B Mirror Report : Bangladesh Bank is set to emphasize economic stability, employment generation, and investment growth in the monetary policy for the January–June period of the current fiscal year, officials said. The policy is expected to be announced in the last week of January.

According to central bank sources, key priorities will include strengthening governance in the banking sector, restoring discipline in loan disbursement, increasing liquidity, curbing the rise of non-performing loans, and boosting loan recovery. Maintaining stability of the taka against the US dollar and raising foreign exchange reserves to a safe level will also remain central objectives.

While a reduction in the policy interest rate is under active consideration to encourage investment, no final decision has yet been taken. The issue will be decided at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for January 22, after reviewing economic data from December.

Bangladesh Bank has already consulted economists, business leaders, and former governors, most of whom supported lowering interest rates. Further stakeholder consultations will be held in Barishal on January 8 and Rangpur on January 15. The finalized policy framework will be approved by the central bank’s board on January 26 and formally announced between January 27 and 29.

Officials noted that declining treasury bill and bond yields, reduced savings certificate rates, and excess liquidity in banks are signaling a downward trend in lending rates, which could help boost investment.

The central bank also highlighted improving trends in remittances and export earnings, easing pressure from foreign debt repayments, and controlled import costs, all of which have helped keep the exchange rate stable. At the same time, it identified rising non-performing loans and inflation still above 8 percent as major challenges, stressing the need for better market management and stricter supervision of banks.

The upcoming monetary policy will place special emphasis on increasing credit to productive sectors, particularly agriculture, small and medium enterprises, and large industries, as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic activity while maintaining stability.