Dhaka, May 31 -- BNP's Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo has blamed political instability and over a decade and a half of institutionalised corruption for what he calls the "dire" state of Bangladesh's financial sector.

He pointed to deep-rooted political interference in banking and a collapse in private investment, describing the sector as paralysed by unchecked looting and policy failure.

Investment, he said, has stalled to the point where capital recovery is no longer viable.

Mintoo also warned of widening inequality across income, assets, and political access, accusing state institutions of fuelling the divide through discriminatory policymaking.

"Is there any sector in Bangladesh without discrimination? Income, social, wealth, poli...