State-owned Sonali Bank PLC has achieved a historic financial milestone, recording a record operating profit of Tk 8,017.35 crore for the 2025 calendar year. This represents a staggering 41% increase from the previous year, signaling a robust recovery for the country’s largest commercial lender.
The bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Md. Shawkat Ali Khan, disclosed the financial results during a press conference at the bank’s Motijheel headquarters on Tuesday. Senior officials, including the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Iqbal Hossain, were also in attendance.
From Deficit to Surplus
Perhaps the most significant highlight of the report was the bank’s successful elimination of its long-standing capital deficit. In 2024, Sonali Bank faced a capital shortfall of Tk 5,948 crore. However, through aggressive recovery drives and disciplined fiscal management, the bank ended 2025 with a capital surplus of Tk 83 crore.
“Escaping the stigma of a chronic capital shortfall is a massive achievement for us. Even after maintaining all necessary provisions, our net profit is expected to exceed Tk 1,500 crore.” — Md. Shawkat Ali Khan, MD & CEO, Sonali Bank
Loan Recovery and Asset Quality
The bank reported substantial progress in recovering non-performing loans (NPLs):
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Cash Recovery: Tk 1,203 crore was recovered in cash from defaulters.
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Top Defaulters: Tk 745 crore was collected from the top 20 defaulters, including Tk 300 crore from the Hallmark Group.
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NPL Ratio: The default loan ratio has dropped to 15.52%. The bank aims to reduce this to 11-12% by 2026 and reach a single-digit ratio by 2027.
Future Outlook and Outstanding Dues
MD Shawkat Ali Khan noted that the bank’s Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) now exceeds the regulatory minimum of 10%, providing a solid foundation for future business expansion.
However, he also pointed out that the bank is still owed significant sums by the government. Specifically, it is waiting for Tk 5,500 crore in commissions for handling LCs related to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The CEO expressed confidence that the recovery of these funds would further bolster the bank’s financial position.
Despite the surge in profits, the MD emphasized a cautious approach toward lending to avoid future risks while maintaining the public’s strong trust in the institution.
