As 2025 draws to a close, Bangladesh’s financial landscape is offering unprecedented opportunities for savers. With the Bangladesh Bank’s recent adjustments to monetary policy pushing the repo rate to 10%, commercial banks are now in an aggressive race to attract deposits. This competitive environment translates directly into record-high interest rates for Fixed Deposits (FDs) and Deposit Pension Schemes (DPS). For smart investors, this is the prime time to maximize returns on savings.
Why Are Interest Rates So High Right Now?
The primary driver behind these elevated rates is the Bangladesh Bank’s contractionary monetary policy. Faced with persistent inflation (hovering around 8-9%), the central bank has tightened liquidity in the market. To meet their lending targets and manage their own liquidity, banks are compelled to offer more attractive rates to the public, sparking a fierce competition for deposits. This benefits you, the saver, directly!
Top Fixed Deposit (FD/FDR) Rates: 2026
Fixed Deposits remain one of the most secure and popular investment options in Bangladesh. Here’s a snapshot of the banks currently offering the highest FD rates:
| Bank Name | 3-Month Tenor | 6-Month Tenor | 1-Year Tenor | Special Conditions |
| AB Bank PLC | 12.00% | 12.15% | 12.00% | Often requires larger deposit amounts (e.g., > BDT 5 Lakh) |
| Midland Bank | 10.15% | 10.25% | 9.90% | Competitive rates, often with digital booking incentives |
| One Bank PLC | 10.00% | 10.25% | 10.50% | Attractive for longer tenors, specific schemes available |
| National Bank | 8.75% | 9.00% | 9.75% | Tiered rates, might require specific customer segments |
| The City Bank | 8.50% | 8.75% | 9.25% | Strong for corporate and high-value individual clients |
| IFIC Bank PLC | 9.00% | 9.50% | 9.50% | Good for short to medium-term FDs |
Note: Rates are indicative and subject to change. It is always recommended to confirm the exact rates with the bank directly.
Best DPS (Deposit Pension Scheme) Schemes for Monthly Savings
For individuals planning long-term savings with monthly contributions, DPS schemes are an excellent choice. They offer financial discipline coupled with attractive returns.
- One Bank PLC: Known for its “PENSAVE” and “EDUSAVE” schemes, offering up to 11.00% for commitments of 5 years or more. This is ideal for retirement or children’s education planning.
- Midland Bank: Their digital DPS offerings are highly competitive, often reaching 10.50% for longer tenors, encouraging hassle-free online management.
- Eastern Bank Limited (EBL): EBL’s “Millionaire Schemes” and “Women Confidence DPS” are popular, providing flexible tenor options (from 3 to 10 years) to help you reach significant savings goals.
- Prime Bank PLC: Offers various DPS options with rates often around 9.00% – 9.50%, backed by strong financial stability.
How to Maximize Your Earnings: Arthik Alap Tips
- Shop Around: Don’t settle for your existing bank. Use comparison sites like Arthik Alap and check individual bank websites.
- Negotiate (for FDs): If you have a substantial amount for an FD (e.g., BDT 10 Lakh or more), don’t hesitate to negotiate slightly higher rates with bank managers.
- Consider Tenor: Longer tenors often secure higher rates, protecting you from future rate drops. However, balance this with your liquidity needs.
- Check Compound Interest: Understand how interest is compounded (monthly, quarterly, annually) as this impacts your actual earnings.
Risks and Important Considerations for Savers
While high rates are attractive, Arthik Alap always advises a balanced approach.
- Inflation vs. Real Return: With inflation around 8-9%, a 12% FD gives you a real return of 3-4%. This is excellent compared to historical trends but still requires careful planning.
- Bank Stability: Prioritize banks with a strong financial standing. Refer to our Bank Safety Scorecard to evaluate a bank’s NPL ratio, Capital Adequacy, and Provision Cover.
- Deposit Protection: Remember the updated Deposit Protection Act (BDT 200,000). If you have substantial savings, consider diversifying across multiple stable banks to maximize coverage.
Infographic comparing high FD and DPS interest rates from various banks in Bangladesh for December 2025, showing AB Bank, One Bank, and Midland Bank with highest rates.
Conclusion: Seize the High-Rate Opportunity
The current environment of elevated interest rates presents a significant opportunity for savers in Bangladesh. By staying informed and strategically choosing your FD and DPS schemes, you can effectively grow your wealth and protect it against inflation. Arthik Alap remains your trusted source for the latest updates and expert analysis to guide your financial decisions.
