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Dhaka: Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur expressed confidence that inflation could be brought down to 4-5% with sustained government efforts and policy continuity. Speaking at the inauguration of a Bankers-SME Women Entrepreneurs’ Gathering, Product Exhibition, and Fair organized by Bangladesh Bank at the Bangla Academy premises on May 8, 2025, he noted that while inflation reduction is taking time, it is gradually declining.
The event, hosted by Bangladesh Bank’s SME and Special Programs Department, was attended by Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar, Executive Director Md. Khasru Parvez, City Bank MD and CEO Masrur Arefin, and Director of SME and Special Programs Department Nowshad Mostafa.
Governor Mansur highlighted the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing loans, stating that only 6% of total bank loans are currently disbursed to women, which he deemed inconsistent with reality. He emphasized the need to make banking services more accessible for women entrepreneurs, but clarified that such loans should come from banks’ own funds, not solely from Bangladesh Bank’s central fund, prioritizing women’s rights.
Addressing the current inflation situation, Mansur noted that food inflation has decreased from 14.5% to 8.5%, while non-food inflation has dropped from 12% to just above 9%. He reiterated that with continued government efforts, achieving the 4-5% inflation target is feasible.
City Bank MD Masrur Arefin stressed the need to enhance SME activities for women entrepreneurs and urged bank executives to prioritize this sector.
The four-day fair, running until May 11, aims to support women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for 68 participants from various districts to showcase and sell their products. The event will conclude with awards for six successful women entrepreneurs. Organized after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the fair has received positive feedback from participants.
AI/MR
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