Gratitude of Chairman

Monzurur Rahman

Dear Valued Shareholders and all Stakeholders of Pubali Bank PLC.,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my privilege to welcome you to the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Pubali Bank PLC. The year 2025 was a period defined by challenges that tested our resilience; however, PBPLC navigated these dynamic times with strategic foresight and operational excellence. Today, we stand on a strong foundation, well-positioned for continued sustainability and growth.

Resilience amid macroeconomic headwinds
The global economy in 2025 adopted a "resilient but slowing" narrative, where cooling inflation was largely overshadowed by high borrowing costs, geopolitical volatility, and escalating climate risks. Bangladesh navigated this environment with "cautious resilience," though domestic GDP growth dipped to 3.5% as inflation neared 10%, significantly impacting purchasing power. The financial sector faced intense structural pressure, evidenced by non-performing loans (NPLs) peaking at 30.6% and a contraction in private sector credit growth—from 9.90% down to 6.1%—driven by the central bank's tightened monetary stance and persistent liquidity shortages.
Despite these formidable macroeconomic headwinds, Pubali Bank PLC successfully maintained its stability through proactive exposure management and strategic balancing. By reinforcing its market position with a steadfast commitment to superior governance and strict regulatory compliance, the bank remained resilient amidst the broader industry stress.

Proven Performance - Sustainable Value
In 2025, PBPLC achieved a landmark financial performance, characterized by a 26.35% surge in consolidated operating profit to BDT 29,076 million. Our profit after tax followed a similar trajectory, reaching BDT 10,901 million—an impressive 39.74% year-on-year growth. These results, including a Return on Equity (RoE) of 15.51% and a Return on Asset (RoA) of 1.00%, underscore our ability to generate exceptional value despite global market fluctuations.
This success is rooted in a robust and expanding balance sheet. Total assets crossed the trillion mark to reach BDT 1.18 trillion (up 20.25%), fueled by a 20.13% increase in deposits and a 13.02% growth in loans and advances. Even with this rapid expansion, we maintained a well-optimized ADR of 72.53%.
Through proactive risk governance and disciplined credit management, we have maintained superior asset quality, keeping our non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at 2.20%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 30.60%. Furthermore, our Capital to Risk-Weighted Asset Ratio (CRAR) of 15.47% serves as more than just a regulatory achievement; it is a clear signal of the bank’s financial security and capital resilience.
Pubali Bank PLC continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating Bangladesh’s economic expansion. Our trade finance portfolio showed strong momentum in 2025, with exports rising 21.40% to BDT 386,643 million and imports growing to BDT 473,137 million. Perhaps the most significant highlight of the year was our record-breaking performance in inward remittances; we achieved an extraordinary 114% growth, bringing our total remittance inflow to BDT 113,621 million.

Dividend 2025: Continuity and Confidence
Reflecting our firm confidence in the Bank’s resilience and growth, the Board of Directors has recommended a 30% dividend for 2025. This distribution—split equally between 15% cash and 15% stock—is an increase from the 25% offered last year. This decision underscores our dedication to sharing our success with shareholders while ensuring a robust capital base for the future.

Future Outlook
As we embark on our Strategic Plan (2026–2028), Pubali Bank PLC is transitioning into a technology-driven institution aligned with the "Smart Bangladesh" vision. By leveraging our PI Apps and extensive network, we aim to democratize financial services and bring the underbanked into the formal economy. This evolution is supported by significant investments in cutting-edge technology, talent development, and a resilient ecosystem designed to balance innovation with rigorous risk management and regulatory compliance.
Our growth strategy for 2026 focuses on disciplined portfolio expansion, prioritizing high-quality assets in resilient sectors to ensure long-term asset health. Simultaneously, we are deepening our commitment to ESG principles, embedding green finance and social responsibility into our core operations. By bridging our storied legacy with a digital future, we remain dedicated to delivering sustainable value and enhancing the customer experience for all stakeholders.

Acknowledgements
In conclusion, I extend my profound gratitude to our esteemed shareholders, valued customers, and business partners, whose unwavering trust and cooperation remain the pillars of our success. I also wish to express my deepest appreciation to my colleagues on the Board; your strategic insights and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in steering Pubali Bank PLC through every challenge and triumph.
Our ascent to this long-cherished apex of success is a testament to the spirited dedication of our Management Team, led by the Managing Director Mr. Mohammad Ali, and our exceptionally committed workforce. Their tireless hard work and resilient attitude continue to drive our excellence. Furthermore, I offer my sincere thanks to the regulatory authorities—including Bangladesh Bank, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC (DSE), and Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC (CSE)—for their timely policy guidelines and ongoing support. We remain deeply appreciative of your guidance as we look toward a future of shared prosperity.

With best regards,

Monzurur Rahman

Chairman