Gup Officer

Microfinance has the potential to be a powerful tool for poverty alleviation, providing access to capital
and empowering individuals to improve their economic circumstances. However, the challenges of overindebtedness
must be addressed to ensure that microfinance fulfills its promise. This is beneficial for people
who do not have access to a bank account (unbanked) or who do not have collateral. Both can get access to
financing through MFIs to continue their business and increase community productivity.
Gono Unnayan Prochesta is a distinguished social development organization in Bangladesh, dedicated to
uplifting the lives of the poor and marginalized since its inception in 1973. Among its flagship initiatives is the
Microfinance Programme, which provides small, collateral free loans on flexible terms to help economically
disadvantaged individuals become self-reliant and financially empowered.
This programme enables beneficiaries to engage in small scale businesses, agriculture, and other self
employment ventures. By offering accessible financial support, Gono Unnayan Prochesta has supported
countless families especially rural women and housewives achieve sustainable development and improve
their socio-economic standing. The initiative has become a vital force in poverty alleviation and grassroots
development.
Initially launched with limited private donations, the Microfinance Programme has expanded significantly
and now operates in partnership with Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation, BNF, and several banks. Currently,
Gono Unnayan Prochesta runs the programme through 54 branches across 13 Districts: Madaripur,
Shariatpur, Gopalganj, Faridpur, Bagerhat, Dhaka, Munshiganj, Manikganj, Magura, Chittagong, Cox’s
Bazar, Bandarban, and Barisal.
The Microfinance Programme has achieved the following results: a total of 67,252 members, 47,821 active
borrowers, loans disbursed amounting to Tk. 2,716.26 crore, loan recoveries totaling Tk. 2,381.26 crore, and
a current outstanding loan balance of Tk. 335.00 crore.
Core Components of the Microfinance Programme
1. Formation and Development of Societies: Local communities are organized into societies to facilitate
credit and savings activities.
2. Savings Mobilization: Members are encouraged to develop saving habits, fostering financial
independence.
3. Loan Schemes: Loans are provided under various categories tailored to specific needs.
4. Loan Products: Gono Unnayan Prochesta is implementing Microfinance Programme by developing
several loan products as per needs of the beneficiaries of working area.