Bashundhara Foundation Disburses Tk 8 Million Interest-Free Loans to 426 Women in Banchharampur

The Bashundhara Foundation has distributed interest- and service-charge-free microloans among 426 women in Brahmanbaria’s Banchharampur with the aim of supporting income-generating activities and helping women become financially self-reliant.

A total of Tk 8 million was distributed at the foundation’s 84th microloan distribution programme, held Monday afternoon at the Jagannathpur Modern Auditorium in Banchharampur.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Al Emran Khan and Bashundhara Group Adviser Moinul Hossain Chowdhury handed over the loan money to the beneficiaries at the event.

The Bashundhara Foundation has been operating its interest- and service-charge-free microloan programme in Banchharampur since 2005. The initiative has subsequently expanded to neighbouring Nabinagar and Homna in Cumilla.

According to information shared at the programme, nearly 31,000 women from 101 villages across the three upazilas have come under the initiative over the past 21 years.

Several beneficiaries said they were using the loans for income-generating activities, including poultry and livestock farming and agricultural work. They said the initiative had helped increase household income while also improving their own financial capacity.

Kulsuma of Durgarampur said she had previously taken loans from the foundation three times and invested the money in poultry and goat farming. After making profits from those ventures, she is now taking a fourth loan to invest again in an income-generating activity.

Parvin Akter of Asadnagar said she had been receiving interest-free loans from the foundation for several years. She initially received Tk 5,000 and has now received Tk 20,000. She said she contributes to her family’s income through agriculture and poultry farming.

Momena Akter of Paratali said she had received loans five times, including the latest one. She said investing the money in cattle and goat rearing had helped increase her family’s income.

Halima of Asadnagar said she invested her loan in her husband’s auto-rickshaw shop and has gradually expanded the business using its profits.

Speaking at the event, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Al Emran Khan said high-interest loans can place additional financial pressure on low-income families. In this context, the foundation’s interest-free lending programme provides an opportunity for disadvantaged people to invest in income-generating activities and improve their financial condition.

He said the three-month grace period gives beneficiaries time to invest the loan in productive activities before beginning repayment.

Bashundhara Group Adviser Moinul Hossain Chowdhury said the foundation’s long-running initiative demonstrates its commitment to supporting communities through interest- and service-charge-free microfinance.

He said nearly 31,000 women in three upazilas had benefited from the programme over more than two decades. He urged borrowers to use the funds for lawful and income-generating activities and work toward becoming financially independent.

Local residents said the Bashundhara Foundation’s social initiatives, alongside its microloan programme, have also benefited disadvantaged communities in the area. Many women have received training and sewing machines, while students have also received support for their education.

The programme was conducted by Md Chan Mia Sarker. Bashundhara Foundation DGM Maimun Kabir, Deputy Manager Mosharraf Hossain, Shubhosangho Director Zakaria Zaman and other relevant officials were also present.