The banking division of the finance ministry last week sent a letter to different embassies and donor agencies located in Dhaka, explaining its intention behind constituting a committee for reviewing activities of Grameen Bank.
Following is the full text of the letter: Grameen Bank started its journey in 1976 to address the probability of bringing the rural poor under a sustainable credit network. This created an opportunity to empower women in rural areas and increase effective demand in rural economy. With this concept, Grameen Bank proved to be extremely successful for which Grameen Bank and its Managing Director were awarded Nobel Prize in 2006 as its micro credit programme became known and popular worldwide.
2. Since the inception of Grameen Bank its activities have not been adequately evaluated. Moreover, the recent news about Grameen Bank in both national and international newspapers and the media raised some questions, which need to be resolved. In this context, the Government has constituted a high-powered review committee to evaluate the details of the overall management, the overall position of Grameen Bank and maintain its special character and strength in future.
3. The government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh presumes that the report to be prepared by the Review Committee will address all relevant issues relating to Grameen Bank. A copy of the Circular No 53.007.027.00.00.012.2010-15 dated 10th January, 2011 is enclosed with this letter for your kind perusal.
