RAJSHAHI, Oct 13, 2021 (BSS) - Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) has
disbursed agricultural loans of TK 572.57 crore during the first three months
of the current 2021-2022 fiscal year.

    The loans were disbursed through 383 branches in all 16 districts under
Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions aimed at increasing crop production and
boosting rural economy through recouping the losses being caused by the
Covid-19 pandemic.

     Besides, the specialised commercial bank also recovered loans of Taka
603.91 crore including classified loans of Taka 40.55 crore. It has collected
deposits of Taka 139.10 crore during the same period.

    Headquartered in Rajshahi, the bank has set a target of disbursing
agricultural loans of TK 3,000 crore during the current fiscal year, said
Ismail Hossain, Managing Director of RAKUB.

    Target has also been set to recover loans of TK 2,800 crore, including
classified loans with TK 450 crore, and raise deposit collection to TK 500
crore, he said.

    As the largest development partner in the two divisions, RAKUB has been
operating its banking activities targeting its agricultural sector and all
its sub-sectors, including small and medium enterprises.

    The bank has attained around hundred percent targets in all parameters
under the Prime Minister's stimulus package.

    Its training institute has set an unprecedented instance in terms of
competent human resource development through operating online training amid
the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Around 7,000 officers and employees were imparted training on various
banking issues, including online and green banking, for successful operation
of the branch level banking activities during the last 14 months since July
2020.

    Subrata Kumar Sarker, Principal of the training Institute, told BSS that
RAKUB has been operating online banking in all its 383 branches, including
333 in rural areas, for the last couple of years.

    Various modern banking services are being reached among the rural people
through the competent workforces for successful implementation of the
government's agendas, including achievement of sustainable development goals
and innovation in civic services.

    "We are also focusing on many other banking issues related to prevention
of money laundering and trade based money laundering, ICT and cyber security,
electronic fund transfer, real time gross settlement and closing procedures
of Core Banking Solutions (CBS)," he added.

    RAKUB has a plan of installing ATM booths for the first time in rural
areas aiming to spread modern banking services to the grassroots people.

     "I am very much hopeful about launching the village level booth services
within this fiscal year," said Ismail Hossain, Managing Director of RAKUB.

    On successful promotion of the venture, people can avail the scope of
drawing money in village atmosphere and any time based on their necessity
that will bring a positive change in the rural living and livelihood
condition.

    He said the bank aims to reach all the modern banking services including
online one to the rural people. This is an advantage of taking the modern
services to the peoples' doorstep quickly and effectively.