MRA holds regional seminar on bank–MFI cooperation in Bogura
The Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) convened a regional seminar on strengthening bank–microfinance institution (MFI) linkages on Saturday, 14 March 2026, at the Gram Unnayan Karma auditorium in Bogura.
Chief executive officers from 68 MRA-licensed MFIs operating in Bogura, Sirajganj, Pabna, and Joypurhat participated, alongside representatives from 16 commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions, as well as officials from Bangladesh Bank and the MRA.
Discussions centred on enhancing credit flow and expanding financial inclusion through improved bank–MFI collaboration, identifying barriers, and exploring actionable pathways forward.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
MRA Executive Vice-Chairman Professor Dr Mohammad Helal Uddin attended as chief guest, with Bangladesh Bank Bogura office Director Sardar Al Emran as special guest. MRA Executive Director Md Nure Alam Mehdi delivered the welcome address, MRA Director Mohammad Kamal Hossain presented the keynote paper, and MRA Director Mohammad Abdul Mannan moderated the seminar.
In his welcome address, Mehdi underscored the critical importance of robust bank–MFI linkages for the sustainable development of the microcredit sector. He noted that regional seminars foster mutual understanding and support effective collaboration between banks and MFIs.
Helal Uddin remarked, "Establishing effective linkages between banks and microcredit institutions will further accelerate financial inclusion at the grassroots." He added that the MRA is working to foster a more collaborative environment through the implementation of MF-CIB and credit scoring, empowering both banks and MFIs to play a larger role in inclusive economic development.
He also urged banks to extend financing support on more favourable terms.
Emran emphasised that increasing credit flow to the agricultural and SME sectors is essential for building a sustainable economy and creating jobs, highlighting the pivotal role MFIs can play in this process.
Presenting the keynote paper, Kamal Hossain reported that the microcredit sector disbursed approximately Tk2.77 lakh crore to over four crore clients in FY2024–25, significantly expanding financial access in rural areas. As of June 2025, the sector's total fund stood at Tk1.94 lakh crore, with client savings comprising around 40% (Tk79,932 crore), equity 34% (Tk67,789 crore), and bank funding 12% (Tk22,049 crore)—the third-largest source of funds.
During the open discussion, MFI representatives noted that bank borrowing costs of around 13% drive up funding expenses and limit lending capacity. They called for a low-interest special loan package from Bangladesh Bank to support smaller MFIs.
Participants emphasised the need to strengthen MFIs' financing capacity, deepen bank–MFI cooperation, and widen financial services for marginalised communities, asserting that such measures would stimulate rural economic activity and advance poverty reduction.
