NRBC Bank facilitates open loan disbursement to fishermen in Bagerhat 

Fishermen other professionals in Bagerhat received loans under the Bangladesh Bank Refinance Scheme for holders of Tk 10, Tk. 50 and Tk 100 bank accounts through an Open loan disbursement programme. Through 19 participating bank branches in the district, a total of Tk 20 million (Tk 2 crore) was disbursed among 48 fishermen. 

The loans were distributed on Thursday at a programme titled "Open Loan Disbursement and Views Exchange on Financial Inclusion of Marginalized People under the Bangladesh Bank Refinance Scheme," organised by NRBC Bank PLC in its capacity as the Lead Bank in Bagerhat district, says a press release.

The program was presided over by Agriculturist Md Abdul Halim, Head of Khulna and Barishal Zones of NRBC Bank. Among others present were Zahidul Islam Molla, General Manager of the Khulna Region of Sonali Bank PLC; MdRomjan Ali Bhuiyan, Head of SME-Business, Micro and Agri Division of NRBC Bank PLC; MdTarikul Islam Khan, Chief Regional Manager of Bagerhat Region of Bangladesh Krishi Bank; Sheikh Alauddin Hossain, Deputy General Manager of Rupali Bank PLC; and Abhimanyu Kumar Mondal, Deputy General Manager of Janata Bank PLC.

Speaking at the program, Md Romjan Ali Bhuiyan, Head of SME Business, Micro and Agri Division of NRBC Bank, said that the refinance fund established by Bangladesh Bank is enabling financially disadvantaged and marginalised people to become self-reliant by providing loans at a concessional interest rate of only 7 percent. Under the scheme, eligible borrowers can avail loans ranging from Tk. 50,000 to Tk. 500,000.

Bangladesh Bank has set up a Tk. 7.50 billion (Tk. 750 crore) refinance fund for marginal and landless farmers, low-income professionals, and school banking account holders, small traders and customers maintaining Tk. 10, Tk. 50 and Tk. 100 accounts. Under this program, eligible customers can obtain loans through scheduled commercial banks across the country.