As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Al-Arafah Islami Bank has launched a nationwide financial assistance program for fishermen affected by the annual fishing ban. Under the program, financial support amounting to Tk. 7.9 million will be distributed among 784 fishermen across the country.

The inauguration ceremony was held in Cox’s Bazar on June 3, 2026, where the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan officially launched the program. Deputy Managing Director of the Bank Md. Fazlur Rahman Chowdhury and District Fisheries Officer Nazmul Huda attended the event as Special Guests.

As part of the initiative, 131 fishermen received financial assistance through the Bank’s Cox’s Bazar Branch and 50 fishermen through the Teknaf Branch, with each beneficiary receiving Tk. 10,000 in cash.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director and CEO Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan stated that Al-Arafah Islami Bank is not merely a financial institution but a responsible organization committed to the welfare of the people. He noted that supporting fishermen during the fishing restriction period is an important component of the Bank’s CSR activities. He further emphasized that the Bank remains dedicated to improving the living standards of marginalized and working-class communities and will continue its humanitarian and welfare-oriented initiatives in the future.

Among others present at the event were Delwar Hossain, General Secretary of the Fishing Boat Owners Association; Md. Manzurul Alam, Senior Executive Vice President; ANM Faisal Kabir, Regional Head of Chattogram Region; Md. Mizanur Rahman, Senior Assistant Vice President; and other senior executives of the Bank.

The program was presided over by Md. Faridul Alam, Manager of Cox’s Bazar Branch. More than one hundred members of fishermen families were also present at the event.

Under the nationwide program, financial assistance will also be provided to 146 fishermen through Hatia Branch, 125 through Shoronkhola Branch, 100 through Alipur Branch, 109 through Mathbaria Branch, 58 through Banaripara Branch, and 65 through Patharghata Branch.