The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Commercial banks, including NCBs, have no guideline and budget to provide loans to fishermen, forcing the banks to refrain from launching such lending programmes in the Sidr-hit areas so far.

The bankers have sought an immediate guideline in this regard either from Bangladesh Bank or the government as the central bank offices in Barisal and Khulna convened two separate meetings on November 25, seeking views in this regard.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed is also scheduled to hold meetings with the bankers in Barisal and Khulna on Sunday and Tuesday respectively to have a reality check about the necessary intervention.

He will also have meetings with the business community in the affected areas to know their needs to overcome the economic losses and design possible financing programmes.

Bangladesh Bank executive director Khandkar Mazharul Huq will accompany the Governor during the visit.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Bank at a meeting of bankers on Tuesday urged the nationalised, specialised and private commercial banks to come forward with their helping hands to rejuvenate economic activities in the cyclone-hit areas through soft loans. It called upon the bankers to provide loans to fishermen and timber traders and sacrifice, if necessary, bank profits to some extent in the interest of the country's economy hit hard by 'Sidr'. The bankers of Barisal and Khulna regions apprised the preparatory meeting on November 25 that the commercial banks had never any lending programmes or budget for the fishermen, keeping them away from loan facilities.

They urged the central bank to formulate a guideline in this regard so the banks could have a new programme for borrowers like fishermen.