Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has provided Tk79 lakh in financial assistance to 784 registered fishermen families across seven coastal districts of Bangladesh, the bank said in a press release. Each family received Tk10,000 to offset the impact of a 58-day government-imposed fishing ban, which remains in effect until June 11 to protect marine resources during the breeding season.
The programme, launched on 3 June in Cox’s Bazar and concluded on 6 June in Barishal, selected beneficiaries through a verification process. District-wise allocation included 146 fishermen from Hatia, 181 from Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf, 125 from Shoronkhola, 100 from Alipur, 109 from Mathbaria, 58 from Banaripara, and 65 from Patharghata.
Bank Managing Director & CEO Mohd Rafat Ullah Khan attended the closing ceremony as chief guest and said, “Al-Arafah Islami Bank places the highest importance on the welfare of the people. Fishermen play a vital role in the country’s economy, and their income opportunities are limited during the fishing restriction period. Supporting them during this challenging time is an integral part of our social responsibility initiatives.”
The closing ceremony was presided over by Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Sustainable Financial Unit Md Manzurul Alam, with welcome remarks delivered by Senior Assistant Vice President Md Mizanur Rahman. The programme was conducted by Manager of Barishal Branch Mohammad Abdus Shukur.
Upazila Fisheries Officer of Banaripara Nilufa Yasmin Rajani addressed the gathering. Also present were branch managers Mohammad Rezaul Haque (Alipur), Syed Rezaul Karim (Banaripara), Md Mostafa Zaman Moin (Patharghata), Mohammad Abul Hasan (Mathbaria), and Md Al Amin (Shoronkhola), senior officials of the bank, and over 100 members of the fishermen families.
Md Rafat Ullah Khan added that the bank will continue its humanitarian and welfare-oriented programmes to improve living standards for underprivileged and marginal communities across the country.
