The government has decided to suspend microcredit instalments and waive interest for one month to support marginalised communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) affected by recent floods.
State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin announced the decision on Friday, during a relief distribution programme in Rowangchhari, Bandarban.
He noted that the government is also considering whether the duration of this instalment suspension and interest waiver can be further extended.
To assist recovery in the agricultural sector, the minister said seedbeds will be prepared for flood-affected farmers, who will also receive necessary seedlings, seeds, fertilisers, and other agricultural equipment to help them regain their livelihoods.
He emphasised that lists of genuine victims must be prepared without any political bias when distributing aid and agricultural supplies. These efforts will be managed by committees led by upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs), and Helal added that BNP leaders will cooperate with these committees in their work.
Earlier on Friday morning, he attended a relief distribution event for affected families at BHDC Rest House in the district headquarters, an initiative organised by Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board.
The events were attended by several dignitaries, including lawmaker Sa Ching Prue Jerry; member of Parliament for the reserved women’s seat Madhabi Marma; and Bandarban Hill District Council Chairman Professor Thanjama Lusai.
Other notable officials present included the of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Vice Chairman Sheikh Saleh Ahmed; Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Saniul Ferdous; Police Superintendent Md Ohabul Islam; and Bandarban District BNP Member-Secretary Jabed Reza.
