Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Saturday announced a major Tk60,000-crore stimulus package aimed at reviving closed and financially distressed factories as part of efforts to strengthen industrial production, exports and employment generation.
The central bank said the programme has been designed to support businesses struggling from the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and volatility in the foreign exchange market.
Speaking at a press briefing at the BB headquarters, Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman said Tk41,000 crore of the package would be provided through refinancing facilities, while the remaining Tk19,000 crore would come directly from the central bank’s own funds.
According to officials, the initiative is expected to help reopen hundreds of industrial units across the country and generate nearly 2.5 million jobs.
The support programme will cover large industrial enterprises as well as cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs). The agriculture sector will also receive assistance under the package.
The BB said large industries would receive loans at a customer-level interest rate of 7 per cent, while smaller businesses could face slightly higher rates depending on the lending structure.
Officials said more than 1,200 factories across Bangladesh have already been identified as closed or partially operational. Priority under the stimulus scheme will be given to firms that have confirmed work orders, export potential and stable market demand to ensure proper utilisation of the funds.
Central bank officials believe the package will help restore production capacity, protect existing jobs and stimulate private sector investment at a time when many industries continue to struggle with rising operational costs and financial uncertainty.
The latest stimulus programme is also expected to support export growth and improve overall economic activity by helping businesses return to full-scale operations.
