Corporate
National Bank under provision deficit and intense financial crisis
Private Commercial National Bank has been suffering from severe financial crisis for two years. The bank is now planning to raise 100 million dollars or 1000 crores of funds from foreign sources through foreign bond issue to fulfill the regulatory capital requirements.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank is planning to appoint an administrator to the bank, which is facing a provision deficit and financial crisis.
According to the data of Bangladesh Bank, the bank’s capital deficit at the end of June this year stood at Tk 300 crore and due to high non-performing loans, the bank also faced a huge provision deficit of Tk 7,115 crore in June. Provisions are funds set aside by banks to compensate for future losses.
According to information published on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) website on Sunday, the board of directors of the bank has decided to issue seven-year bonds worth $100 million in foreign currency subject to the approval of regulatory authorities.
National Bank will be the first private bank to issue foreign currency bonds to raise funds from foreign investors.
Managing Director of the bank. Mehmood Husain, when contacted, said the fund had to be raised due to high non-performing loans eroding the bank’s capital.
Mehmood Husain said that they are trying to collect funds from US and UK-based investors. Foreign funds are not just banks; He commented that it will be good for the country.
The board of directors of the bank has approved the foreign currency bond as we have received preliminary assurances from the foreign investors after informing them about the high non-performing loans and the current financial situation, he said. The main reason behind the investment by foreign investors is that the bank’s asset base is quite strong.
He said that he wants to reorganize the bank’s business strategy by focusing on the SME sector to get out of the dependence on corporate loans.
As part of this, the bank plans to strengthen its capital by raising funds from domestic and foreign sources. Earlier in May, the bank announced to raise Tk 500 crore from domestic sources by issuing subordinated bonds to meet regulatory capital requirements.
National Bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) for risk-weighted credit exposure stood at 9.38pc in June, which is required to be at least 10pc as per the regulatory body’s conditions.
According to Bangladesh Bank, the bank’s capital deficit at the end of June this year stood at Tk 300 crore. Increasing defaults due to huge loan non-conformities squeeze the bank’s capital.
The bank’s non-performing loan ratio stood at 23.24pc in June, the second highest among private sector banks. The bank also faced a huge provision deficit of Tk 7,115 crore in June as a result of high non-performing loans.
Provisions are funds set aside by banks to compensate for future losses. High NPLs require banks to maintain higher provisioning, which is collected from profits.
A growing provisioning deficit erodes banks’ capital which constricts banks’ ability to lend, putting public money at risk.
The bank posted a loss of Tk 190 crore in the first six months of this year under the pressure of growing provision deficit and capital loss.
Even after Bangladesh Bank appointed an observer to the board of directors of the bank in 2014, the financial condition of the National Bank has been deteriorating for the past two years. The bank’s share price on DSE has remained below the face value of Tk 10 for the last two years due to deteriorating financial indicators.
Bangladesh Bank identified the bank as one of the 10 weakest banks after new governor Abdur Rauf Talukder took charge. In a recent press conference, the governor said about identifying 10 weak banks, the central bank will sit with them one-on-one to improve the condition of the banks.
Banks are classified on the basis of their capital shortfall, NPL ratio, provisioning and loan-deposit ratio.
The governor has already held a meeting with the owners and top management on the financial performance of the National Bank. The central bank is now planning to appoint an administrator to the bank, a Bangladesh Bank source said.
Bangladesh Bank suspended the loan operations of the bank in May last year in the context of liquidity crisis caused by huge loan irregularities.
The moratorium was later lifted in December when liquidity conditions improved. But even after the long moratorium, the central bank was forced to go into moratorium again in May this year due to the continued irregularities in the bank loans. However, this time Bangladesh Bank limited the credit sector by giving a partial suspension.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dhaka West has announced its new New Leadership Team for the year 2026, with Subah Afrin elected as Local President and Md Tanvir Hasan as Secretary General.
The executive committee was formed during the General Assembly of JCI Dhaka West, held on Tuesday (December 23) in Gulshan, Dhaka.
The newly announced board includes Sujaur Rahman Emon as Immediate Past Local President, Md Saddam Hossain and Audrika Eshna Purbasha as Executive Vice Presidents, Md Sameen Rahman as Vice President, Masud as Treasurer, and Ibrahim Khalil Foysal as General Legal Counsel.
Other office bearers include Ahmed Wazedul Haque Khan as Training Commissioner, Asia Binta Amanat Sumi as PR and Media Chairperson, Jobayer Ahmed Sakib as Digital Committee Chairperson, Md Tanvir Hossain as International Affairs Chairperson. The committee also includes Directors Abdur Rahman Khan Bappy, Tanvir Sohan, Yasir Shahriar and Ahnaf Ahmed. Committee Chairs appointed for 2026 are Sheikh Mahmuda Sultana Sara, Minhatul Jannat, Rayan Islam Sardar and S M Shafiul Alam Sakib.
The election process was conducted under the supervision of SM Belal Uddin, National Vice President of JCI Bangladesh and 2024 Local President of JCI Dhaka West, who served as the Election Commissioner.
The event was attended by Arefeen Raafi Ahmed, newly elected 2026 National President of JCI Bangladesh, Kazi Fahad 2025 National President, along with members of the National Board and several Local Presidents from different chapters.
JCI is a global organization of young active citizens aged 18 to 40, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Operating in more than 120 countries with over 200,000 members worldwide, JCI focuses on developing leadership, skills and civic responsibility among young people. In Bangladesh, JCI has over 40 Local Organizations, among which JCI Dhaka West is one of the oldest and largest chapters.
Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, China: A diverse delegation of international experts, journalists, and social media influencers concluded a captivating week-long exploration of China’s Yunnan province. The immersive tour, jointly organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and China Daily, showcased the region’s rich tapestry of ethnic culture, historical heritage, volcanic wonders, and serene landscapes.
The journey provided participants from various countries, including Bangladesh, with a first-hand experience of Yunnan’s multifaceted appeal, blending rural revitalization stories with natural splendors.
The expedition began in the captivating Shimao Village, where the group delved into the narrative of the village’s remarkable transformation. Attendees immersed themselves in the unique cultural heritage and daily life of the Wa people, gaining insights into the community’s traditions and their harmonious development within modern China.
The itinerary then led to the volcanic region of Tengchong. At the Tengchong Hot Sea, participants experienced renowned geothermal wellness at the Beauty Pool Hot Spring Hotel, where they relaxed in the mineral-rich waters. The geological wonders continued at the Tengchong Volcano and Geothermal National Geological Park. Here, the delegation witnessed majestic volcanic landscapes, with some taking to the skies in hot-air balloons for panoramic views and others hiking up the iconic Little Sky Mountain for a closer look at the ancient craters.
Seeking autumnal tranquility, the group visited the picturesque Ginkgo Village, where they enjoyed the stunning golden scenery of ancient ginkgo trees, a spectacle that highlights Yunnan’s seasonal beauty and idyllic rural charm.
The cultural and historical depth of the region was further unveiled in Heshun Ancient Town. The delegation visited the century-old Heshun Library and the revered Wenchang Palace, symbols of the town’s deep-rooted scholarly tradition. A tour of the former residence of Ai Siqi, a prominent Marxist philosopher, added a layer of modern historical significance to the visit.
The international delegates, armed with cameras, notebooks, and social media platforms, documented their experiences extensively. They expressed particular admiration for the seamless integration of cultural preservation, ecological conservation, and community development they witnessed.
“This tour was an eye-opener,” remarked Nuruzzaman Kafi, a social media influencer from Bangladesh. “From the vibrant culture of the Wa people to the breathtaking power of the volcanoes and the profound historical atmosphere of Heshun, Yunnan offers a truly layered and unforgettable experience. It’s a powerful story of natural and cultural heritage being cherished and shared.”
Officials from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism stated that such exchanges are vital for fostering international understanding and showcasing Yunnan’s role as a key destination for sustainable and cultural tourism. They believe the delegates’ firsthand accounts and wide-reaching influence will help a global audience discover the unique charms of “Colorful Yunnan.”
The successful tour is expected to generate positive international media coverage and digital content, further elevating Yunnan’s profile as a premier travel destination that celebrates diversity, history, and natural beauty.
China Correspondent: A new chapter in Guangxi’s tourism development unfolded on Dec 2, as a themed flight from Beijing touched down at Nanning Wuxu International Airport.
The flight’s arrival marked the official launch of a joint tourism initiative, “The Next Station, Guangxi,” by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Air China, and China Daily, aiming to showcase Guangxi’s spectacular karst landscapes, ethnic traditions, and local charm to global travelers.
Air China’s Flight CA1311 functioned as a “flying cultural experience of Guangxi”, giving passengers an immersive sneak peek into the region’s unique appeal.
From check-in to landing, travelers were surrounded by Guangxi’s cultural elements: dedicated service counters with Guangxi-themed backdrops for photo opportunities, custom-made bilingual boarding passes that doubled as collectibles, and cabin interiors adorned with stickers featuring the region’s iconic landscapes and ethnic patterns.
In-flight entertainment systems looped promotional videos, allowing passengers to glimpse the “unmatched natural and cultural beauty” awaiting them in Guangxi.
Over the next seven days, a delegation of international and domestic travel influencers, vloggers, and media journalists will embark on an exploratory tour of Guangxi’s key attractions.
Their itinerary includes experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Nanning’s night markets, where the city’s “night economy” thrives; visiting Hechi’s Bama — a world-renowned “longevity town” — to uncover the secrets of healthy living.
Then they’ll travel to Yizhou in Hechi, the hometown of legendary folk singer Liu Sanjie, to listen to melodious local mountain songs; and explore Guilin’s iconic karst mountains and rivers, which have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Beyond the Beijing-Nanning route, tailored themed flights connecting Shanghai and Guangzhou to Guangxi are also in the pipeline. These routes will create seamless transfer options for international travelers via China’s major aviation hubs, further facilitating access to the region.
To enhance the appeal of traveling to Guangxi, a series of practical incentives has been rolled out.
Individual travelers who book Air China transfer tickets to Guangxi by December 31, 2025, can enjoy an exclusive 4 to 8 percent discount for travel before March 26, 2026. Specific terms and conditions are available through Air China’s official channels.
Travel agencies can access subsidies until January 5, 2026. Eligible firms organizing inbound groups via charters or block bookings qualify for up to 70,000 yuan ($9,660) per charter, or 700 yuan per person for groups of five or more from overseas and China’s Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions.
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