Eastern Bank PLC has entered into two refinancing agreements with Bangladesh Bank aimed at advancing green investment and supporting women entrepreneurs in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. The agreements were signed recently at Bangladesh Bank’s headquarters in Dhaka by AKM Nurunnabi, director of the Sustainable Finance Department at Bangladesh Bank, and Hassan O Rashid, chief executive officer of Eastern Bank.

The first agreement falls under the Green Factory Building and Green Industries Refinancing Scheme. It will enable Eastern Bank to provide loans of up to Tk 100 crore at a subsidized interest rate of 5 percent to finance the development of environmentally sustainable factories and buildings. The scheme is designed to encourage investment in green infrastructure and promote environmentally friendly industrial practices across the country.

The second agreement focuses on the ICT sector, offering refinancing that prioritizes enterprises operating within hi-tech parks and software technology parks, as well as women entrepreneurs engaged in the sector. Under this scheme, eligible customers can access loans of up to Tk 50 crore at a preferential interest rate of 4 percent. The initiative aims to stimulate growth in the ICT industry while fostering greater female participation in entrepreneurship.

Md Sabu Munsi, head of SME Business at Eastern Bank, was also present during the signing ceremony. Both agreements reflect ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and inclusive economic growth by facilitating access to affordable financing for targeted sectors in Bangladesh.