Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said the government's decision to fully waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including principal and interest, for marginal farmers would provide a major boost to the country's rural economy.
"At a time when the country is burdened with nearly Tk 12 lakh crore in foreign debt, a similar amount in domestic debt and around Tk 6 lakh crore in non-performing loans, the government has taken this historic step to protect marginal farmers," he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the Bangladesh Agro-Industry Media Award-2025 distribution ceremony as chief guest at the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) conference room in Gulshan here this afternoon.
Swapon said agriculture remains one of the key drivers of the country's GDP and employment, and strengthening the sector is essential for sustainable economic growth.
Referring to Bangladesh's transition from an agriculture-based economy to an industrial economy, he stressed the need for greater technological integration and technical expertise to ensure successful transformation.
