BB governor delivers lecture at AIT

Dr. Atiur Rahman, Governor, Bangladesh Bank highlighted the success story of Bangladesh at a lecture delivered at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok recently, said a statement.
 With the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand, Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem in the audience, Dr. Rahman remarked that financial inclusion was bolstering economic growth in the country. He commended AIT's partnership with the Bangladesh Bank, stating that officers of the Bank had benefitted from their education and training at AIT. Describing AIT as a "bridge" that provides opportunities for Bangladesh Bank officials to emerge as future leaders, the Governor stated that capacity building is instrumental in a country's development, said a statement.
Ms. Tasneem commended Dr. Rahman stating that he was globally recognized and commended banker and development practitioner. She also described AIT as a "high seat of excellence in technology, environment and sustainability." Introducing the Governor, Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Executive Director, AIT Extension, highlighted the long and successful partnership between AIT and the Bangladesh Bank.
Delivering his talk, Governor Rahman stated that the focus on financial inclusion by his bank had led to stability in the financial sector. Highlighting the initiatives of the Bangladesh Bank, which is the central bank of the country, Dr. Rahman mentioned that it is mandatory for all banks to ensure a minimum of 2.5 per cent lending to the agriculture sector. Bank accounts for farmers have crossed 10 million, and easier farm credit has helped Bangladesh emerge as a net exporter of rice and become self sufficient in a number of crops.