Microloan installment collection has been suspended for three months in flood-affected areas of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari after severe flooding and heavy rainfall caused extensive damage. Dr Mohammad Zakaria, director general of the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office, announced the measure in a report published on July 25.

He spoke while visiting flood-hit South Jaldi, Ashkaria Para and Saral areas of Banshkhali on Friday and distributing relief supplies among people affected by flooding. According to Zakaria, loan recovery will remain halted in the affected areas for the next three months under instructions from the Microcredit Regulatory Authority.

During the visit, Zakaria discussed the overall condition of affected families with relevant officials and received updates on ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also heard accounts of hardship from flood victims and took part in humanitarian assistance activities. Local residents expressed hope that coordinated government and private initiatives would quickly ease suffering and strengthen rehabilitation work.