‘The idea that a bank only handles money changed for me today. I never imagined a bank would invite farmers and train them on how to become successful entrepreneurs,’ said Uthui Marma, a young agricultural entrepreneur from Naikhongchhari. His words reflected not just wonder—but also a newfound sense of confidence. This training session helped him see new dreams.
In the hilly region of Bandarban, agriculture has long been a means of survival. But today, it is turning into a gateway of opportunity—intertwined with markets, technology, and a spirit of entrepreneurship. United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) is playing a catalytic role in this transformation.
As part of its agro-CSR initiative titled ‘Bhoroshar Notun Janala’, UCB recently organized a day-long capacity-building training session at the Bandarban Hill District Council auditorium. The event brought together nearly 170 agricultural entrepreneurs from different upazilas (sub-districts) of the district.
‘I never imagined someone would come to Bandarban to talk about cashew and coffee cultivation! I’m now seeing agriculture not just as farming—but as a full-fledged business,’ said Angmra Thui Marma, a farmer from Ruma. The training wasn’t just about information—it was a confidence-building workshop. Participants learned how to apply for agricultural loans from banks, how to use modern agricultural technologies, explored fresh perspectives in livestock and aquaculture, and most importantly—how to process and market their products effectively.
The program was inaugurated by Professor Thanzama Lusai, Chairman of the Bandarban Hill District Council. He remarked, ‘There is enormous potential in the agriculture sector of the hill regions. With the support of institutions like UCB, local farmers can transform into successful entrepreneurs.’
The session was presided over by Mr. Nabil Mustafizur Rahman, Additional Managing Director of UCB. He said, ‘With the region’s rich natural diversity, it’s time to invest in technology-driven agriculture and entrepreneurship. UCB stands committed to being a part of this transformation.’
Special guests at the event included Rezwan Karim Siddique, host of BTV’s renowned agricultural program ‘Mati O Manush’; MM Shah Neyaz, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Bandarban; Abhijit Shil, District Fisheries Officer; Dr. Jewel Majumder, Livestock Officer of Sadar Upazila; Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq, Chief Communication Officer of UCB; and Mohammad Selim Chowdhury, Head of SME and Agri Banking at UCB.
In his remarks, Rezwan Karim Siddique emphasized, ‘Modern agriculture is more than cultivation. It’s about planning, understanding the market, and value addition through processing. Cashews, coffee, citrus, mangoes, mushrooms—all these are already growing in Bandarban. The future lies in branding and business.’
Under the Bhoroshar Notun Janala project, similar training programs are being conducted across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. The goal is not just to educate rural entrepreneurs about agriculture—but to build their confidence and help them walk the path toward financial independence.
At the close of the session, Angmra Thui Marma added, ‘I used to think producing the crop was enough. Now I realize building a brand is also my responsibility. One day, my cashew brand will be known far and wide—that dream is now my strength.’
