Low-interest loans totalling Tk2 crore were distributed among 48 marginal fishermen in Bagerhat on Thursday. The loan cheques were handed over to the recipients during an event titled “Exchange of Views on Financial Inclusion of Marginal People and Open Loan Distribution” held at the Bagerhat Shrimp Research Centre.
The credit was provided through 19 bank branches in the Bagerhat district under a Tk750 crore refinance scheme initiated by Bangladesh Bank. NRBC Bank PLC organised the programme in its capacity as the district’s lead bank.
d Abdul Halim, Head of the Khulna and Barisal regions of NRBC Bank, presided over the ceremony. Zahidul Islam Molla, General Manager of Sonali Bank (Khulna region), attended as the chief guest.
Other notable attendees included special guests NRBC Bank Head of SME, Micro and Agri Division Md Ramzan Ali Bhuiyan, Bangladesh Krishi Bank Chief Regional Manager (Bagerhat region) Md Tarikul Islam Khan, Rupali Bank Deputy General Manager Sheikh Alauddin Hossain and Janata Bank DGM Abhimanyu Kumar Mandal.
Speakers at the event emphasised that the Bangladesh Bank refinance scheme is playing a critical role in ensuring financial inclusion. Under this fund, financially disadvantaged individuals, including those holding Tk10, Tk50, and Tk100 accounts, can access loans ranging from Tk50,000 to Tk5 lakh at an interest rate of only 7 pre cent. This initiative is expected to enhance self-employment, foster new entrepreneurs, and create local job opportunities for marginalised communities.
Md Ramzan Ali Bhuiyan said the easy terms of this refinance fund allow underprivileged people to become self-reliant. He added that NRBC Bank is dedicated to financing cottage, small, and medium enterprises (CSMEs) while working towards inclusive and sustainable economic development.
The Tk750 crore refinance fund was established by Bangladesh Bank specifically for marginal and landless farmers, low-income professionals, small traders, school banking account holders, and small-deposit account holders. The loans are being disbursed to eligible customers through various scheduled banks.
