DHAKA, May 23, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Bank (BB) today announced a Tk 60,000 crore stimulus package aimed at reviving closed and struggling industries, boosting private sector activities, generating employment and accelerating economic recovery amid ongoing domestic and global challenges. BB Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman unveiled the package at a press briefing at the central bank headquarters in the capital. He said the initiative is designed to restore industrial production capacity, strengthen exports and create around 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs across different sectors of the economy. According to Bangladesh Bank, Tk 41,000 crore of the package will come through refinancing facilities sourced from banks having excess liquidity, while the remaining Tk 19,000 crore will be provided from the central bank’s own funds under government guarantee. The governor said the refinancing support would mainly target closed industrial and service-sector enterprises, cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs), agriculture, export diversification and rural economic activities. He said the lending rate for large industries under the scheme would be fixed at 7 percent at the customer level, while slightly higher rates may apply for smaller borrowers. Under the refinancing component, Tk 20,000 crore has been allocated for reopening closed industries and service-sector enterprises, Tk 10,000 crore for agriculture and rural activities, Tk 5,000 crore for CMSMEs, and Tk 3,000 crore each for export diversification and the North Bengal agricultural hub initiative. Bangladesh Bank will also operate several targeted schemes from its own funds, including Tk 5,000 crore for pre-shipment credit refinancing, Tk 5,000 crore for cottage and micro entrepreneurs, and Tk 2,000 crore each for leather and footwear exports and frozen shrimp and fish exports. Separate allocations will also be made for startups, creative economy projects, green financing, overseas employment and unemployed youths. The BB governor said the package was introduced against the backdrop of slowing economic growth, rising classified loans, weakening investor confidence and disruptions in industrial production caused by post-Covid shocks, the Russia-Ukraine war and volatility in the foreign exchange market. According to BB data, more than 1,200 industrial units, including large industries and smaller firms, have either shut down or are operating partially due to liquidity shortages and adverse business conditions. Md Mostaqur Rahman said priority would be given to businesses having confirmed orders and demonstrated market demand to ensure proper utilisation of the funds. The stimulus package is expected to support industrial revival, enhance export diversification, increase agricultural production, expand green investments and improve medium-term GDP growth prospects, according to the central bank presentation. He said the programme would also play a countercyclical role by restoring domestic demand, rebuilding investor confidence and supporting economic stability amid global uncertainty and slower export demand.