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Janata Bank
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Janata Bank (Bengali: জনতা ব্যাংক পিএলসি) is a Bangladeshi state-owned commercial bank of established in 1972.[2][3] Its headquarters is situated at Motijheel in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh.[4]

Key Information

As of 2017, it was the second largest commercial bank in Bangladesh and had 925 branches throughout the country, it also had 4 overseas branches in the United Arab Emirates.[5][6]

History

[edit]

Following the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan at the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, Janata Bank PLC was formed combining the then United Bank Limited and Union Bank Limited under the Bank Nationalization Ordinance of 1972 (President's Order 26).[7]

In March 2004, managing director of the bank, Murshid Kuli Khan, visited Greece to study the feasibility of remittance from the country.[8]

The management of Janata Bank was changed under the Enterprise Growth and Bank Modernization Project' (EGBMP) which has been taken in 2004–05 in order to reform the nationalized commercial banks. Janata Bank became a public limited companies on 15 November 2007 led by chairman Sohel Ahmed Chowdhury.[7][9]

After Awami League came to power in 2008, they provided 145.05 billion taka in recapitalization funds to state banks including Janata Bank.[10] In January 2008, SM Aminur Rahman, was appointed managing director of Janata Bank.[11] Fahmida Khatun was appointed a director of the bank in August.[12]

In 2012, Janata Bank recalled their CEO of operations in the United Arab Emirates, Shafiqul Islam, following the embezzlement of US$1.3 million.[13] The Anti Corruption Commission questioned seven officials of the bank over the Hallmark-Sonali Bank Loan Scam.[14] Bismillah Group had embezzled 12 billion taka from Janata Bank and four others.[15]

In December 2017, Md Abdus Salam Azad was promoted to managing director of Janata Bank from deputy managing director.[16]

Janata Bank provided loans worth 55.04 billion taka loan to AnonTex Group, led by chairperson Md Younus Badal, from 2007 to 2015 which defaulted.[17][18] The loans were more than 25 percent of the capital base of Janata Bank in violation of banking rules.[18] The loans were provided from the Janata Bhaban corporate branch under manager Md Abdus Salam Azad, who would later become the managing director of the bank.[18] The loans were approved by the board of directors led by chairperson Abul Barkat and managing director SM Aminur Rahman.[18] Shaikh Md Wahid-Uz-Zaman, who was the chairman from December 2014 to 2017, blamed the board of directors and management of the bank for the loans to AnonTex Group.[18] AnonTex Group restructured their loan with a 1-2 percent payment rather than the customary 10-15 percent payment needed for restructuring.[18] Bangladesh Bank had provided Janata Bank permission ignore overexposure rules for providing loans to Galaxy Sweaters and Yarn Dyeing, a subsidiary of AnonTex Group.[18]

Bangladesh Bank sought an explanation of the loans to AnonTex Group from managing director of the bank, Md Abdus Salam Azad.[17] The group had laundered the money outside of Bangladesh using false invoicing of capital machinery.[17] The loans were provided following an approval letter by Mizanur Rahman Akon, deputy general manager of Bangladesh Bank, without approval of Financial Integrity and Customer Services Department.[19] Janata Bank tried to delay the loans to AnonTex Group from being declared defaulted by Bangladesh Bank which allowed the group to borrow more money from the bank.[20] The Minister of Finance AMA Muhith spoke in favor of AnonTex Group after meeting it's chairperson.[20]

The Bank had also loaned 12.3 billion taka to Thermax Group which also defaulted.[21] It was 27 percent of the capital base of Janata Bank.[21] The Bank provided 34.43 billion taka loan to Crescent Group which also defaulted.[22] Crescent Group is owned by MA Kader and Abdul Aziz, two brothers, who also own Jaaz Multimedia.[22] Anti-Corruption Commission had found Crescent Group embezzled money from Janata Bank while Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate reported that the group had laundered the money out of Bangladesh.[23] Bangladesh Bank stopped Janata Bank from re-hiring Syful Shamsul Alam & Co as its audit company because it had found the company aided Crescent Group in embezzling money from the bank.[24] Janata Bank was fined by Bangladesh Bank for providing undue favors to Beximco Group.[20]

In 2016, Rajib Hasan, a senior officer of the bank embezzled 19.3 million taka from client accounts.[25]

In 2018, the government sought to appointed Hedayetullah Al Mamun as chairman of the bank but reverse course following backlash against the appointment.[26] The government instead appointed Luna Shamsuddoha, the first woman to head a state-owned bank in Bangladesh.[26] Justices Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury and Md Iqbal Kabir of the High Court Division ordered Janata Bank to retake their recruitment test following the leak of the exam question papers.[27]

Janata Bank sought to reschedule loans to Root Group which had 10.49 billion taka in defaulted loans in August 2019.[28] Jamaluddin Ahmed was appointed chairman of Janata Bank in August 2019.[29] He is a former director of Bangladesh Bank and the general secretary of the Bangladesh Economic Association.[29] He replaced Dr SM Mahfuzur Rahman.[26] On 28 July 2020, Ahmed was replaced by SM Mahfuzur Rahman as chairman of the bank.[30] In 2020, a cashier of the bank in Noakhali District, Liton Chandra Das, stole 20 million taka from the bank.[31] Janata Bank made a loss of move than 50 billion taka in 2020.[32] Bangladesh Bank recommended actions against the managing director of the bank, Md. Abdus Salam Azad.[33] AnonTex Group sought to reschedule its outstanding loans.[34]

Janata Bank was having difficulty recovering money from non-banking financial institutions which were hit by scams by PK Halder.[35] The institutions were Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company Limited, First Finance Limited, FAS Finance and Investment Limited, International Leasing and Financial Services Limited, Peoples Leasing and Financial Services Limited, and Premier Leasing and Finance Limited.[35]

Janata Bank sought to auction assets of Pacific Denims Limited to recover its loan in 2022.[36]

Board of directors

[edit]
Name Designation Reference
M. FAZLUR RAHMAN Chairman [37]
Ajit Kumar Paul Director [37]
K. M. Shamsul Alam Director [37]
Muhammed Asad Ullah Director [37]
Badre Munir Firdaus Director [37]
Dr. Md. Mohiuddin Director [37]
Dr. Md. Abdus Sabur Director [37]
Md. Mazibur Rahman CEO and Managing Director [37]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Janata Bank

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Janata Bank PLC is a state-owned in , established in 1972 shortly after the country's independence from , through the and merger of Eastern Banking Corporation and under the Order.
Headquartered in Motijheel, , it serves as the second-largest state-owned bank by deposits and assets, operating 929 branches including four overseas offices in the and .
The bank has focused on socio-economic development by extending credit to , industry, and small enterprises, with total assets exceeding 1.38 trillion and deposits over 1.10 trillion taka as of recent financial reports.
Restructured as a in 2007, it continues to provide conventional and Islamic banking services amid challenges typical of state-owned institutions, such as managing non-performing loans while contributing to national .

History

Establishment and Early Years

Janata Bank Limited was established in as a state-owned through the of the banking sector following 's from . It was formed under the Bangladesh Banks (Nationalisation) Order, 1972 (President's Order No. 27 of ), which transferred the assets, liabilities, and operations of branches in the former East Pakistan of Pakistani banks, primarily and Union Bank Limited, to the new entity. This restructuring aimed to consolidate banking services for economic recovery and socio-economic development in the nascent nation. As the second-largest state-owned at , Janata Bank commenced operations with a network of branches inherited from its predecessors, focusing initially on deposit mobilization, extension to priority sectors like and small industries, and facilitating in a war-ravaged . In its early years through the , the bank supported national reconstruction efforts by channeling funds toward rebuilding infrastructure and fostering industrial growth, operating under direct government oversight to align with state-led development policies. By the late , it had expanded its role in rural banking and export financing, contributing to the stabilization of the amid challenges such as and resource scarcity.

Expansion and Restructuring

Janata Bank expanded its operations following its establishment in , focusing on extending to support 's socio-economic development through a growing domestic and international network. By December 2023, the bank operated 929 branches, including 909 domestic branches categorized by grade (278 Grade-1, 212 Grade-2, 259 Grade-3, and 65 Grade-4) and 4 overseas branches in the . This expansion included authorized dealer branches for , totaling 56 within , enabling broader and services. In the mid-2000s, the bank underwent modernization efforts under the Enterprise Growth and Bank Modernization (EGBMP), a World Bank-supported initiative launched in to enhance , , and capacity in state-owned enterprises including banks. This facilitated restructuring, improved practices, and aligned the bank with international banking standards, addressing inefficiencies in state-owned institutions. A key restructuring occurred on November 15, 2007, when Janata Bank Limited was converted into Janata Bank PLC, a , following registration with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms, with effect from July 1, 2007; had issued the necessary license on May 31, 2007. This corporate transformation aimed to improve accountability and operational flexibility while maintaining full government ownership, without altering its state-owned status. Post-restructuring, the bank continued network expansion, including non-resident Bangladeshi (NRB) banking booths beyond by 2010 and recent openings such as its first sub-branch in Kendua , , on October 24, 2025, to serve remote areas and boost deposit mobilization, which surpassed Tk 1.25 by September 2025.

Key Milestones Post-2000

In 2000, Janata Bank's deposits surpassed 100 billion (BDT) for the first time, marking a significant growth milestone amid expanding national economic activity. The bank continued to receive recognition for operational excellence, earning the "Bank of the Year" award in from magazine in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2011, reflecting consistent performance in a competitive state-owned sector. A pivotal occurred on November 15, 2007, when Janata Bank was converted into a under the name Janata Bank PLC and registered with the Joint Stock Companies and Firms, enhancing its framework while maintaining . This aimed to improve efficiency and accountability, aligning with broader reforms in Bangladesh's public banking sector, though the bank retained its role as the second-largest state-owned commercial entity. Post-2007, the bank emphasized modernization, including advancements in digital services such as internet banking rollout and ongoing initiatives to meet evolving customer demands and regulatory standards from . By September 2025, deposits reached a new high, exceeding 1.25 trillion BDT, underscoring sustained asset growth despite challenges like non-performing loans in state-owned banks.

Organizational Structure and Governance

Board of Directors and Leadership

The of Janata Bank PLC, a state-owned under the of , is appointed by the and holds ultimate responsibility for policy formulation, risk oversight, and strategic guidance. Composed primarily of government officials, retired bankers, and nominees from regulatory bodies, the board ensures alignment with national financial objectives while maintaining operational in execution. Appointments reflect political and administrative priorities, with terms typically tied to bureaucratic tenures or government directives, leading to periodic reconstitutions. As of October 2025, Md. Fazlur Rahman serves as Chairman, providing leadership in key decisions such as deposit mobilization targets and branch expansions. The Managing Director and is Md. Mozibur Rahman, a career banker responsible for day-to-day operations, including training programs and performance metrics; he assumed the role amid efforts to enhance digital services and asset recovery. Key directors include Badre Munir Firdaus, an Additional Secretary representing governmental oversight; Dr. Md. Abdus Sabur; and Abdul Majid Sheikh, a former Deputy Managing Director contributing banking expertise. In early 2025, the board saw additions of AKM Khabir Uddin Chowdhury, Abdul Awal Sarkar, and , strengthening administrative and professional input. These members participate in subcommittees, such as the Executive Committee chaired by the Chairman, focusing on audit, risk, and matters.

Management and Operational Hierarchy

The operational hierarchy of Janata Bank PLC is led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO), who executes the strategic directives of the and manages daily banking activities across the institution's network. As of November 2024, Md. Mazibur Rahman holds this position, appointed after serving in senior roles within the banking sector, including at Janata Capital and Investment Limited. Reporting to the MD & CEO are Deputy Managing Directors (DMDs), who head major operational divisions such as , international trade finance, SME banking, and ; these roles coordinate policy implementation and . General Managers (GMs) then supervise specialized head office departments, including treasury, , internal control and compliance, and , ensuring functional oversight and support to the branch network. At the regional and branch levels, the hierarchy descends through Deputy General Managers (DGMs) and Assistant General Managers (AGMs) for larger facilities and zones, followed by Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs), Vice Presidents (VPs), and lower cadres such as Senior Principal Officers (SPOs), Principal Officers (POs), Senior Officers (SOs), and Officers (Os), who manage customer transactions, loan processing, and deposit operations. This tiered structure, comprising over 11,000 employees, facilitates decentralized execution while maintaining centralized control from the Motijheel headquarters in , with 929 domestic branches and 4 overseas offices as of December 2024.

Products and Services

Core Banking Services

Janata Bank provides services focused on deposit mobilization and extension to individuals, businesses, and rural sectors in . These services form the foundation of its operations as a state-owned , enabling customers to save, invest, and access financing for personal and economic activities. The bank utilizes the T-24 software, upgraded in recent years to enhance and account management across its network. Deposit products include current accounts, which are non-interest-bearing and designed for high-volume transactions, requiring documentation such as two passport-sized photos, national ID photocopy, and TIN certificate for account opening. Savings deposits offer variable interest at 4% annually, with similar opening requirements, providing and modest returns for individual savers. Fixed or term deposits yield higher rates, such as 8.50% for tenures of three to six months, accommodating minimum investments and allowing premature withdrawal under specified conditions. Special notice deposits cater to institutional clients with tiered rates from 4.00% for balances under 1 taka to 6.00% or more for larger sums exceeding 500 taka, requiring seven days' notice for withdrawal. Scheme-based deposits encourage long-term savings through structured plans. The five-year monthly deposit scheme accepts installments from 3,000 to 20,000 taka at 8.5% simple annual interest, variable per circulars. The New Gen. Double Benefit Scheme involves a one-time minimum deposit of 100,000 taka or multiples, offering 11.23% effective yield without monthly installments. Loan products emphasize retail, , and working capital financing at variable rates set by directives. Personal loans provide up to eight-year tenures at 13% interest, repayable in monthly installments, for salaried individuals or pensioners with collateral or guarantors. financing supports purchases of durables over two to four years at 13%, requiring proof and . Working capital loans for businesses have no upper limit, with quarterly or semi-annual repayments at 13%, assessed based on and collateral. Specialized loans start from 50,000 taka at 12% for small traders holding valid licenses, while rural credit extends up to 500,000 taka at 12% to low-income farmers and entrepreneurs for and micro-enterprises. These services prioritize verifiable eligibility, collateral, and repayment capacity to mitigate default risks.

Specialized Financial Products

Janata Bank provides specialized financial products targeted at key economic sectors including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), , , and export-oriented activities to foster growth in Bangladesh's . These offerings include concessional lending rates for priority areas, such as 9% for crop loans and 10% for agricultural term loans, as outlined in the bank's declared lending interest rates effective April 9, 2025. SME financing emphasizes support for alleviation through loans to economically disadvantaged borrowers, with sector-specific rates ranging from 11% to 13% for small and medium industries. In , the bank extends crop production loans repayable within three months post-harvest at a variable rate of 12%, per directive 1263/24 dated , 2024. Rural credit programs target low-income individuals in skill-based professions, offering up to 500,000 taka per borrower at 12% interest to promote income-generating activities. These initiatives align with national priorities for rural and agricultural development, though recovery challenges in state-owned banks like Janata have been noted in sector analyses. For , finance includes pre-shipment financing, of documents, advising on letters of , and services to facilitate exporters' needs. Import complements this with post-import financing options, supporting volumes that reached significant levels in recent fiscal years, though detailed performance metrics vary annually. Specialized loans for es, starting from a minimum of 50,000 taka without collateral in some cases, further cater to holders at 12% under the same June 2024 directive. These products are subject to eligibility criteria like business viability and compliance.

Digital and Innovative Offerings

Janata Bank PLC operates a centralized real-time network, the largest in , interconnecting all its branches to facilitate seamless transactions such as fund transfers via BEFTN and RTGS, services, and automated systems. This infrastructure supports features including alerts for account activities and national savings scheme management, accessible through the bank's banking portal. The eJanata Mobile App, available on and Android platforms, extends these services to mobile users, enabling balance inquiries, intra-bank transfers, and book requests without visits. Launched as part of the bank's digitalization push amid the , the app emphasizes user convenience with secure authentication, though adoption has been gradual in a market dominated by traditional banking. In September 2025, Janata Bank partnered with provider SSL Wireless to integrate a digital biller payment service into its and eJanata app, allowing customers to pay , mobile recharges, and other bills directly from smartphones. This initiative builds on existing utility bill collection capabilities, aiming to enhance accessibility in Bangladesh's evolving digital financial , where state-owned banks like Janata lag behind private competitors in advanced features such as AI-driven personalization or APIs.

Network and Operations

Domestic Branch Network

Janata Bank PLC operates a widespread domestic branch network consisting of 925 branches distributed across all , ensuring accessibility in both urban centers and rural areas. This extensive coverage supports the bank's role as a state-owned entity focused on serving transactions, agricultural financing, and general commercial banking needs nationwide. The branch structure is organized under multiple divisional offices aligned with Bangladesh's administrative divisions, including separate offices for North and South to manage the capital's high volume, as well as offices in , , and other regions. Oversight is provided by 14 divisions handling specialized functions such as credit, , and operations. Within this network, 56 branches function as Authorized Dealers (AD) for foreign exchange transactions inside , facilitating import-export activities and remittances. Many branches, particularly corporate and major urban ones, are equipped with SWIFT codes to enable secure international correspondence and payments, enhancing operational efficiency for trade-related services. The network's rural branches emphasize small-scale lending and deposit mobilization, contributing to financial inclusion in underserved areas, though urban concentrations remain higher in districts like and .

International Presence and Subsidiaries

Janata Bank operates four overseas branches, all situated in the , to support inflows and banking services for Bangladeshi expatriates in the Gulf. These include branches in , , , and Sharjah, established to handle foreign exchange transactions, taka remittances, and deposit accounts. The branch, for instance, is located at a central address with SWIFT code JANBAEA ABUH, facilitating direct transfers via correspondent banking networks. This presence aligns with the bank's role in channeling funds from labor-exporting destinations, where UAE hosts a significant portion of Bangladesh's overseas workforce. Beyond branches, Janata Bank's international subsidiaries are limited to Janata Exchange Company srl in , which maintains offices in (at Piazza Vescovio 31) and . This entity focuses on currency exchange and services for Bangladeshi migrants in , enabling efficient transfers back to . The Italian operations, however, have reported cumulative losses exceeding Tk 27 over four years as of 2025, prompting requests for regulatory adjustments that were denied by . No other subsidiaries or representative offices abroad are maintained, reflecting a targeted rather than expansive global footprint.

Financial Performance

Janata Bank, nationalized in 1972 following the , initially expanded its asset base through state-directed lending, with total deposits growing from modest levels in the to over Tk 100,000 crore by the amid . However, profitability has been inconsistent, hampered by political interference in loan approvals and inadequate , leading to recurrent provisioning for non-performing assets. Early trends showed deposit and advance growth, with total deposits rising steadily from Tk 10,000 in to higher levels by 2012, but net profit turned negative in 2012 due to surging non-performing loans (NPLs) exceeding manageable thresholds. NPL ratios trended upward over the subsequent decade, reflecting lax credit standards and exposure to politically connected borrowers, with classified loans reaching 25.42% of total advances by the late .
YearProfit After Tax (Tk crore)Key Notes
2012NegativeHigh NPLs drove losses; upward NPL trend began.
2019553Recovery phase post-losses.
20201,133Continued improvement.
3,003Peak profitability amid economic rebound.
2022143Sharp decline due to rising provisions.
2023-3,066Massive loss from defaults on large exposures (e.g., , S Alam groups); NPLs >61% of portfolio.
Operating profits fluctuated similarly, peaking near Tk 10,000 in before falling to Tk 7,094 in 2023, underscoring vulnerability to asset quality deterioration rather than revenue shortfalls. Total assets expanded to support this, but remained subdued compared to private peers, averaging below 1% in profitable years due to overheads and write-offs. By 2023, NPLs had climbed to over 60%, eroding capital adequacy and prompting regulatory scrutiny from .

Recent Results and Key Metrics

In fiscal year 2024, Janata Bank PLC recorded a consolidated net loss of Tk 3,066 , reversing the Tk 62 net profit reported for 2023. This downturn stemmed primarily from elevated deposit costs, a decline in , and escalating provisions for non-performing loans (NPLs), which highlighted ongoing asset quality challenges in the state-owned lender. Key metrics as of December 31, 2024, showed total loans and advances at 100,794 , with classified loans reaching 68,000 , indicating a high NPL exceeding 67%. Total assets stood at approximately 147,137 , while deposits totaled 109,810 , reflecting modest growth amid the profitability slump. The bank's required provisions for loans aggregated 53,383 , underscoring the scale of potential impairments.
Metric2023 (Tk )2024 (Tk )
Net Profit/Loss62-3,066
Total Loans & AdvancesNot specified100,794
Classified LoansNot specified68,000
Total Assets~138,706~147,137
Total DepositsNot specified109,810
These results align with broader pressures on Bangladesh's state-owned banks, where NPL accumulation—often linked to directed lending and weak recovery mechanisms—has eroded capital buffers and profitability.

Efficiency and Risk Management Issues

Janata Bank's risk management practices have been undermined by systemic weaknesses in credit assessment and loan underwriting, resulting in persistently high non-performing loan (NPL) ratios. As of the latest reported figures, the bank's classified loans constituted 25.42% of total loans and advances. Independent analyses and regulatory data, however, indicate far higher default rates, with approximately 61% of loans soured primarily due to exposures to large conglomerates like Beximco and S. Alam Group, exposing concentration risks and inadequate diversification. This has been attributed to lax due diligence and political influences in lending decisions, common in state-owned banks, leading to approvals for high-risk borrowers without sufficient collateral or repayment capacity verification. Operational efficiency has suffered from low loan recovery rates and bloated overheads, with the bank failing to meet performance targets across key metrics such as capital adequacy and provisioning coverage. The inability to recover defaulted loans has triggered a , forcing reliance on unsustainable interbank borrowings and prompting requests for Tk 200 billion in government bailouts to shore up capital eroded by accumulated losses. Employee inefficiencies, including delays in processing and monitoring, have compounded these issues, as noted in studies highlighting unscrupulous lending practices and weak internal controls that foster non-recovery. Further straining risk frameworks, the bank's exposure to sector-specific vulnerabilities—such as over-lending to politically connected entities—has resulted in over 90% of classified loans categorized as "loss" assets with minimal recovery prospects, pushing its capital adequacy ratio into negative territory at -3.25% against a required 12.5%. These deficiencies underscore broader governance lapses, including insufficient stress testing and risk-weighted asset calculations, which have escalated systemic risks amid Bangladesh's banking sector-wide NPL surge. Despite efforts to implement credit risk policies, such as those outlined in internal guidelines, persistent defaults reveal gaps in enforcement and oversight.

Controversies and Scandals

Major Loan Scams and Embezzlement Cases

Janata Bank has faced multiple high-profile loan scams involving irregular disbursements, , and defaults totaling billions of taka, often linked to breaches of lending norms and political influence during the era. Investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and courts have revealed systemic lapses, including loans exceeding regulatory limits and favoritism toward connected borrowers, contributing to the bank's non-performing loans reaching Tk 67,300 by December 2024. One prominent case involves the AnonTex Group, where Janata Bank disbursed Tk 2.97 billion in loans between 2016 and 2018, surpassing 25% of the bank's capital base in violation of Bangladesh Bank guidelines. The ACC filed charges in 2025 for fraud and money laundering, leading to the arrest of former managing director Atiur Barkat on July 11, 2025, after a court rejected bail and criticized the bank's board for an "unprecedented" role in enabling the laundering. In the S Alam Group scandal, entities linked to businessman and relatives allegedly skimmed approximately Tk 10,000 through misrepresented trading activities, prompting Janata Bank to file a Tk 1,964 defaulted case on , 2024, in Chattogram's Money . The summoned family members, including S Alam, for failing to repay, with allegations of fraudulent account openings for disguised as imports of and tin. The Hanjala loan scam saw Tk 156 crore disbursed irregularly, resulting in a October 25, 2025, order from Dhaka's Money Laundering Court-5 for disciplinary action against involved bank officials. Separately, the ACC approved charges against Atiur Barakat and 24 others in a Tk 531.43 crore embezzlement scheme, accrued to Tk 1,130.18 crore with interest, involving fraudulent loan approvals. A 2018 exposure revealed a Tk 55 billion scam, part of broader irregularities from 2010 to 2022, including Tk 816 crore linked to Group, exacerbating the bank's insolvency risks amid unchecked lending to influential parties. These cases highlight failures, with 61% of Janata Bank's portfolio in default by late 2024, predominantly tied to Awami League-aligned borrowers.

Corruption Investigations and Regulatory Actions

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has investigated multiple instances of embezzlement at Janata Bank involving fraudulent loan approvals. In a prominent case filed on February 20, 2025, the ACC accused 27 individuals of misappropriating Tk 2.97 billion through forged documents and improper lending to entities like Suprabh Spinning Mills. Following expanded probes, on October 20, 2025, the ACC approved a charge sheet against 26 suspects, including former Janata Bank chairman Abul Barkat and ex-Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman, for approving loans totaling Tk 5.31 billion to 22 companies without due diligence, resulting in losses exceeding Tk 11.30 billion with accrued interest. Bangladesh Bank (BB), as the primary regulator, has initiated probes into lending irregularities at Janata Bank, particularly breaches of single-borrower exposure limits. A 2018 BB investigation revealed large-scale violations in loan disbursals, including to AnonTex Group, where advances surpassed 25% of the bank's capital base, prompting directives for immediate recovery and internal reforms. In January 2025, the ACC expanded scrutiny into AnonTex-related scams at Janata Bank, uncovering systemic approval flaws that BB had previously flagged. BB has also enforced recovery mandates in other scandals, such as a Tk 920 crore fraud involving 87 exporters from the Motijheel branch between 2017 and 2018, where loans were issued despite inadequate collateral verification. Judicial interventions have complemented these efforts, with Dhaka courts ordering disciplinary actions against Janata Bank officials in specific cases. For instance, in the Hanjala loan scam involving Tk 156 crore, a money laundering court on October 25, 2025, mandated probes into implicated staff for facilitating disbursals via falsified export documents. Additionally, courts have criticized the bank's board for enabling outward remittances tied to laundering, deeming such involvement unprecedented in a state-owned entity. BB further imposed restrictions by rejecting Janata Bank's October 2025 plea to offset Tk 27 crore in losses from its Italian subsidiary against domestic provisions, citing non-compliance with capital adequacy norms. Investigations have also targeted high-profile defaulters, such as the S Alam Group's alleged siphoning of Tk 10,000 through interconnected loans disguised as trading and import financing, as detailed in an August 2024 probe revealing forged collateral and kin-linked entities. These actions underscore recurring patterns of political influence in loan decisions at the state-owned lender, though recoveries remain partial amid ongoing litigation.

Economic Role and Criticisms

Contributions to Bangladesh's Economy

Janata Bank, established in 1972 as a state-owned , has supported Bangladesh's by channeling funds into priority sectors such as , small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and industry, aligning with national policies for growth and employment creation. The bank has financed crop production, fisheries, and farming, directly aiding rural economies and . In the ending June 2023, it disbursed Tk 24.37 billion in agricultural loans and Tk 29.35 billion to SMEs, fostering entrepreneurship and job opportunities in underserved areas. Through its lending portfolio, Janata Bank has backed the emergence of numerous large enterprises, contributing to industrial expansion and trade facilitation. Despite foreign exchange constraints in fiscal year 2022-2023, it enabled imports of $5 billion in goods, supporting manufacturing supply chains and economic stability. The bank's investment of Tk 60,000 crore across 4.5 lakh borrowers by 2021 has further promoted trade and employment in key economic activities. Janata Bank also plays a pivotal role in remittance processing, channeling funds from workers to boost consumption and , which sustains domestic demand. By September 2025, its deposits exceeded 1.25 , enhancing liquidity for ongoing economic financing amid Bangladesh's growth trajectory.

Critiques of State Ownership and Performance

Critics argue that of Janata Bank fosters political interference in lending decisions, leading to disproportionate allocation of loans to politically connected entities rather than creditworthy borrowers, which undermines financial prudence and exacerbates non-performing loans (NPLs). For instance, under the previous , Janata Bank's exposure to conglomerates like grew from Tk 2,045 in 2015 to Tk 25,000 by June 2024, often exceeding single-obligor limits through waivers, resulting in massive defaults post the August 2024 political transition. This pattern reflects a broader critique that control prioritizes short-term political objectives over long-term viability, as evidenced by NPLs surging to 66.8% of total loans (Tk 67,300 out of Tk 1,00,800 ) by 2024. Performance metrics highlight chronic inefficiencies inherent in state-directed operations, including operational mismanagement and inadequate , which private banks mitigate through market discipline. Janata Bank's NPL ratio reached 72% by end-2024, the highest among state-owned peers, contributing to a capital shortfall of Tk 17,025 as of 2025 and necessitating repeated government bailouts, such as Tk 121 billion in recent injections that failed to stem deterioration. Analysts attribute this to lax accountability under public ownership, where board and management decisions lack shareholder oversight, fostering and poor recovery mechanisms for written-off loans. Further compounding these issues, state control has led to administrative disruptions, such as the promotion of nearly 8,000 employees to "supernumerary" positions post-2024 changes, eroding and amid protests and bonus disputes. Studies on Bangladeshi financial institutions indicate that state-owned banks like Janata consistently underperform private counterparts in profitability, growth stability, and capital adequacy—evidenced by Janata's negative -3.25% ratio—due to misaligned incentives and vulnerability to regime-driven lending. Despite comprising a significant share of the sector, these banks' reliance on fiscal rescues underscores a to achieve , with total NPLs across four major state-owned lenders hitting Tk 1,46,361 by June 2025.

References

  1. https://www.jb.com.bd/about_us/history
  2. https://www.jb.com.bd/about_us/bank_at_a_glance
  3. https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Janata_Bank_Limited
  4. https://www.jb.com.bd/about_us/financial_highlights
  5. https://www.jb.com.bd/assets/file/documents/RiskBaseCapital%28Basel-III%29_2021_2.pdf
  6. https://www.scribd.com/document/465993425/PROFILE
  7. https://www.datanyze.com/companies/janata-bank-head-office/20530170
  8. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/183321467993464875/pdf/01C6D5AE34523B7785256F03000ABCB3.pdf
  9. https://www.academia.edu/30587820/Janata_Bank_Limited
  10. https://dspace.bracu.ac.bd/xmlui/handle/10361/16981
  11. https://www.jb.com.bd/download/download_files/1146
  12. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/637421468768601884/pdf/279790BD.pdf
  13. https://www.imf.org/external/np/loi/2006/bgd/010906.pdf
  14. https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/print/janata-bank-expands-nrb-banking-beyond-capital-city
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