RAKUB clears loans of 239,480 farmers

RAJSHAHI, July 15: The Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) has implemented a government-backed agricultural debt relief programme that has cleared outstanding loans of 239,480 small and marginal farming families, becoming the first state-owned specialised bank in Bangladesh to complete the initiative.

Under the programme, the government repaid both principal and interest on agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, fulfilling a key commitment outlined in its 2026 election manifesto.

According to RAKUB, the scheme covered 239,480 farming families, with the government settling agricultural loans amounting to Tk 2.2575 billion (Tk 225.75 crore).

Of the total beneficiaries, 188,825 families in Rangpur Division had loans worth Tk 1.7892 billion (Tk 178.92 crore) repaid, while 50,655 families in Rajshahi Division received debt relief amounting to Tk 468.14 million (Tk 46.81 crore).

Bank officials said the initiative is expected to ease the financial burden on small and marginal farmers, enabling them to reinvest in agricultural production. They believe the programme will help improve farm productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to the broader rural economy.

RAKUB expressed its appreciation to the government for introducing the special debt relief initiative and said it completed the programme within the stipulated time frame following the prescribed procedures.

The bank also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing more farmer-friendly programmes in the future to support sustainable agricultural development and enhance financial inclusion in rural Bangladesh.

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