B Mirror Report : State-owned Sonali Bank has set a new record in operating profit after overcoming a significant capital shortfall over the years. In the recently concluded year 2025, the bank’s operating profit stood at Tk 80.17 billion, marking an increase of nearly 41 percent compared to the previous year.
The information was disclosed on Tuesday at a press conference held at Sonali Bank’s head office in Motijheel, Dhaka. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Md. Shawkat Ali Khan briefed the media, with senior officials, including deputy managing directors, in attendance. The bank’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Iqbal Hossain, presented the financial report.
It was revealed that Sonali Bank faced a capital shortfall of Tk 59.48 billion in 2024. However, within a year, the bank overcame the deficit and ended 2025 with a capital surplus of Tk 830 million.
MD Shawkat Ali Khan said that even after maintaining provisions, the bank’s net profit could exceed Tk 15 billion. He described overcoming long-standing capital inadequacy as a major achievement for the institution.
Highlighting progress in loan recovery, he said Tk 7.45 billion was recovered from the top 20 loan defaulters last year, including Tk 3 billion from the Hallmark Group alone. Efforts to recover the remaining amount are ongoing through the auction of machinery and other assets.
Overall, Sonali Bank recovered Tk 12.03 billion in cash from defaulters during the year. The MD noted that loan recovery efforts were strengthened through regular follow-ups, legal actions, and rescheduling measures.
Currently, the bank’s default loan ratio has declined to 15.52 percent. The bank aims to reduce this to 11–12 percent by 2026 and bring it down to single digits by 2027.
He also mentioned that Sonali Bank’s Capital Risk Weighted Ratio (CRWR) is now above the minimum required level of 10 percent, creating opportunities for business expansion.
The MD further pointed out that the bank has substantial receivables from various government entities. He noted that around Tk 55 billion in commission from handling letters of credit (LCs) for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project is still outstanding. Recovery of this amount would further strengthen the bank’s financial position.
Reaffirming public confidence in Sonali Bank, Shawkat Ali Khan said that while deposit inflows continue to rise, the bank is exercising caution in loan disbursement to avoid creating new risks in the future.
