US tops global sovereign debt list, Bangladesh ranks 45th

As public debt levels soar globally, national economies are facing severe fiscal strain. According to recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) data highlighted in global reports, the United States holds the top spot for sovereign debt worldwide. The US debt has hit $41.4 trillion, representing roughly 127 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). Meanwhile, Bangladesh ranks 45th globally with a total public debt of $204.9 billion, which accounts for 40 percent of its GDP.

Following the US, China ranks second with a national debt of $22.5 trillion, equalling 104 percent of its GDP. Japan holds third place with $8.7 trillion in debt, yet maintains the highest debt-to-GDP ratio among major economies at 199 percent. The United Kingdom stands in fourth place with $4.4 trillion, France ranks fifth with $4.2 trillion, and neighboring India occupies the seventh position with a sovereign debt of $3.4 trillion.

A closer review of Bangladesh shows that its public debt has expanded nearly fivefold over the past fifteen years. In 2010, the country's national debt stood at $40.9 billion, which has now surged to $204.9 billion. Nevertheless, Bangladesh's debt-to-GDP ratio remains relatively stable compared to advanced nations. While debt ratios in the US, France, and Italy far exceed 100 percent, Bangladesh's sovereign debt currently remains within 40 percent of its economic output.

Economists warn that spiraling debt burdens and heavy interest payments are draining state budgets across both developed and developing worlds. As debt servicing costs escalate, government spending on healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social safety nets gets significantly squeezed. Recent public unrest across parts of Europe over living costs and austerity reflects this ongoing fiscal tightening, showing that managing debt sustainability is becoming a critical global priority.