vital role in reinforcing this phenomenal comeback. I, therefore, am excited to welcome yet another successful launch of Banking Almanac: Banks and Financial Institution of Bangladesh that continues to strengthen and acknowledge our community and its contribution. Starting its journey in a frail economy, the financial industry of Bangladesh has given a steady hand in propelling sustainable growth, even amidst crisis of all kinds in its first half of century. The industry has reached a lending portfolio of BDT 12,77,750 crores in 2021 consisting of 61 banks and 35 Financial Institutions. Read More

A Few Words from the Project Director

Abdar Rahman Project Director, Banking Almanac

Information Accelerates the Development of Human Civilization

Banking Almanac is a consolidated and well-organized compilation of up-to-date information based on the data on which the banks and financial institutions of Bangladesh are contributing as the driving force of the economy. The 1st edition of Banking Almanac was published in 2016 with the financial support of Bangladesh Bank. Then the 2nd and 3rd editions were published. Now the 4th edition has been published in this year 2022.

Banking Almanac is a unique research book on banking and financial sector of Bangladesh. The highly respected editorial board and Bangladesh Bank are at the forefront of this glorious journey. Banking Almanac is a research and publication initiative of ShikkhaBichitra.

The book has been published under the guidance of the editorial board consisting of specialists in the banking sector, economists and eminent researchers. Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, is the Chairman of the Editorial Board. The Editorial Board Members are Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Md. Nazrul Huda, Mohammed Nurul Amin, Ambassador (rtd), Liaquat Ali Choudhury, Mohammad Amanullah, Mominul Islam, A K M Aftabul Islam FCA, Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA and Khalilur Rahman.