PKSF becomes model institution : Muhith

Within 25 years of its journey, PKSF has become a successful model institution of poverty alleviation providing both financial and non-financial supports to poor and ultra-poor people, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said, reports BSS.

In a landmark move, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) has been established in line with the own thoughts and ideas of the government to broaden and smoothen microfinance process to alleviate poverty in the country, Muhith told the closing ceremony of silver jubilee celebrations of PKSF at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city Sunday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki, Managing Director of PKSF Md Abdul Karim, representatives of different local Non-Government Organizations(NGO) and beneficiaries of PKSF projects, among others, addressed the function with PKSF Chairman Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in the chair.

Since 1904, the concept of microfinance started to get popularity as a successful poverty alleviation method, Muhith said adding more than 100 years later, now it is being used as an effective mechanism to cut poverty of poor and ultra-poor people.

With financial supports, he said, PKSF is taking multi-dimensional initiatives to create sustainable employment facilities aiming to alleviate poverty of poor people, which has expedited economic growth in the country.

"Despite global economic downtrend, Bangladesh has maintained its high economic growth due to people-centered holistic programmes taken by the government. I hope, the trend of economic progress will continue," Muhith added.