BM Desk : The government has approved a fresh interest-bearing loan of Tk 1,000 crore for the state-owned Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), following the institution’s request for financial support. A directive confirming the approval was issued last Thursday (13 November) by the relevant department.

According to an official letter, the loan—allocated under the 2025–26 fiscal year budget—aims to strengthen ICB’s financial capacity and expand its investment activities. The Ministry of Finance has confirmed the decision, noting that the amount will be disbursed as an interest-bearing loan from the “Operational Loan” category, under sector code 1090101-1100000-9121200.

The letter further states that ICB must comply with the prescribed conditions attached to the government support. It also instructs the institution to settle its outstanding advances related to dividends under the Financial Institutions Division.

Sources said that ICB, burdened with debt, had sought a special fund from the government to restore its investment capability and resume interest payments on its liabilities. In response to this appeal, the government agreed to provide Tk 1,000 crore.

Speaking to media, ICB Chairman Professor Abu Ahmed said the approved funds would help the institution regain partial functionality. “We requested Tk 5,000 crore, and the ministry forwarded the matter to Bangladesh Bank, but the central bank rejected it, citing IMF constraints. Later, the ministry agreed to provide Tk 1,000 crore,” he said.