Premier Bank PLC has signed a participation agreement with Bangladesh Bank under the BB’s Tk 10,000 crore refinance scheme to support increased agricultural production, strengthen food security and create employment opportunities through expanded economic activities in rural areas.Under the agreement, refinance facilities will be provided from a fund created with the surplus liquidity of scheduled banks and managed by Bangladesh Bank. Md Monzur Mofiz, managing director of Premier Bank PLC, and AKM Saiduzzaman, director of the Agricultural Credit Department-2 of Bangladesh Bank, signed the agreement at a ceremony held at the BB headquarters in Motijheel, Dhaka recently, according to a press release.They expressed optimism that the initiative would make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of Bangladesh’s agricultural and rural economy. Through its extensive branch network, Premier Bank PLC will extend loans for crop and agricultural production, rural income-generating activities, agricultural machinery, and the fisheries and livestock sectors.The initiative is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, stimulate rural economic growth, strengthen food security and generate new employment opportunities across the country, the release added.Senior officials from both organisations were also present at the signing ceremony.