In brief
In a release dated Nov. 9 2026, the World Bank announced Bangladesh’s external debt will climb to $113.44 billion by the end of 2025, a figure that represents almost triple the 2015 level. The Treasury Estimate places Bangladesh’s per‑capita debt at $646, while global developing‑country debt surged 5.5 percent to a record $9.4 trillion, the fastest pace since 2021.
In Dhaka, Xinhua reported on Nov. 9 2026 that Bangladesh’s external debt will reach $113.44 billion by the end of 2025, a figure released by the World Bank in its International Debt Report 2026.
The World Bank’s data show Bangladesh’s external liabilities have almost tripled over the past decade, rising from $38.77 billion in 2015 to $113.44 billion in 2025.
According to the report, the lender estimates Bangladesh’s 2025 population at 175.7 million, which places the per‑capita external debt at $646.
The World Bank also noted that external debt of developing countries jumped 5.5 percent to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, the fastest pace since 2021 and about four times the 2022‑24 average.
The International Debt Report 2026 was released at the Washington‑based lender’s headquarters, summarizing global debt trends and country‑specific figures.
Bangladesh’s debt trajectory follows the broader pattern of rising external borrowing among developing economies during the past decade, according to the World Bank’s assessment.
World Bank officials highlighted the growing dependence on external financing as a key factor driving the upward trend in Bangladesh’s debt stock.
The report underscores the importance of monitoring debt levels, as the country’s external liabilities represent a significant component of its overall financial obligations.
