Jewel Chowdhury, Habiganj Representative/

Bangladesh Bank has set up a fund of five thousand crore rupees to enrich the agricultural sector of the country. From that fund, there are instructions to disburse loans up to a maximum of Tk 2 lakh to eligible persons among small, marginal, barga farmers. Loans can be taken from this fund to fatten cows. But in Shaistaganj upazila, there was a complaint that this loan was not distributed. The farmers contacted various government banks but could not find anything about this. As a result, small, marginal, barga farmers are denied access to loans despite having all the eligibility to get loans. In Nirupaya, many loan seekers are protesting to public representatives. Due to their repeated communication, the public representatives contacted various government banks but the bank officials did not take it into consideration. This has caused disappointment among many loan seekers of Shaistaganj, especially many entrepreneurs and farmers.

It is known that a circular in this regard was issued by Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday, March 20. It is said that the banks will take funds from the central bank at 50% interest and give loans to farmers at 4% interest. Farmers can repay the loan in a maximum of 18 months with a grace period of three months. Bangladesh Bank has said that the scheme will remain in force until June 30, 2024, and if necessary, the period and amount of funds will be rescheduled.

Bangladesh Bank has said that in the recent global situation due to the weak supply system, the price of various food products has increased and the food crisis has arisen in the world. In this context, this scheme has been formed to increase agricultural production to ensure food security of the country.

Shaistaganj Mayor FM Ahmad Ali told CNBangladesh that many loan seekers contacted various government banks and contacted me without getting any information. I myself contacted various banks along with some public representatives. But some of them have expressed reluctance to share this with us. He requested the intervention of the authorities to solve this issue.