As the new year dawned, investors received unwelcome news from the government regarding the returns on savings instruments. The National Savings Directorate has revised the interest rates for various savings certificates, a move formally announced on Thursday, 1 January, through a notification issued by the Internal Resources Division of the Ministry of Finance.
Under the new rates, the maximum interest payable on savings certificates will now be 10.59 per cent, while the minimum will drop to 8.74 per cent. This marks a continuation of the downward trend, following an earlier reduction in July 2025.
The revised notification also clarifies that interest rates will now be calculated based on the investment amount. For deposits up to BDT 750,000, higher rates will apply, whereas larger investments above this threshold will attract comparatively lower returns.
The table below summarises the new interest rates for some of the most popular savings instruments:
| Savings Certificate | Investment Limit | Previous Interest Rate (%) | New Interest Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Savings Certificate | ≤ 7.5 lakh BDT | 11.93 | 10.54 |
| Family Savings Certificate | > 7.5 lakh BDT | 11.80 | 10.41 |
| Pensioner Savings Certificate | ≤ 7.5 lakh BDT | 11.98 | 10.59 |
| Pensioner Savings Certificate | > 7.5 lakh BDT | 11.80 | 10.41 |
| Bangladesh Savings Certificate (5-year) | ≤ 7.5 lakh BDT | 11.83 | 10.44 |
| Bangladesh Savings Certificate (5-year) | > 7.5 lakh BDT | 11.80 | 10.41 |
| Three-Month Interval Savings Certificate | ≤ 7.5 lakh BDT | 11.82 | 10.48 |
| Three-Month Interval Savings Certificate | > 7.5 lakh BDT | 11.77 | 10.43 |
The Ministry of Finance has clarified that certificates issued before 1 July 2025 will continue to earn the previous rates. However, reinvested amounts will accrue interest according to the new rates applicable from the reinvestment date. Moreover, interest rates for savings certificates will now be revised every six months.
Economic analysts describe this reduction as a strategic move to maintain financial stability, aligning with monetary policy while balancing investor security with reasonable returns. Experts advise investors to reassess their savings strategies in light of these changes to optimise returns.
Despite the temporary dip in returns, savings certificates remain an attractive option due to their long-term security and full government guarantee, which continue to offer reassurance to cautious investors.