Dhaka, May 4 -- Nineteen out of 36 banks listed on the stock market have failed to announce dividends for the 2024 financial year within the stipulated deadline due to delays in obtaining approval from Bangladesh Bank.

According to central bank officials, several of these banks were unable to present an accurate picture of their defaulted loans or meet the required provision thresholds.

The central bank has recently tightened its policies regarding the calculation of defaulted loans and has moved to restrict disbursement of disguised or nameless loans, as per a UNB report.

Despite convening board meetings at the end of the 2024 accounting year to approve financial reports and declare dividends, these 19 banks were unable to finalise an...