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The state-run Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation (BHBFC) has extended the loan rescheduling facility at reduced ratesuntil the end of this year considering the Covid-19 situation, a top official has said.
"The lending organisationis also not charging additional interest if any borrower fails to make paymentbetweenApril and June,"he added. The decisions were finalised at the latest BHBFC board meeting held last weekusing digital platforms.
"We have extended the validity of rescheduling facility until December 31 this year," Managing Director (MD) of BHBFC Debasish Chakrabarty told the FEon Friday.
"Earlier as part of celebrating Mujib Year, we have offered reduced rescheduling facilities to defaulted borrowers, which were valid till March 31 last," he added.
In case of second or above rescheduling, the borrowers can now avail the opportunity by making 5.0 per cent less down payment on the existing reduced rescheduling facilities of Mujib Year, he said, adding that the borrowers now have to pay 15-25 per cent less down payment from regular scheduling.
Those who made the partial down payment for rescheduling, they can avail the opportunity by making the rest of the payment byJune 30,relaxing a 90-day timeframe for payment.
The BHBFC also decided to reduce the interest ratesof two 'zero equity' products at 5.0 per cent each, considering the needs of marginal people during the Covid-19 situation.
Previously, the lending rates were 8.0 per cent and 7 per cent under the Pollima housing loan package and farmer housing loan packagerespectively targeted on non-urban areas.
Mr Chakrabarty also said the lending organization is doing its regular internal activities, using digital platforms considering the needs for its clients, as the pandemicis putting severe impacts on the economy.
"According to the guidelines of the prime minister and the ministry of health, we have taken preventive measures to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in our all field offices and head office as well," he said.
The BHBFC conducted two board meetingson April 28 and May 4using a digital meeting platform like with the participation of its chairman to board of directors ProfDr Md Salim Uddin and other top brass.