Dhaka, Oct 09 (V7N) – Leaders of four major business organizations, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), have called on Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur to bring down the current interest rate — which stands at around 15 percent — to single digits.

During a meeting at the central bank on Thursday, the delegation also urged the Governor to extend loan repayment periods and provide bonded warehouse facilities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Following the two-hour discussion, FBCCI Secretary General Mohammad Alamgir told reporters that the Governor had assured them that interest rates will be reduced to single digits in the next financial year.

“The Governor said the matter is under active consideration and the adjustment will be made gradually,” Alamgir said.

Currently, the policy rate has remained around 10 percent for about a year, resulting in corporate loan rates of 12–13 percent and personal loan rates reaching up to 15 percent.

The 14-member delegation included representatives from FBCCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, and BTMA, who discussed five to six key issues affecting the business sector.

Alamgir also mentioned that the central bank is considering extending the loan repayment tenure from 10 years to up to 15 years for certain borrowers if necessary.

END/SMA/AJ