DHAKA, Sept 2, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) has formed a Tk 3,000 crore refinancing fund to support the development of agro-based special economic centre in the country's northern region.

The fund will provide low-cost financing to farmers and agro-based entrepreneurs to develop an integrated and effective agricultural value chain, covering production, preservation, processing, transportation, marketing and export of agricultural products.

Under the scheme, the maximum interest/profit rate at the customer level has been fixed at 7 percent.

A borrower will be eligible for up to Tk 30 lakh for agricultural production, up to Tk 40 crore for preservation, transportation, marketing and infrastructure, up to Tk 40 crore for production and processing of agricultural and agro-based products, and up to Tk 15 crore for export of agricultural and agro-based products.

The refinancing facility will remain effective for three years from the date of issuance of the circular and will cover 16 districts under Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions.

The central bank said the initiative would create financing opportunities for cold storage, modern and environment-friendly warehouses, seed storage facilities, godowns, food-grain silos, cold-chain logistics, agro-based industries, production and processing of agricultural products and export-oriented activities.

The initiative is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and distress sales caused by inadequate cold storage, modern warehouses, processing facilities and efficient transportation systems.

Bangladesh Bank expects the fund to contribute to value addition of agricultural products, development of agro-based industries, rural employment and income generation, as well as increased export capacity of agricultural products.

Following the circular issued on July 6, 2026, Bangladesh Bank signed agreements with 38 participating banks at a programme held at the Jahangir Alam Conference Hall of Bangladesh Bank on August 31.

Deputy Governor Dr Md Kabir Ahmed attended the agreement-signing ceremony as the chief guest.