Desk Report:
In Bancharampur, Brahmanbaria, the Bashundhara Foundation has distributed a total of 3 million (30 lakh) Taka in loans to 168 underprivileged women—completely free of interest, service charges, or the need for collateral.
This unique humanitarian initiative by the Bashundhara Group—one of the country’s leading industrial conglomerates—has played a vital role over the past two decades in empowering rural women to become self-reliant.
The 85th loan distribution event, held on the premises of the Akanagar Madrasa in the upazila, featured Bashundhara Group Advisor Moynal Hossain Chowdhury and Bashundhara Foundation CEO M. Nasimul Hai as the chief guests.
Moderated by Md. Chanmia Sarkar, the event was also attended by the Foundation’s DGM Maimun Kabir, Deputy Manager Mosharraf Hossain, and various local dignitaries.
Each of these underprivileged women from Bancharampur and Nabinagar upazilas supports an entire family. While financial hardship had repeatedly stalled their personal dreams, this support from the Bashundhara Foundation has brought a new ray of hope into their lives.
Speaking at the event, Bashundhara Foundation CEO M. Nasimul Hai stated, “By escaping the trap of high-interest loans, these underprivileged women can now dream of standing on their own feet. This is also driving positive change within the rural economy. I urge the recipients to use these funds not for any illicit activities, but to invest in legitimate, honest ways to increase their income.”
Bashundhara Group Advisor Moynal Hossain Chowdhury remarked, “Through this interest-free and service-charge-free loan program, the Bashundhara Group has set a unique humanitarian example. Beyond just providing loans, the Group has consistently stood by the people through initiatives such as educational scholarships, free medical services, vocational training, the distribution of sewing machines, and various other social welfare activities.”
The beneficiaries shared their future plans following the receipt of the loans. Shilpi Akter, from Thollakandi village in Nabinagar Upazila, stated that she intends to use the funds to improve her family’s financial situation. Morjina Akter, from Barail village, plans to use the money to support her husband’s agricultural activities. Meanwhile, Gita Rani, from Akanagar village, intends to purchase a cow—just as she did previously—to increase her family’s income.
According to the foundation, a total of 3 million (30 lakh) BDT was distributed among 168 beneficiaries across several phases. The breakdown is as follows:
In the first phase, 750,000 BDT was distributed to 50 individuals (15,000 BDT each);
In the second phase, 330,000 BDT was distributed to 22 individuals (15,000 BDT each);
In the third phase, 420,000 BDT was distributed to 21 individuals (20,000 BDT each); and
In the fourth phase, 1.5 million (15 lakh) BDT was distributed to 75 individuals (20,000 BDT each).
This welfare-oriented initiative, which is free of interest and service charges, serves as a powerful catalyst in empowering rural women to become economically self-reliant.
