Desk Report:
Bashundhara Foundation has distributed interest-free and service-charge-free micro-loans in Bancharampur, Brahmanbaria, aiming to make underprivileged women self-reliant by engaging them in income-generating activities.
On Monday (September 7, 2026) afternoon, a total of Tk 80 lakh in loans was distributed to 426 women at the 84th micro-loan distribution ceremony held at the Jagannathpur Modern Auditorium in the upazila. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Al-Emran Khan and Bashundhara Group Advisor Moynal Hossain Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest and special guest, respectively, and handed over the loan funds to the beneficiaries.
Bashundhara Foundation has been conducting its interest-free and service-charge-free micro-loan program in Bancharampur since 2005. Beyond Bancharampur, the Foundation’s activities have expanded to the neighboring upazilas of Nabinagar and Homna (in Comilla). It was revealed at the event that approximately 31,000 underprivileged women across 101 villages in these three upazilas have benefited from this loan program over the past 21 years.
Some of the loan recipients mentioned that they are utilizing the funds for various income-generating activities, such as poultry and livestock (cattle and goat) rearing and agriculture. These activities have not only increased their family income but also enhanced their own financial capabilities.
Kulsum, a resident of Durgarampur village, shared that she had previously taken loans from Bashundhara Foundation three times to raise poultry and goats, making a profit on each occasion. However, those earnings were spent on her daughter’s wedding and her son’s education. She now intends to invest in income-generating activities again after securing a loan for the fourth time.
Parvin Akter from Asadnagar village stated that she has been receiving interest-free loans from the Foundation for several years. She began by borrowing Tk 5,000 and has now received Tk 20,000. She contributes financially to her family through agriculture and poultry farming.
Momena Akter from Paratali village has received loans five times, including the current one. She noted that she has been able to boost her family’s income by rearing cattle and goats with the loan money. Halima, a resident of Asadnagar village, stated that she invested the loan money into her husband’s auto-rickshaw workshop. She is gradually expanding the business using the profits generated, which has brought financial stability to their household.
Speaking at the event, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Al Emran Khan noted that high-interest loans often exacerbate the cycle of poverty for the underprivileged. Many families face financial crises while struggling to repay such debts. In this context, the Bashundhara Foundation’s interest-free loan program offers poor individuals the opportunity to become self-reliant.
He explained that the loan scheme, which includes a three-month grace period, allows beneficiaries to invest funds in income-generating activities. Consequently, they can launch businesses or other economic ventures without the immediate pressure of loan repayment.
Mainal Hossain Chowdhury, an advisor to the Bashundhara Group, stated that by distributing micro-loans free of interest and service charges, the Bashundhara Foundation has set an example of a humanitarian initiative. Through this program, which has been running for over two decades, approximately 31,000 women across three upazilas have gained the opportunity to achieve self-reliance.
He emphasized that the loan funds must be utilized for legitimate, income-generating purposes. He urged the borrowers to establish themselves financially through small-scale enterprises and to support their families.
Local residents reported that, alongside the interest-free and service-charge-free loans, various social initiatives by the Bashundhara Foundation are positively impacting the lives of the area’s impoverished population. Many women have received training and sewing machines, and the Bashundhara Group also provides support for students’ education. These initiatives have enabled many families to recover financially.
The event was moderated by Md. Chanmia Sarkar. Other attendees included Maimun Kabir (DGM, Bashundhara Foundation), Mosharraf Hossain (Deputy Manager), Zakaria Zaman (Director, Shuvosangho), and other relevant officials.
