National Bank's H1 loss balloons to Tk2,286cr
The bank’s consolidated earnings per share (EPS) for the first half of the year plummeted to negative Tk7.10, a sharp decline from the negative Tk3.06 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The National Bank PLC has reported a staggering consolidated net loss of Tk2,286 crore for the first half (January-June) of 2026, as the lender continues to grapple with non-recovery of loans and a deepening capital crisis.
According to the bank's latest financial statements filed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the loss for the first six months of 2026 has more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
The bank's consolidated earnings per share (EPS) for the first half of the year plummeted to negative Tk7.10, a sharp decline from the negative Tk3.06 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. The second quarter (April–June) alone accounted for a loss per share of Tk3.58.
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The financial health of the bank has reached a critical stage, with its consolidated Net Asset Value (NAV) per share dropping to negative Tk14.49 as of 30 June 2026. This is a significant deterioration from the negative Tk1.91 reported a year earlier, indicating that the bank's liabilities far outweigh its assets.
In its disclosure to the stock exchange, the bank explained that the massive loss is primarily due to its inability to recognise interest income on a vast portion of its loan portfolio.
This includes loans that have been rescheduled with grace periods and delinquent loans where no cash recovery was made. Meanwhile, the bank remained obligated to pay interest on deposits and borrowings, leading to a massive operating deficit.
Lifeline through real estate
In a bid to alleviate the ongoing financial distress, National Bank has recently received special authorisation from Bangladesh Bank to commercially rent out one of its "Twin Tower" buildings currently under construction at the Karwan Bazar intersection in the capital.
Originally intended for the bank's own use, the central bank exercised its special powers to allow the commercialisation of the property. Under the revised plan, one of the towers will serve as the bank's corporate headquarters, while the other will be leased out to commercial tenants.
Bank officials expressed hope that the rental income would provide a steady cash flow to help stabilise the institution's fragile balance sheet.
