Al-Arafah Islami Bank provides aid to ease hardship of fishermen
Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has disbursed nearly Tk79 lakh in financial assistance to 784 registered fishermen families in coastal regions as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.
Each family received Tk10,000 in support.
The initiative comes as many fishing communities have temporarily lost their primary source of income due to the government's 58-day ban on marine fishing, effective until 11 June, to protect breeding mother fish.
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The government has implemented various support measures, recognising the sacrifices made by fishermen for the greater good of the country's fisheries resources.
In addition to government initiatives, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC became the first bank in Bangladesh this year to support 784 marginal fishermen, according to a press release.
Beneficiaries were selected through a verification process from seven coastal regions: 146 from Hatiya in Noakhali, 181 from Cox's Bazar and Teknaf, 125 from Sharankhola in Bagerhat, 100 from Alipur in Patuakhali, 109 from Mathbaria in Pirojpur, 58 from Banaripara in Barishal, and 65 from Patharghata in Barguna.
The cheque distribution programme commenced in Cox's Bazar on 3 June and concluded with a ceremony in Barishal on 6 June.
Al-Arafah Islami Bank Managing Director and CEO Mohd Rafat Ullah Khan attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Mohd Rafat Ullah Khan said Al-Arafah Islami Bank places the utmost importance on public welfare.
"Fishermen in coastal areas play a vital role in the country's economy. During the fishing ban, their incomes are restricted. Supporting them at this time is part of our social responsibility," he said.
He added that Al-Arafah Islami Bank will continue its humanitarian and welfare programmes to raise the living standards of underprivileged and marginalised communities.
The ceremony was presided over by Al-Arafah Islami Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance Unit, Md Manzurul Alam.
Md Mizanur Rahman, Senior Assistant Vice President at the head office, delivered the welcome speech, while Barishal Branch Manager Mohammad Abdus Shukur conducted the programme.
Banaripara Upazila Fisheries Officer Nilufa Yasmin Rajani also addressed the event.
Other attendees included Alipur Branch Manager Mohammad Rezaul Haque, Banaripara Branch Manager Syed Rezaul Karim, Patharghata Branch Manager Md Mostafa Zaman Moin, Mathbaria Branch Manager Mohammad Abul Hasan, Sharankhola Branch Manager Md Al Amin, senior bank officials, and over 100 members of the fishermen's families.
