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State-owned Janata Bank Limited (JBL) has increased its lending to SME and agriculture sectors considering their vital role in the economy.
The JBL disbursed loans amounting to Tk 29.35 billion to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Tk 24.37 billion to borrowers in the agriculture sector in 2022.
This was revealed at the 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the bank at its headquarters in the city's Motijheel on Tuesday.
Chairman of the bank Dr S M Mahfuzur Rahman presided over the meeting, while JBL Managing Director (MD) & CEO Md Abdul Jabber highlighted various activities of the bank.
After recovery and adjustment, the bank's investment in the SME sector increased from Tk 113.65 billion in 2021 to Tk 120.36 billion in 2022.
Besides, agriculture loans rose from Tk 24.35 billion in 2021 to Tk 24.37 billion last year.
Speaking on the occasion, S M Mahfuzur Rahman said the SME sector should be prioritised since it plays a vital role in the economy alongside large corporations.
Highlighting various achievements of the bank, the JBL chairman said the bank has a liability to the country's people and its overall development.
Mr Rahman urged the bankers to ensure the highest quality services to the clients and discipline in every activity of the bank.
JBL MD Abdul Jabber said the bank's operating profit was calculated at Tk 9.28 billion for 2022 when the export and import growths through JBL were registered at 28 and 76 per cent respectively.
Mr Jabber also said the bank has launched a smart banking app aiming to facilitate baking activities for its customers.
The JBL has made a contribution of Tk 11.80 billion to the government exchequer as Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise duties in 2022, he said.
As a representative of the government, additional secretary to the Financial Institutions Division Azimuddin Biswas, the bank's directors Ajit Kumar Paul, K M Shamsul Alam, Ziauddin Ahmed, Abdul Majid, Rubina Amin, Meshkat Ahmed Chowdhury, Muhammed Asad Ullah, JBL's deputy managing directors and other top officials were also present at the AGM.