Agro loan facility extended for flood-hit farmers

The Bangladesh Bank has expanded the special agro loan facility – allowing flood-affected farmers to halt repayment of loans for the next six months – to Sherpur, Jamalpur, Rangpur and Kurigram districts.

In this regard, the central bank’s Agricultural Credit Department (ACD) issued a circular on Monday, adding that this particular facility also be applicable to flood-hit districts recognised by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

Previously, on June 27 this year, the regulator had asked all banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) to halt loan repayments from flood-affected farmers in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj and Netrokona for next the six months.

The central bank further directed that farmers in the above-mentioned districts be allowed to reschedule their loans at no or relaxed down payments, and be granted fresh loans even if any installments are due.