With the aim of promoting employment generation and the development of the Cottage, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CMSME) sector, Bangladesh Bank and Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC have signed an agreement worth Tk. 5,000 crore to ensure working capital financing at affordable profit rates and on easy terms. Under the revolving refinance scheme, the CMSME Working Capital Refinance Fund, businesses facing difficulties in maintaining their operations due to working capital shortages will be eligible to receive financing at a 9% profit rate.

The agreement signing ceremony was held at the Head Office of Bangladesh Bank on September 8, 2026. Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank Md. Anis Ur Rahman attended the event as the Chief Guest.

Among others present at the event were Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank Nahid Rahman, Director of SME & Special Programs Department Md. Zabdul Islam, Additional Director Shahanaj Parveen, Senior Vice President & Head of SME Business Division of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Monirul Islam, FCS, and Senior Assistant Vice President & Head of Agriculture Business & Refinance Unit Sheikh Asadul Haque.

Financing under the refinance fund established by Bangladesh Bank is expected to further accelerate business activities in the CMSME sector, while contributing to increased production, new employment opportunities and greater contribution of the sector to the overall economic activities of the country.