October 27, 2010

Bangladesh governor calls on banks to enhance local agriculture

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman called on Saturday (Oct 23) upon all banks operating in the country to cooperate for the development of the agricultural industry for a sustainable economy.

"Those working for the agricultural revolution in the country are the `economic-freedom fighters. If you provide loan to the farmers, it'll be invested entirely in the country. It won't go out of the country," he said.

The central bank governor was addressing as chief guest at a loan disbursement ceremony at Natuapara Abdul Gafur Memorial High School premises in Sadar upazila here Saturday (Oct 23).

Prime Bank Managing Director M Ehsanul Haque presided over the function where agriculture loan was disbursed to 204 farmers.

Governor Dr Rahman said Bangladesh Bank has already taken steps for a sustainable economic growth in the country and further accelerate it. "We're giving priority to introducing `green banking to ensure environment-friendly sustainable development," added Dr Rahman.

Referring to the recent government plan to encourage farmers, he said that farmers will get loan at 2% interest for growing crops such as wheat.

Earlier, in the morning, the Bangladesh Bank governor formally inaugurated a branch of Pubali Bank Limited at Navaran Bazar. Addressing the function, he said the present government is agriculture and farmers-friendly.

About 78% freedom fighters in the 1971 liberation war were from peasant families. "The wheel of economy won't move forward if the peasants cannot survive," Dr Rahman said appreciating the farmers' contributions to the countrys economy.

He said the country's economy is on the right track but the growth is being hampered due to power and electricity crisis.