KHULNA, Aug 6, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 5,614 savings certificates worth Taka 338.03 crore were sold in Khulna during the 2024-25 fiscal year (FY), according to Bangladesh Bank's Khulna branch.

Despite some adjustments in interest rates throughout the year, the sale figures remained stable compared to the previous fiscal.

From January 1 to June 30, 2025, the interim government increased the interest rates for various savings certificates up to 12.55 percent to provide relief to fixed-income groups amid rising inflation. 

However, the rates were revised downward from July 1 to December 31, 2025, with a maximum rate of 11.82 percent-down by 0.73 percent-as part of inflation management measures.

During FY 2024-25, a total of 3,022 investors purchased five-year family savings certificates amounting to Taka 155.01 crore. Another 1,931 investors bought three-monthly profit-bearing savings certificates totaling Taka 109.84 crore. The five-year pensioners' savings certificates were acquired by 422 investors for Taka 59.64 crore, while 239 investors bought five-year Bangladesh savings certificates valued at Taka 13.54 crore.

In the previous fiscal year (2023-24), a total of 5,550 savings certificates worth Taka 338.72 crore were sold. 

Among them, 2,798 investors bought family savings certificates worth Taka 144.27 crore, 2,021 investors purchased three-monthly profit-bearing certificates totaling Taka 121.75 crore, 825 investors bought pensioners' certificates valued at Taka 55.23 crore, and 306 investors purchased Bangladesh savings certificates amounting to Taka 17.47 crore. 

During that time, the highest interest rate was 11.76 percent, while the lowest was 9 percent.

Md Muntasir Mamun, Joint Director and focal person of Bangladesh Bank in Khulna, said that the new interest rate structure for savings certificates, introduced on January 1, 2025, is now linked to the government's treasury bond rates. 

Despite adjustments to the rates, savings instruments remain popular among women, government retirees, and elderly citizens due to the safety and consistent returns they offer, he noted.