The Bangladesh Bank has launched a Tk500 crore refinancing fund designed to support start-up entrepreneurs with affordable financing options. Under the programme, eligible businesses can access loans at a maximum interest rate of 4%.
The official launch took place on 2 September at the central bank’s head office, marked by a participation agreement signing ceremony. Sixteen scheduled banks and four financial institutions have joined the initiative.
Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar and Executive Director Husne Ara Shikha were present at the event, while Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur participated virtually. Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, Director of the SME and Special Programs Department, signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh Bank, alongside managing directors and SME department heads of the participating institutions.
According to the revised guidelines, start-ups are now eligible for both term and working capital loans ranging from Tk2 crore to Tk8 crore. In addition, discussions were held on forming a proposed equity investment company in collaboration with 52 partner banks to further strengthen start-up financing.
Bangladesh Bank emphasized that in the current economic context, the start-up sector plays a vital role in job creation, fostering innovation, and building international partnerships. The central bank expressed confidence that the new fund will simplify access to finance for entrepreneurs and contribute to the sustainable development of the sector.
