Dhaka: Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir today announced that the ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) in Bangladesh's banking sector has begun to decrease, though he emphasized the necessity for further reductions. "Non-performing loans declined to 32.6 percent in March this year. We can see a ray of hope that at least the ratio of NPLs is declining. It needs to decline further," he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Titumir made these comments during a book launching ceremony for "Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation" at the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, where he served as the chief guest. He noted that the NPL ratio was at 11 percent in 2024, but a forensic audit in June 2025 revealed an increase to 35.5 percent. "This means those who were in different responsibilities had cooperated in covering it up. It is also not certain that this is the actual extent; the magnitude could be even higher," he explained.
Dr Titumir pointed out issues in the market's operation, suggesting that regulatory bodies are involved in corruption. "The market is not being allowed to work as a market. Those who are market-based regulators are becoming involved in corruption in ensuring that the market functions properly," he mentioned. He cited asset valuation practices as a case of such collusion, indicating that surveyors, auditors, and chartered secretaries are involved in these activities.
Highlighting the role of forensic auditing and fraud prevention, Dr Titumir underscored their importance for transparency and accountability. "Forensic auditing and fraud prevention are very important. If we have to go to arbitration, we actually need evidence to proceed with arbitration. We need evidence that will work properly in arbitration," he emphasized.
The event was presided over by Prof Dr Riazur Rahman Chowdhury from the Department of Accounting at the University of Dhaka. ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Dr Md Sazzad Hossain Bhuiyan attended as a special guest, and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman was present as the guest of honour.