MOULVIBAZAR: Different commercial banks disbursed loans amounting to about Taka 20 million among the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the region.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Atiur Rahman handed over the loans to 200 entrepreneurs at a function at Tetuigaon Rashid High School ground under Kamolganj upazila of the district yesterday.

Of the total loans, National Bank has given Taka 480,000 while 22 other banks Taka 13.7 million.

Taka 470,000 of National Bank was disbursed as ‘open loan’ among the Monipuri weavers.

The BB governor disbursed Taka 13.7 million loan of 22 commercial banks among 64 women entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the occasion, the BB governor said Sylhet and Moulvibazar regions have immense potentials for their Monipuri handlooms and handicrafts.

The local entrepreneurs deserve the full credit for the present position of this industry in this region, he observed.

Dr Atiur stressed the need for ensuring fair prices of the products and resolving problems of marketing for expansion of Monipuri handloom and handicraft industries.

The Bangladesh Bank has identified Monipuri handloom and handicraft as a ‘prospective cluster’, he said and urged the commercial banks to help the cluster in flourishing.

Presided over by BB Sylhet Office General Manager Sultan Ahmed, the function was also addressed by National Bank Managing Director Neaz Ahmed, Moulvibazar District Council Administrator Azizur Rahman and Deputy Commissioner M Mosfafizur Rahman, among others.

The Daily Sun/Bangladesh/ 8th April 2012