Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan addressed a views-exchange meeting with journalists at the Secretariat Media Centre as the chief guest. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Mar 2, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said the government has decided to waive agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 in order to accelerate the country’s agricultural economy and restore relief to rural communities.

“This initiative, taken under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will directly benefit ordinary farmers and strengthen the national economy,” he said.

Swapan was addressing as the chief guest a views-exchange meeting with journalists, organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum, at the Secretariat Media Centre here.

“During the previous (AL) government’s tenure, loan defaulters who looted crores of taka received state patronage, while genuine producing farmers were neglected,” he said.

He said the current government has assumed office only 14 days ago. Within this short period, it has stood beside the farmers, he added. 

As of February 25, all farmers with loans up to Tk 10,000 have had their entire outstanding amount, including principal and interest, fully waived.”

The minister said the incentive created by this waiver will play a far-reaching role in increasing agricultural output. 

He also informed that a pilot project for distributing the ‘Farmer Smart Card’ will begin very soon.

In addition to strengthening the rural economy, the minister spoke about social security measures, stating that distribution of the ‘Family Card’ will begin at the start of March to ensure women’s empowerment. 

Initially, Tk 2,500 will be provided per beneficiary, and the allowance will be increased gradually, he said.

Swapan further announced that a database is being created to include all imams, muezzins, and khadems across the country, under which a government honorarium allowance will be introduced. 

The government aims to launch this initiative before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, he said.

Mentioning efforts to improve the professional environment for journalists working at the Secretariat, the information minister said the government is considering constructing modern infrastructure for journalists’ seating arrangements and introducing a digital entry system to ease access to the Secretariat.

He assured that any irregularities in issuing accreditation cards would be resolved quickly through discussion.

BSRF President Masudul Haque chaired the programme which was moderated by General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal. Members of the organization’s executive committee and general members were present.