Two state-owned specialized banks were seeking Tk11,000 crore from the Bangladesh Bank's refinancing scheme to disburse loans in agriculture and small and medium enterprise (SME) sectors.
The Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) sought Tk10,000 crore, while the Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (Rakub) sought Tk1,000 crore to enhance their disbursement capacity, officials said.
The Financial Institutions Division (FID) under the Ministry of Finance backed their loan pleas and recommended the Finance Division to arrange the required state-guarantee, so that the central bank can grant the loans from its refinancing scheme.
However, the banks' paid-up capitals were inadequate compared to their work area and fund requirement, sources also revealed.
The official also said the central bank has refinancing schemes for the banks, from where they can get funds at 4% interest rate and lend the farmers at 8% interest rate.
A Finance Division official acknowledged receiving applications from the two banks, and said they scrutinized the documents.
The BKB's authorized capital is Tk1,500 crore, and paid up capital is Tk900 crore.
Rakub's authorized capital is Tk1,000 crore, and paid up capital is Tk820 crore.
Meanwhile, the Probashi Kallyan Bank (PKB) also sought Tk1,000 crore loan from the central bank at bank rate to lend money to its clients.
The bank disbursed Tk900 crore in FY22, and has planned to disburse Tk1,200 crore in current FY23.