BB allocates Tk 1,000cr fund for foreign language learning

Following a record-breaking $35.58 billion remittance inflow in the 2025–26 fiscal year, the government has launched a financial assistance program offering up to Tk 10 lakh in loans to help aspiring migrant workers learn foreign languages.

The initiative aims to address the skill deficit among Bangladeshi overseas workers and secure employment in high-value, non-traditional labor markets, particularly Japan and South Korea, where proficiency in the native language is a mandatory prerequisite.

Under an agreement signed between the central bank and Probashi Kallyan Bank, Bangladesh Bank will provide a revolving fund of Tk 1,000 crore. Probashi Kallyan Bank will disburse collateral-free loans at an annual interest rate of 9 percent.

"Bangladesh Bank has entered into an agreement with Probashi Kallyan Bank to supply a Tk 1,000 crore fund," said Arif Hossain, spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank. "Probashi Kallyan Bank will disburse these funds to cover basic language training for workers heading abroad."

M. S. Shekil Chowdhury, Chairperson of the Center for NRB, cautioned: "A language course should not require Tk 10 lakh—the entire migration process often costs less than that. Setting such a high ceiling creates risk of over-borrowing, and the slab should reflect real costs."

Addressing these concerns, Wahida Begum, Managing Director of Probashi Kallyan Bank, clarified that loan amounts will not be disbursed directly to individual bank accounts.

"We are offering up to Tk 10 lakh in collateral-free loans for workers aiming for Japan," Begum explained. "However, the funds will be transferred directly to the designated language institute or college in Japan as tuition fees."

In addition to language training, Probashi Kallyan Bank will be permitted to utilize the fund under its operational guidelines to facilitate broader skill development across the migration sector.

-SA