432 underprivileged women receive loans in Brahmanbaria

A total of 432 underprivileged women entrepreneurs in Banchharampur upazila of Brahmanbaria have received interest- and service charge-free microloans amounting to Tk80 lakh under a humanitarian initiative by Bashundhara Group.
The loans were distributed on Monday during the 81st loan disbursement ceremony organised by the Bashundhara Foundation.
The programme provides loans without interest, service charges, or collateral, offering a lifeline to women who have long struggled financially but aspire to become self-reliant.
Each of the 432 beneficiaries supports a family, and with the latest disbursement, thousands of families across Banchharampur, Nabinagar, and Homna in Cumilla have reportedly benefited from the foundation’s collateral-free loan programme, which has been operating since 2005.
The total amount of Tk80 lakh was handed over to the recipients by M Nasimul Haque, chief executive officer of Bashundhara Foundation, and Maynal Hossain Chowdhury, adviser to Bashundhara Group.
Speaking at the event, Nasimul Haque described the initiative as rare in global history, emphasising that such loans—free of interest and service charges—offer a unique opportunity for families to achieve financial stability.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds properly to become self-sufficient.
Maynal Hossain said the programme has set a rare example by offering completely interest- and service charge-free loans.
Over the past two decades, he noted, thousands of families have become financially independent through the initiative. He also requested prayers for the chairman of Bashundhara Group and his family.
Local residents said the group’s support extends beyond microloans. Through scholarships, free medical services, vocational training, sewing machine distribution, and donations to various social causes, Bashundhara Group has played a significant role in community development.
Nazma Begum from Sonarampur shared her experience, saying this was her second time receiving the loan. Previously, she purchased an old rickshaw for her husband to operate. With the new loan, she plans to buy a battery to improve the vehicle’s performance.
“This loan has helped me greatly. I no longer have to ask others for financial help,” she said.
The foundation’s interest-free microcredit programme is not only improving financial conditions but also enhancing the dignity and confidence of rural women.
Freed from the burden of high-interest loans, many are now dreaming of standing on their own feet, gradually transforming the rural economy of the region.

SOURCE : Daily Sun