Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has provided financial assistance amounting to approximately Tk. 7.9 million to 784 registered fishermen families in the coastal regions of Bangladesh under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Each beneficiary family received Tk. 10,000 in financial support.

To protect marine fish resources during the breeding season, the Government has imposed a 58-day fishing ban in the sea until June 11. As a result, the primary source of income for fishermen and fishing communities in coastal areas has remained temporarily suspended, creating financial hardship for many families. In recognition of the fishermen’s sacrifice and contribution to the sustainable management of the country’s fisheries resources, various support measures have been undertaken by the Government.

Alongside these initiatives, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC became the first bank in the country in 2026 to extend financial assistance to 784 marginal fishermen. Beneficiaries were selected through a proper verification process from seven coastal districts, including 146 fishermen from Hatia, 181 from Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf, 125 from Shoronkhola, 100 from Alipur, 109 from Mathbaria, 58 from Banaripara, and 65 from Patharghata.

The financial assistance program commenced on June 3, 2026, in Cox’s Bazar and concluded on June 6, 2026, through a cheque distribution ceremony held in Barishal. Managing Director & CEO of Bank Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan said that Al-Arafah Islami Bank places the highest importance on the welfare of the people. He noted that fishermen play a vital role in the country’s economy, and their income opportunities become limited during the fishing restriction period. Supporting them during this challenging time is an integral part of the Bank’s social responsibility initiatives. He further emphasized that the Bank will continue its humanitarian and welfare-oriented programs to improve the living standards of underprivileged and marginal communities across the country.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Sustainable Financial Unit of the Bank Md. Manzurul Alam. Welcome remarks were delivered by Senior Assistant Vice President of the Head Office Md. Mizanur Rahman delivered while the program was conducted by the Manager of Barishal Branch Mohammad Abdus Shukur.

Among others, Upazila Fisheries Officer of Banaripara Nilufa Yasmin Rajani addressed the gathering. Also present were Manager of Alipur Branch Mohammad Rezaul Haque, Manager of Banaripara Branch Syed Rezaul Karim, Manager of Patharghata Branch Md. Mostafa Zaman Moin, Manager of Mathbaria Branch Mohammad Abul Hasan, Manager of Shoronkhola Branch Md. Al Amin, senior officials of the Bank and more than one hundred members of fishermen families.