The Shadow Secretary of State for the UK, Mr. Andrew Mitchell visited BRAC on July 18th, 2006. The Secretary, on a short fact-finding mission to Bangladesh, was keen to discuss the impact that microfinance institutions such as BRAC might have on the eradication of poverty in countries like Bangladesh. After watching a short film on BRAC, the Secretary was briefed on BRAC’s activities by a group of senior BRAC officials including the Chairperson, Mr. Fazle Hasan Abed, the Adviser, Mr. Faruq Choudhury, the Executive Director, Mr. Abdul-Muyeed Chowdhury, the Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Manzoor Hasan, Director, Research and Evaluation Division, Mr. Imran Matin and Programme Head, BRAC Education Programme, Dr. Safiqul Islam.

The Secretary was impressed by the success of BRAC’s programmes, especially the Targeting the Ultra Poor (TUP) which has had a success rate of 93% in terms of moving its participants into the category of microfinance clients. He expressed his enthusiasm and willingness to spread the word on BRAC’s successes upon his return to the UK. Mr. Mitchell also promised full cooperation through the DFID should his party come to power in the next election. Accompanying the Secretary was Ms. Sarah Sanyahumbi, Deputy Head of Office, DFID.

© 2005 BRAC Bangladesh
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