State-owned Sonali Bank has successfully overcome the financial shocks caused by high-profile loan defaults, including those linked to the Hall-Mark Group, and has strengthened its balance sheet. The bank is now firmly on a path toward substantial profitability, while simultaneously increasing the use of technology to enhance transparency and expand its reach to a wider customer base.
Under its recent strategy, Sonali Bank has deliberately avoided granting large loans to high-risk corporate borrowers, instead focusing on providing credit to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This targeted approach has proved fruitful: in 2025, the bank reported a record operating profit of BDT 8,017 crore, nearly four times the BDT 2,090 crore recorded in 2021. From this, the bank plans to cover its historical capital shortfall and achieve a net profit target of BDT 1,500 crore.
Despite these achievements, certain loans to groups including Hall-Mark, Beximco, Thermex, and Orion remain unrecovered, limiting reductions in non-performing loans (NPLs). Nevertheless, Sonali Bank’s NPL ratio stood at 18% in 2025, significantly below the national banking sector average of 35%.
Managing Director Shawkat Ali Khan stated, “We are actively pursuing overdue loans while encouraging lending to smaller businesses. Digital technology is being leveraged to reach rural and underserved areas. Everything necessary to build a strong banking foundation is being implemented, resulting in solid income generation.”
The following table summarises the bank’s key financial indicators from 2021 to 2025:
| Indicator | 2021 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposits (BDT crore) | 135,082 | 179,879 | +44,797 |
| Total Loans (BDT crore) | 69,060 | 104,723 | +35,663 |
| Public Sector Loans (BDT crore) | 20,056 | 39,564 | +19,508 |
| Private Sector Loans (BDT crore) | 49,404 | 65,159 | +15,755 |
| Operating Profit (BDT crore) | 2,090 | 8,017 | +5,927 |
| Capital Adequacy (%) | -15 | 10.10 | — |
In 2025, the bank generated BDT 9,764 crore from investments, BDT 7,483 crore from interest income, BDT 1,038 crore from commissions, and BDT 359 crore from foreign exchange operations. After accounting for deposit interest payments and staff salaries, the bank’s net interest income was BDT 268 crore, a marked improvement from BDT 866 crore in 2024.
By addressing longstanding capital deficiencies and implementing a focused lending policy, Sonali Bank has reinforced its financial stability, ensuring a clear trajectory towards sustainable, high-value profitability in the years ahead.