RAJSHAHI, Dec 23:  The Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) should ensure farmers-friendly banking services for bolstering the agro-based economy of the country’s northwest region. Besides, the bank should render its services for increasing the qualitative and quantitative credit flow towards the potential fields in the region for sustainable livelihood development of the farmers.
These were highlighted in the 353rd meeting of the Board of Directors of the bank at its board room here yesterday with RAKUB Board Chairman Prof Dr Shah Naoaz Ali in the chair. The meeting discussed on how to make the bank’s operational and commercial activities more dynamic through strengthening the credit support for both farm and non-farm prospective fields.
So, the pro-farmers banking in the specialized bank must be ensured for cherished development of the region after the best use of its existing natural resources.

Source: The Independent

Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman yesterday said the bank has directed the commercial banks to set up dedicated desks for women entrepreneurs to ensure friendly atmosphere for them.

The BB governor was attending a loan distribution programme for silk-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by the women of indigenous Manipuri community at Kamalganj upazila of Moulovibazar, said a press release.

Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) distributed the loan of Tk 1.5 million among 30 women entrepreneurs of the area to facilitate their silk-based SMEs.

While addressing the function, Atiur Rahman said the loan limit for small entrepreneurs has been re-fixed at Tk 50,000 from 5 million for their convenience.

He also informed that over Tk 380 billion had been distributed in SME loans till September 30 this year which is 160 percent higher that the target amount of 240 billion.

The BB governor also said Bangladesh Bank is considering taking various initiatives for the development of women entrepreneurs.

He also urged the borrowers to utilize the money in proper ways to expand their business.

Source: Daily Sun

Eastern Bank Ltd (EBL) has opened a new branch at SSK Road at Feni town.

Muklesur Rahman, deputy managing director of EBL inaugurated the branch recently, said a press release.

The 46th SME and Agri branch of the bank will offer online banking facilities with wide range of SME and consumer loans and deposits.

Mohammad Musa, EVP and area head, consumer banking, Khurshed Alam, head of SME business, Ahmed Rashid Joy, head of medium business, Major Md Abdus Salam, psc, (retd), head of admin and security and other senior officials were also present during the inaugural ceremony.

Source: Daily Sun

The 800th board meeting of Pubali Bank Ltd was held at its head office in the city yesterday.

Hafiz Ahmed Mazumder MP, chairman of board of directors of the bank, presided over the meeting, said a press release.

Vice-Chairman and Director Habibur Rah-man, Managing Director Helal Ahmed Chowdhury, among others, were present at the meeting.

Source: Daily Sun

United Commercial Bank Limited (UCB), a lfirst generation private commercial bank, opened its 101st branch at Dampara in Chittagong yesterday.

Akhtaruzzaman howdhury (Babu), MP and sponsor director of UCB, inaugurated the branch while M Jahangir Alam Khan, chairman of the bank’s Audit Committee, among other directors, were present.

In the speech, Chowdhury, also the chairman of the Standing Committee for Textile and Jute Ministry, expressed his gratitude to the clients, businessmen, well-wishers and local communities of the port city.

M Shahjahan Bhuiyan, managing director of the bank, explained UCB’s commitment towards its service quality.

Source: Daily Sun