INAFI Bangladesh has organized a national consultation titled "Microfinance Sector Consultations on National Budget 2025-26" where the microfinance sector leaders call for supportive budgetary policies in FY26.
The event convened leaders from Bangladesh's microfinance sector to articulate collective expectations for the upcoming national budget.
Held recently at the BRAC Centre, Mohakhali in the capital, the consultation was attended by Professor Dr. Mohammed Helal Uddin, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA), as the chief guest.
The guests of honor included Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC; Md. Ariful Haque Choudhury, President of ASA; and Dr. Humaira Islam, Executive Director of Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women, said a press release.
The event was chaired by Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, Chairman of INAFI and Sonali Bank PLC, and a former Finance Secretary and 12th Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh.
Emranul Huq Chowdhury, Vice Chairman of INAFI Bangladesh, delivered the keynote presentation outlining major policy and financial expectations of the sector.
"The microfinance sector plays a vital role in financial inclusion and poverty alleviation," he said adding a revolving fund of at least Taka 100 billion is essential for sustaining operations.
Besides, he said simplified tax policies will enable to reach more people with fewer administrative burdens.
The microfinance sector called for the establishment of a Taka 100 billion revolving Micro Loan Fund to ensure sustainable financing, along with the simplification of complex tax provisions introduced in the Finance Bill 2024.
Sector leaders urged the government to allocate grant funding for essential social development programs, particularly in light of declining donor support.
They also emphasized the importance of institutionalizing formal pre-budget consultations between the Ministry of Finance and microfinance institutions to ensure that policy decisions reflect on-the-ground realities and sector needs.
Md. Mosharrof Hossain, Treasurer of INAFI Bangladesh, outlined key advocacy priorities and regulatory challenges faced by MFIs.
"We are actively lobbying for reforms to ensure that MFIs can operate sustainably. This includes addressing VAT complexities, easing access to bank loans, and amending the MRA Act to reflect the evolving realities of the sector," he added. "BSS
