BRAC Bank, BRAC EPL close Centre for Development Innovation and Practices' first zero-coupon bond

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FE Team | Published: January 15, 2026 23:05:40

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BRAC Bank and BRAC EPL Investments have successfully closed the first-ever zero-coupon bond issued by the Centre for Development Innovation and Practices, marking a milestone in Bangladesh's debt market with a face value of Tk 171 crore, according to a press statement.
The bond was issued as part of the Centre for Development Innovation and Practices' strategy to diversify its funding sources and reduce reliance on traditional financing channels. By accessing the capital market, the organisation aims to optimise its cost of funds and enhance financial flexibility to further its work in financial inclusion and poverty alleviation.
The successful subscription indicates growing investor interest in well-structured non-bank financial instruments and reflects market confidence in the credit profile of established microfinance institutions, reads a statement.
It also contributes to the development of a deeper and more diversified bond market, which is essential for the long-term maturity of the country's financial system.
Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, managing director and chief executive officer of BRAC Bank, said the bank was pleased to support the organisation in its inaugural bond issuance.
Mifta Naim Huda, executive director of the Centre for Development Innovation and Practices, said issuing the organisation's first zero-coupon bond marked a transformative step. He added that the support from BRAC Bank and BRAC EPL Investments was instrumental in helping the organisation reach new investors.
The Centre for Development Innovation and Practices is a Bangladesh-based non-profit organisation that implements innovative development programmes aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged communities. Since the launch of its microcredit operations, the organisation has reached more than 330,000 members and their families across the country.