Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that new entrepreneurs in Bangladesh will be eligible for collateral-free loans of up to Tk 1 million. He made the statement on Tuesday during a question-and-answer session in the National Parliament, responding to a query from Sylhet-3 Member of Parliament Mohammad Abdul Malik.

The minister explained that while Bangladesh Bank currently has no interest-free loan programs for youth, it operates several refinancing schemes offering loans on easy terms and at low interest rates. The fund for the 'New Entrepreneur Refinancing Scheme' under Bangladesh Bank’s own financing has been increased from Tk 1 billion to Tk 5 billion. Through this scheme, new entrepreneurs can receive loans at a maximum interest rate of 7 percent without collateral, and up to Tk 3.5 million with collateral.

Additionally, a separate Tk 5 billion 'Startup Fund' has been established to support startup entrepreneurs, offering loans and equity assistance at a 4 percent interest rate.