The country paid $3.5 billion in debt during the July-April period of FY25

Bangladesh’s external debt soared to $103 billion by the end of December 2024, doubling from $51 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2016–17, as the sharp increase in borrowing coincided with a rapid expansion of the economy.

Noted economist Debapriya Bhattacharya raised concerns about the role of global institutions, indicating the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), in assessing Bangladesh's debt sustainability under the previous regime as the country faces increasing pressure from escalating debt servicing obligations.

The government should prioritise efficient utilisation of borrowed funds to ensure maximum returns on investment.

Bangladesh’s private sector’s medium and long-term debt from foreign countries stood at $8.09 billion at the end of September 2022.