BSS, Dhaka :
Stressing the need for fostering development of cost effective green technologies, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman suggested banks and financial institutions (FIs) move forward with research and development for exploring appropriate technologies, techniques and new green products.
“Availability of cost effective technologies is essential for successful green mission in Bangladesh which is latent place for the development of green industries,” the BB Governor said while speaking at the opening of Green Finance Conference 2014 here today.
He said transition to a green economy has the potential to unlock new growth engines and spur business opportunities. Improving resource efficiencies and greening the value chain, as means of creating major growth opportunities, generating new markets and jobs, and promoting social and environmental benefits are inevitable for sustainable development, he added.
Widespread implementation of green initiatives and energy saving technologies can facilitate Bangladesh clean its environment, the governor said, adding that but access to finance is vital for the successful implementation of green initiatives.
Atiur said green banking has been identified as one of the major drivers of sustainable economic growth in developing countries. Array of issuance of guidelines and instructions on sustainable banking issues like green banking, environmental risk management, corporate social responsibilities and financial inclusion have been persuaded by Bangladesh Bank since 2008, he added.
“We’re committed to pursuing digital, nearly paperless, sustainable, green banking operations by making best use of the information technology and related professional skills,” he said.
“Our different initiatives particularly IT based green banking activities through online banking, e-banking, e-commerce, online CIB, automated clearing house, e-tendering, e-recruitment, NPS etc are moving ahead in full swing,” Atiur added.
The central bank governor said banks in Bangladesh have been advised to finance solar energy, bio-gas plant, ETP and Hybrid Hoffman Kiln (HHK) in brick field under refinance programs.
“In order to bring further momentum in this mode of financing, we have already introduced Taka 2.0 billion refinance line against bank loans for investments in 16 green products. Of late, the off-take from this green fund has started acquiring desirable momentum,” he said.
Deputy Governors of Bangladesh Bank S.K. Sur Chowdhury and Ms. Nazneen Sultana, Vice Chairman of NCC Bank Ltd A.S.M. Main Uddin Monem, President of Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association Dipal Chandra Barua and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank Training Academy Ataur Rahman, among others, spoke on the occasion.
