BB prefers quota for woman entrepreneurs in EEF

Bangladesh Bank (BB) will introduce quota system for the woman entrepreneurs while sanctioning loans from Equity and Entrepreneurship Fund (EEF) to raise their participation in the national economy. The declaration came from an EEF entrepreneurs' conference Wednesday at the National Sports Council (NSC) auditorium. Bangladesh Bank and the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh jointly organised the conference. "To ensure more participation of the woman entrepreneurs, Bangladesh Bank authority is serious in fixing a quota system in EEF sanction process," said Governor of Bangladesh Bank Atiur Rahman while speaking in the conference as the chief guest. Atiur also informed the participants of the conference that new sectors would be included in EEF funding area. "To ensure vigorous activities of the entrepreneurs in building a stable economy, Bangladesh Bank will rationalise the procedure of loan sanctioning system," Atiur added. Atiur also declared to bring down the minimum limit of loan from Tk 5.0 million to Tk 2.0 million. Farhana Anwar Rahman, a female entrepreneur, has requested the authority concerned to take initiatives to reduce the time for project evaluation and financing. Mr Asadul Haque, another entrepreneur, has shown his displeasure over the lengthy process of loan sanctioning. He also requested the authority to arrange training for the prospective entrepreneurs in different sectors where the bank was financing under the EEF fund. Some other entrepreneurs have accused the dealing personnel of their unfair manipulation in the loan sanction procedure, while speaking at the conference. "We are taking money from the fund as loan not as grant," the participating entrepreneurs said. Vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University Abdus Sattar Mondol has urged the government to establish veterinary clinics and diagnostic laboratories in different areas of the country. Mr. Mondol also offered all possible kinds of training to the entrepreneurs free of cost for national interest. "We are strong enough to provide technical support to the entrepreneurs and we are ready to do it", he said. Managing Director, Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), Md. Fayekuzzaman has informed the audience that they are going to implement a database system for prompt disbursement of loan.