ACD-1 Circular No. 02: Refinance Scheme of Tk 3,000 Crore for Creating Agricultural Based Economic Hub in North Bengal of the Country

Central Bank of Bangladesh (An Autonomous Central Bank of Bangladesh) Main Office Gazipur, Dhaka-1000 Bangladesh.

22 Abhil 1433 Circular No: 02 Date: ---------------- 06 June 2026

Refinance Scheme for Creating Agricultural Based Economic Hub in North Bengal of the Country

Dear Sir/Madam,

In order to establish an agricultural-based economic hub in North Bengal of the country through a comprehensive and integrated approach, the Central Bank of Bangladesh has decided to provide a refinance scheme of Tk 3,000 (Three Thousand) Crore under the "Refinance Scheme for Creating Agricultural Based Economic Hub in North Bengal of the Country".

The Central Bank of Bangladesh, in its meeting held on 06 June 2026 (Chairman and Deputy Governors), after reviewing the need for comprehensive development of the agricultural sector including post-harvest management, agro-processing, and supply chain, and recognizing that the current level of development in these areas is insufficient to achieve the desired integrated development of North Bengal, has decided to provide a refinance scheme of Tk 3,000 (Three Thousand) Crore under the "Refinance Scheme for Creating Agricultural Based Economic Hub in North Bengal of the Country" to the Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions (PACIs) of the Bangladesh Bank for investment in the agricultural sector.

The details of the said refinance scheme for the Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions are as follows:

2. Name of the Scheme: "Refinance Scheme for Creating Agricultural Based Economic Hub in North Bengal of the Country".
3. Objectives of the Scheme: The objectives of the scheme will be: A) Agricultural Production; B) Post-harvest management, processing, agro-processing, value addition, and establishment of integrated agro-based industries; C) Establishment of Agro-based SMEs and promotion of agricultural extension services; D) Establishment of livestock feed industries, agro-processing, and supply chains; and E) Promotion of integrated development and investment in the agricultural sector.

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Important Notice: -2-

4. Amount of the Scheme: Tk 3,000 (Three Thousand) Crore.
5. Beneficiaries of the Scheme: Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions of the Bangladesh Bank for investment in the agricultural sector.
6. Duration of the Scheme: 03 (Three) years from the date of issuance of this Circular.
7. Operational Guidelines for the Scheme: The operational guidelines for the said scheme will be provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Chairman and Deputy Governors) to the concerned Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions.
8. Disbursement of Refinance/Loan and Operational Guidelines for the Scheme: A) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to sign a Participation Agreement with the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) under Circular No. 2 of the Bangladesh Bank to participate in the said scheme. The said scheme will be implemented under Circular No. 2 of the Bangladesh Bank (Main Office, Dhaka), and the Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be able to provide refinancing/loans under the scheme. The scheme will be implemented in coordination with the Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions, and the Central Bank of Bangladesh will ensure that the refinancing/loan disbursement and their implementation are carried out in accordance with the relevant laws/regulations of the Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions. B) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions, upon receiving the refinancing/loan under the scheme, will disburse the refinancing/loan to the beneficiaries under Circular No. 2 of the Bangladesh Bank (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh, and will be able to provide refinancing/loan to the beneficiaries under the scheme. The refinancing/loan will be disbursed in tranches. C) The refinancing/loan will be disbursed in tranches to the Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions under the scheme. D) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) within 15 (Fifteen) days from the date of disbursement of the refinancing/loan to the beneficiaries under the scheme (Form-2). If the refinancing/loan is not submitted within 15 (Fifteen) days, the refinancing/loan will not be considered for refinancing/loan under the scheme.

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9. Operational Guidelines for Disbursement of Refinance/Loan and Refinance/Loan: The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be able to disburse the refinancing/loan under the scheme in four (4) categories: A) Agricultural Production [Rate: 15% (Lower Limit)]: Under this category, refinancing/loan will be provided for agricultural production, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, equipment, and other inputs. B) Post-harvest management, processing, agro-processing, and integrated agro-based industries [Rate: 35% (Upper Limit)]: Under this category, refinancing/loan will be provided for post-harvest management, processing, agro-processing, value addition, and establishment of integrated agro-based industries, including cold chain logistics and working capital. C) Agro-processing/Agro-based SMEs and agro-processing [Rate: 35% (Upper Limit)]: Under this category, refinancing/loan will be provided for agro-processing/Agro-based SMEs and agro-processing, including working capital. D) Livestock feed and agro-based feed [Rate: 15% (Lower Limit)]: Under this category, refinancing/loan will be provided for livestock feed and agro-based feed. E) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be able to provide refinancing/loan under the four categories mentioned above in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). F) The refinancing/loan provided under the scheme will be considered as refinancing/loan under Circular No. 2 of the Bangladesh Bank (Main Office, Dhaka) if it is used for the purposes mentioned in the scheme.

10. Refinance/Loan Amount for Tranches: Under the scheme, the refinancing/loan amount for tranches will be as follows: A) For Agricultural Production: Tk 30.00 (Thirty) Crore. B) For Post-harvest management, processing, agro-processing, and integrated agro-based industries: Tk 40.00 (Forty) Crore. C) For Agro-processing/Agro-based SMEs and agro-processing: Tk 40.00 (Forty) Crore. D) For Livestock feed and agro-based feed: Tk 15.00 (Fifteen) Crore. E) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be able to provide refinancing/loan under the scheme in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka).

11. Rate of Refinance/Loan: A) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be able to provide refinancing/loan under the scheme at a rate of 4% (Four percent) to the Central Bank of Bangladesh. B) The rate of refinancing/loan under the scheme will be up to 9% (Nine percent). The rate of refinancing/loan under the scheme will be determined by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). The rate of refinancing/loan under the scheme will not be considered as 9%.

12. Tenor of Refinance/Loan: A) Under the scheme, the tenor of refinancing/loan for Agricultural Production will be 18 (Eighteen) months from the date of disbursement of refinancing/loan to the beneficiaries, and the Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be able to provide refinancing/loan to the beneficiaries at a rate of 4% (Four percent) to the Central Bank of Bangladesh. B) Under the scheme, the tenor of refinancing/loan for Post-harvest management, processing, agro-processing, and integrated agro-based industries will be 36 (Thirty-six) months from the date of disbursement of refinancing/loan to the beneficiaries, and the Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be able to provide refinancing/loan to the beneficiaries at a rate of 4% (Four percent) to the Central Bank of Bangladesh.

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13. Operational Guidelines for Disbursement of Refinance/Loan by the Central Bank of Bangladesh: A) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). B) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka).

14. Operational Guidelines: A) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). B) The refinancing/loan provided under the scheme will be considered as refinancing/loan under Circular No. 2 of the Bangladesh Bank (Main Office, Dhaka) if it is used for the purposes mentioned in the scheme. C) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). D) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka).

15. Monitoring and Evaluation: A) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). B) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). C) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). D) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). E) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka).

16. General Instructions: A) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). B) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). C) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). D) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). E) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). F) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). G) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). H) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). I) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka). J) The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to submit the refinancing/loan application to the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka).

The Primary Agricultural Credit Institutions will be required to sign a Participation Agreement with the Central Bank of Bangladesh (Main Office, Dhaka) under Circular No. 2 of the Bangladesh Bank within 45 (Forty-five) days from the date of issuance of this Circular.

This circular is issued under Section 45 of the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972. This circular will be effective from the date of issuance.

Number of Pages: 3 (Three)

Debashish Sarker Deputy Governor (Circular No. 0255665001-6/20170) Email: debashish.sarker@bb.org.bd

Annex-1 List of Agro-based Industries, Agro-processing Industries, and Agro/Agro-processing Industries

1. Agro-based industries (Rice, Wheat, Maize, Pulses, Oilseeds, Spices, etc.);
2. Agro-based industries (Tea, Coffee, Jute, Hemp, Cotton, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
3. Agro-based industries (Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
4. Agro-based industries (Fish, Meat, Milk, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
5. Agro-based industries (Poultry, Piggery, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
6. Agro-based industries (Spirulina, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
7. Agro-based industries (Dairy, Poultry, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
8. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
9. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
10. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
11. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
12. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
13. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
14. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
15. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
16. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
17. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
18. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
19. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
20. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
21. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
22. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
23. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
24. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
25. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
26. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
27. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
28. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
29. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
30. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
31. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
32. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
33. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
34. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
35. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
36. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
37. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
38. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
39. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries;
40. Agro-based industries (Dairy, etc.), Agro-processing/Agro-based industries.

Annex-2 List of Refinance/Loan under the "Refinance Scheme for Creating Agricultural Based Economic Hub in North Bengal of the Country"

Name of the Bank: Name of the Branch: Date: (Amount in Crore) Serial No. Name of the Bank Name of the Branch Name of the Beneficiary and Type of Refinance/Loan Refinance/Loan Amount Rate of Refinance/Loan (%) Date of Refinance/Loan Tenor of Refinance/Loan Refinance/Loan Amount for Tranches

Annex-3 List of Refinance/Loan under the "Refinance Scheme for Creating Agricultural Based Economic Hub in North Bengal of the Country"

Name of the Bank: Date of Refinance/Loan: --/--/-- to --/--/-- (Amount in Crore) Name of the Branch Type of Refinance/Loan Refinance/Loan Amount Refinance/Loan Amount for Tranches A) Agricultural Production B) Post-harvest management, processing, agro-processing, and integrated agro-based industries C) Agro-processing/Agro-based SMEs and agro-processing D) Livestock feed and agro-based feed Total Refinance/Loan Amount Refinance/Loan Amount for Tranches Total Number of Beneficiaries Refinance/Loan Amount for Tranches Total Number of Beneficiaries Refinance/Loan Amount for Tranches Total Number of Beneficiaries Refinance/Loan Amount for Tranches Total Number of Beneficiaries Total