Bangladesh's Central Government Debt (% of GDP), 1990-2022

From 1990 to 2022, Bangladesh's central government debt as a percentage of GDP displayed a steady yet dynamic trajectory. The early 1990s marked a gradual increase, peaking at 35.49% in 1994 due to developmental expenditures and economic reforms. This was followed by a decline, with debt levels reaching 29.06% in 1997, reflecting prudent fiscal management and economic growth.

Post-2000, the debt-to-GDP ratio saw moderate fluctuations. The increase to 38.9% in 2002 coincided with global economic slowdowns, impacting export-driven economies. However, sustained growth and effective debt management reduced the ratio to 28.34% in 2013. A slight upward trend emerged after 2019, with the ratio rising to 39.09% in 2022, largely driven by pandemic-related fiscal stimulus and infrastructure investments.