Business & Economy
Sonali Bank provides Tk7,000 crore lifeline to National Bank
State-owned Sonali Bank has lent National Bank Tk7,000 crore for three months at 10 per cent interest, fully guaranteed by Bangladesh Bank. The private lender says normal withdrawals will resume on 15 October after thousands of requests.
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From 15 October 2026 — Daily Brief
Sonali Bank has provided a Tk7,000 crore, three-month loan to National Bank to help the financially troubled private lender meet depositor withdrawals.
The facility carries a 10 per cent interest rate and is backed by a 100 per cent guarantee from Bangladesh Bank. If National Bank fails to repay on time, the central bank is expected to reimburse Sonali within three working days.
National Bank has gathered thousands of withdrawal requests from customers with deposits above Tk1 lakh as it prepares to restore full service on October 15. Management says funds are being distributed to branches so customers can regain access to their money.
The guarantee removes direct credit risk from Sonali but transfers the exposure to the central bank and, ultimately, the public balance sheet. National Bank recorded heavy losses over recent years and reported non-performing loans close to 60 per cent of outstanding lending at the end of 2025.
Liquidity support may prevent a disorderly run, but it does not repair weak assets or governance. Regulators will need to disclose conditions attached to the assistance, monitor use of the funds and set a credible plan for capital, recoveries and accountability.