NRBC Bank disburses loan cheques among CMSME entrepreneurs

FE Team | Published: July 13, 2024 22:34:54

NRBC Bank organised a discussion with cluster-based industrial entrepreneurs to raise public awareness about the Tk 250 billion 'Pre-Finance Scheme' established by Bangladesh Bank for entrepreneurs in the Cottage, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (CMSME) sector.
During the event, loans were distributed among the hosiery cluster entrepreneurs of Gaibandha.
Bangladesh Bank's Executive Director Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmed handed over loan cheques to the entrepreneurs at the event held at a hotel in Gaibandha on Friday, says a press release.
Bangladesh Bank's SME & Special Programme Department Director Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman, NRBC Bank's Acting Managing Director Md. Rabiul Islam, Bangladesh Bank's Additional Director Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Joint Director Rahima Khatun, NRBC Bank's SEVP Tanushree Mitra, NRBC Bank's Micro Credit Department Head Md. Ramzan Ali Bhuiyan, and local business association leaders attended the event.
A total of Tk 6.7 million in loan cheques were distributed among 10 entrepreneurs, including Ma Hosiery, Nazma Hosiery, Joba Hosiery, Hozaifa Fashion House, Tawfiq & Junaid Cloth Store & Garments, Lincoln Hosiery, Mahi Hosiery, Maruf & Lubna Cloth Store, Najis & Nirob Hosiery, and Sumi Hosiery.
Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmed said that inclusive economic trends have been established through the initiatives of the government and Bangladesh Bank. The programme aiming to bring the micro-entrepreneurs in remote villages under banking services is being successfully implemented, making banking services and loan access much easier for them.
"Various funds have been established to support entrepreneurs. Through commercial banks, Bangladesh Bank is providing loans at low-interest rates under easy terms from various funds to new entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, and small entrepreneurs," he added.
He further stated that Bangladesh Bank has identified and supported 177 clusters so far. By providing training and financial support to entrepreneurs, initiatives have been taken to export their products abroad.
Md. Rabiul Islam, Acting Managing Director of NRBC Bank, said that NRBC Bank is prioritising cluster-based financing for the economic development of people in remote areas of the country.
He also said microcredit programmes and SME loans are being brought to the doorstep of entrepreneurs. So far, 80,000 entrepreneurs have received microloans. From the Pre-Finance Fund of Bangladesh Bank, loans amounting to Tk 6.84 billion have been distributed among approximately 10,000 entrepreneurs.
"NRBC Bank is a successful implementer of all funds established by the government and Bangladesh Bank for the development of new entrepreneurs at the grassroots level and the overall economy. This activity of NRBC Bank will be further expanded and continued for rural development," he added.