May 19, 2025 — A consultation event titled “Microfinance Sector Consultation on National Budget 2025–26” was held at the BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka, to discuss policy priorities and institutional expectations for the microfinance sector in the upcoming national budget. The event was organized by INAFI Bangladesh, with support from BRAC. The Chief Guest at the event was Professor Dr. Mohammad Helal Uddin, Executive Vice Chairman of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA). Special Guests included Dr. Humaira Islam, Founder and Executive Director of Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women; Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC; and Md. Ariful Haque Chowdhury, President of ASA.
The event was chaired by Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, Chairperson, INAFI Bangladesh and current Chairman of Sonali Bank PLC. The welcome address was delivered by Mahbuba Haque, Executive Director of INAFI Bangladesh. The keynote presentation was given by Emranul Haque Chowdhury, Vice Chairman of INAFI Bangladesh and Founder & Principal of Antar. In his remarks, he emphasized the critical role of the microfinance sector in national budget planning and outlined its policy positioning, current challenges, and future prospects.
Humaira Islam, PhD Founder and Executive Director of Shakti Foundation, stated: “In 1992, Shakti Foundation launched its first microcredit program in urban areas, modeled after the Grameen Bank. The core idea was simple—focus on the face of a poor woman and envision how her life could be improved. The objective was to enhance women’s livelihoods, income, and assets through microcredit, alongside improving overall family well-being. Over time, however, we have drifted from that original philosophy. It is now time to return to that foundational vision.” She also highlighted the urgent need for robust social protection mechanisms for disadvantaged women. Reflecting on the country’s rising life expectancy, she added many elderly poor—both women and men—are deprived of safe shelter. The national budget must allocate funds to establish dignified elder care homes for them.