Al-Arafah Islami Bank provides Tk 79 lakh CSR aid to 784 fishermen

Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has provided financial assistance of around Tk 79 lakh to 784 registered fishermen families in coastal regions under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

Each beneficiary family received Tk 10,000, according to a press release. Md Rafat Ullah Khan, managing director and CEO of the bank, distributed cheques among fishermen at a closing ceremony held in Barishal as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the bank places highest importance on the welfare of people and recognises the vital contribution of fishermen to the national economy.

He noted that their income is severely affected during the government-imposed fishing ban period.

He added that supporting them during such a difficult time is an integral part of the bank’s social responsibility initiatives, and the bank would continue its humanitarian and welfare-oriented programmes to improve the living standards of marginal communities.

The government has imposed a 58-day fishing ban in the sea until June 11 to ensure safe breeding of marine fish species, temporarily suspending the main source of income for coastal fishing communities.

In line with this, Al-Arafah Islami Bank said it has become the first bank in 2026 to extend such financial assistance to marginal fishermen. Beneficiaries were selected through a verification process from seven coastal districts, including Hatia, Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf, Shoronkhola, Alipur, Mathbaria, Banaripara and Patharghata.

The programme began on June 3 in Cox’s Bazar and concluded on June 6 with the cheque distribution ceremony in Barishal.

Md Manzurul Alam, senior executive vice-president and head of sustainable financial unit of the bank; Md Mizanur Rahman, senior assistant vice-president of the head office, and Mohammad Abdus Shukur, manager of Barishal Branch, attended the event.

Nilufa Yasmin Rajani, upazila fisheries officer of Banaripara; Mohammad Rezaul Haque, manager of Alipur Branch; Syed Rezaul Karim, manager of Banaripara Branch; Md Mostafa Zaman Moin, manager of Patharghata Branch; Mohammad Abul Hasan, manager of Mathbaria Branch; Md Al Amin, manager of Shoronkhola Branch, along with senior officials of the bank and more than one hundred members of fishermen families, were also present.