BB roadshow reaches Tentulia

Bankers urged to render services to farmers

2 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Quamrul Islam Rubaiyat, from Thakurgaon

The week-long roadshow of Bangladesh Bank (BB) styled 'Unnayaner Obhijatra: Teknaf to Tentulia' (Journey to Development: Teknaf to Tentulia) reached Tentulia with a motorcade yesterday. To mark the ending of the roadshow, a closing ceremony was organised by Brac Bank as a lead bank at Tentulia Pilot High School compound amid festivity. Lawmaker of Panchagarh-1 constituency Mozaharul Haque Prodhan was present at the programme as the chief guest and BB Deputy Governor Ziaul Hasan Siddiki as the special guest with Brac Bank Managing Director in the chair. Speakers at the programme called on the bankers to render more services to farmers and entrepreneurs in rural areas. They also asked the farmers to go to various banks for getting affordable services instead of costly borrowings from rural mahajans (loan sharks). The BB deputy governor said, "Despite huge prospects in the country, we failed to achieve expected economic progress after 39 years of our Independence. So, it is needed to involve grassroots people in the banking sector." Urging all to use banking channels for sending remittances, he said banks are under threat of money laundering, adding that if any allegation of money laundering is proved, stern action will be taken against any financial institutions or banks. Ziaul said the roadshow would help educate people about financing and risk management in investment and how to get agriculture as well as small and medium enterprise (SME) loans easily. He further said that the central bank wants to ensure inclusive banking for all so that people even from remote areas could make transactions through formal channels. The BB high official went on saying the money, which is coming through illegal channels, is being used to finance militancy and spreading crimes. Several financial issues, including money laundering, remittance, agricultural loans and SMEs, were also discussed at the meeting. Earlier, hundreds of people from all walks of life welcomed the roadshow when it reached Panchagarh from Thakurgaon. A discussion was also held on the Shaheed Muktijoddha Memorial premises after inaugurating a daylong banking fair. A total of 13 stalls were set up at the venue. The roadshow was aimed at creating awareness among people of farm loans, money laundering, agriculture loans and other facilities to promote business and boost agricultural production. The show, which began from Teknaf on March 26, was also aimed at spreading awareness on financing SMEs and sending remittances through proper channels.