The trend of higher repayments compared with loans received has continued for the past two years.In 2023, repayments exceeded loan inflows by $6 billion, and in 2024, repayments were $2 billion higher than the loans received. New loans are harder to secure now, as no one is willing to lend. "Economist Zahid also said, "The global interest rates have decreased by almost 100 basis points. Six months ago, the SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) rate was 5.33 percent, but now it stands at 4.33 percent. "However, for Bangladesh, this decrease hasn't been reflected, as the risk premium on interest rates has risen due to the downgrade in credit ratings," he said.He likened Bangladesh's situation to the fall of Sri Lanka's cricket team, once highly regarded but no longer in its prime.�"bdnews24.com

Source: bd News24 March 08, 2025 17:51 UTC