31 December 2010, Dhaka. Around 10,000 sharecroppers from 14 districts of the country enjoyed a colourful reception at the Bangladesh Army Stadium yesterday jointly organised by BRAC and the Bangladesh Bank. The event was organised to celebrate the achievements of the hardworking sharecroppers for their contribution in helping provide food security to Bangladesh.
The sharecroppers wearing different coloured caps arrived at the stadium early morning and were treated with performances from eminent singers Momotaz and Kiran Chandra Roy. BRAC ADP (Adolescent Development Programme) members and popular theatre troupes also performed songs and dramas in the event.
The introductory speakers of the reception were Dr. Mahabub Hossain, Executive Director, BRAC and Dr. Atiur Rahman, Governor, Bangladesh Bank.
The Honourable Minister, Ministry of Finance, Mr Abul Mal Abdul Muhit (Member of Parliament) was present as the chief guest in the event. He distributed awards among 15 sharecroppers in recognition of best usage of microloans and best adaptive technological practices in farming.
The Honourable Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Ms. Matiya Chowdhury (Member of Parliament) and eminent agricultural personality, Mr. Sheikh Seraj, Director and Head of News, Channel i, also addressed the ceremony, which was chaired by BRAC Governing Body member Ms. Taherunessa Abdullah.
BRAC launched the sharecropper development project funded by the Bangladesh Bank in 2009 when they opened a BDT 500 crore revolving fund to finance sharecroppers to have the working capital and boost crop production. It was the first ever credit allocation for the sharecroppers in the history of Bangladesh. BRAC also provides technical assistance to the sharecroppers under this project.
