This is not the first time reports have revealed that the country’s farmers are being deprived of low-interest loans, despite Bangladesh Bank introducing such facilities specifically for them.
Over the years, media outlets have repeatedly highlighted how farmers, who lack any strong representative body to raise their voices, remain ill-treated. Instead, the benefits are largely captured by middlemen and syndicates.
The issue resurfaced once again through the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB). According to a UNB report, although Bangladesh Bank has introduced low-interest loan schemes for farmers, only a small fraction of them is actually reaping the benefits.
CAB President AHM Shafiquzzaman raised the concern on Friday while addressing a press conference titled ‘CAB’s Activity Briefing’ at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). He said farmers are often forced to borrow money at high interest rates because of syndicates controlling access to credit.
“This year, Tk 30,000 crore has been allocated as low-interest loans for farmers. But whether marginal farmers are receiving the benefit remains a big question. Large syndicates have emerged around this loan, forcing farmers to borrow at high interest,” he said.
Shafiquzzaman added that CAB will intensify its activities to expose such syndicates and push for fairer benefits for farmers. Clarifying the organisation’s mandate, he stressed, “It is not CAB’s responsibility to enforce the law. CAB identifies irregularities, advises relevant authorities, makes policy recommendations, and when necessary, files writ petitions with the High Court in matters of public interest.”
He further explained that regulatory and administrative authorities—such as the National Consumer Rights Protection, BSTI, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, district commissioners and UNOs—are responsible for enforcement. CAB will continue to play its role as a rights group by raising issues, not exercising administrative authority.
At the press conference, CAB also unveiled its annual plan, pledging to promote a more consumer-friendly market system through both online and offline awareness initiatives. CAB leaders including General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, Treasurer Dr. Md Munjur-E-Khoda Torofdar, Publicity Secretary Md Musa Mia, and Executive Committee Member Shawkat Ali Khan were also present.
We believe the CAB leaders rightly pointed out the organisation’s limited role. It is ultimately the responsibility of the government, which has multiple institutions to ensure that farmers receive low-interest loans as allocated. The process must be made easier and more transparent so that farmers feel encouraged to access these loans without facing undue hassles.
It is concerning that many farmers reportedly avoid bank loans due to procedural complexities and instead turn to NGOs, which provide loans quickly but at higher interest rates. This highlights the urgent need to simplify banking procedures so that the intended beneficiaries—farmers—can access credit easily and at fair rates.
At the same time, all relevant government bodies must play their proper roles to ensure that farmers are not deprived of their rightful entitlements.
