International News

Sheikh Hasina unveils stimulus for rural marginalised people

Sentinel Digital Desk

DHAKA: The Bangladesh government has so far rolled out 23 bailout packages announced at different times since March 2020 to absorb the economic shock from the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh
 

Hasina approved two new schemes worth Tk 2,700 crore aimed at improving the living conditions of rural marginalised people, according to a Finance Ministry statement.

The government has not yet decided on the interest rates for the loans to be provided through all these organisations and agencies.

But the beneficiaries will get the loans at a reduced rate, an official at the Ministry said.

Before releasing the funds, the Finance Division will discuss and review their existing rates and fix it. The implementation of the new packages will begin soon, the Finance Ministrystatement said.

The total amount of financial assistance now stands at Tk 124,053 crore, 4.44 per cent of the country's GDP.

The approval of the new schemes comes following recommendations from various stakeholders during a series of dialogue organised recently by the Ministry on overall aspects of the stimulus packages. (IANS)