The program started its activities since 2012. Increased income of the poor people is the objective of the program.
RISDA-Bangladesh Microfinance Programme
The Microfinance Programme of RISDA-Bangladesh continues to serve as a cornerstone of its poverty alleviation and livelihood development initiatives. Operating across rural and peri-urban regions, this programme empowers low-income households—particularly women—to engage in productive income-generating activities while building financial discipline and resilience.
During 2023–2024, RISDA operated through 12 branches across 4 districts, serving 5,329 members, among whom 4,448 are active borrowers. RISDA mobilized BDT 30.39 million in member savings and maintained a strong Credit Recovery Rate of 98.68% and On-Time Repayment Rate of 96.31%, reflecting excellent portfolio quality and member trust.
Through its hybrid model—combining Traditional Microfinance and Islamic Microfinance (Murabaha & Mudaraba)—RISDA ensures that every borrower can access financial services aligned with their socio-economic and cultural needs. Loans support a wide range of activities: dairy, small trade, crop and vegetable farming, poultry and livestock, handicrafts, sewing, and household-based microenterprises. The programme especially targets women-headed households, youth entrepreneurs, small and marginal farmers, and climate-vulnerable families.
RISDA’s microfinance approach integrates weekly group meetings, financial literacy, savings mobilization, entrepreneurship support, and flexible repayment options—especially for families recovering from disasters. This model promotes self-reliance, reduces dependency on moneylenders, and strengthens community cohesion.
Key Achievements (up to June 2024):
| Sl | Particulars | Achievement up to June 2024 |
| 01 | Starting of Program | 03.03.2003 |
| 02 | Number of District | 4 |
| 03 | Number of Upazila | 12 |
| 04 | Number of Pourasova | 3 |
| 05 | Number of Word | 145 |
| 06 | Number of Union | 58 |
| 07 | Number of Village | 276 |
| 08 | Number of Branch | 12 |
| 09 | Number of Staff | 26 |
| 10 | Number of Samity | 358 |
| 11 | Number of Member | 5329 |
| 12 | Number of Loanee | 4448 |
| 13 | Total Outstanding | 140,036,981 |
| 14 | Total savings | 30,397,617 |
| 15 | CRR | 98.68 |
| 16 | OTR | 96.31 |
| 17 | Total Assets | 115,440,682 |
| 18 | Equity | 12,948,489 |
| 19 | Total FDR | 4,147,570 |
Success Stories: Transforming Lives through Microfinance
1. Anjali’s Dairy: Thriving with Traditional Microfinance (TMF)
Anjali Rani, 25, wife of Mr. Indroject Ghoas, lives in Akrain Bazar village, Birulia Union, Savar Upazila, Dhaka District. In October 2020, Anjali joined RISDA-Bangladesh’s Traditional Microfinance Programme through the Meghna Mohila Shomittee (Member ID: 1106). During an initial IGA and borrower survey, she was selected to start cow rearing as her income-generating activity (IGA).
She initially took a loan of BDT 49,000 (USD 490) to buy a cow. With determination and guidance from RISDA, Anjali expanded her business steadily over three years. She received additional loans, totaling BDT 100,000 (USD 1,000), to grow her dairy farm. Today, her farm boasts 18 cattle—including 4 milk cows producing 60 kg of milk per day (valued at BDT 4,800 / USD 48 per day) and 14 bulls for beef fattening (total value BDT 4,200,000 / USD 42,000).
| Figure 1 Anjali Rani in Her Dairy Firm |
Her consistent efforts have resulted in a monthly income of approximately BDT 130,000 (USD 1,300), while she diligently repays weekly installments.
Anjali proudly shares,
“I am very grateful to RISDA-Bangladesh for helping me stand on my own feet. Today, I can support my two school-going children and manage my family confidently.”
2.Afsana’s Dream Comes True Empowered through Islamic Microfinance (IMF)
Kazi Afsana Begum, 32, wife of Mr. Abu Raihan, also resides in Akrain Bazar village, Birulia Union, Savar Upazila, Dhaka District. As a low-income household, owning a refrigerator was once an impossible dream.
| Figure 2: Afsana in her Home with Facilities |
In June 2020, Afsana joined RISDA-Bangladesh’s Islamic Microfinance Programme (IMF) as a member of the Golap Mohila Shomittee (Member ID: 1931). Through the IMF “Buy Muazzal” product loan, which enables members to purchase household items, she was able to buy a 180-liter Walton refrigerator (sale value BDT 39,690 / USD 396.90). She repays the cost through affordable monthly installments.
Afsana joyfully says,
“RISDA-Bangladesh has fulfilled my lifelong dream. They help people like me achieve what seemed impossible.”
Her experience highlights how the Islamic Microfinance model can open new opportunities, enabling low-income women to access essential consumer products and improve their quality of life.
Microfinance- Human Resource Development (International Espousers):
RISDA-Bangladesh has started its capacity development institute for Home & Aboard stakeholders in the domine of Microfinance Traditional & Islamic (Shariah). In regard there is resources pool has prepared the Training content, modules, hand notes Booking facilities, introduced renounce MFIs, banks along with a site seeing options. We have an exclusive Training classroom & conference room with modern equipment and dedicated services staff. Last couple of months we had completed the batches of Home-based MFIs on Shariah microfinance, and customize training modules for International MFIs like Vietnam, Nepal & Bhutan
Our Approach
To eradicate poverty, remove economic vulnerability and ensure access to financial services to all men and women, in particular the poor and the helpless, RISDA-Bangladesh has operated Micro Finance program. It has conducted the program through savings accumulation and credit disbursement process where people in need receipt credit for doing various income generating activities in crops & vegetable production, animal husbandry, fish culture, poultry rearing, small business and handicrafts production.
Our Impact
Our Achievements up to June 2019
- 10+ Branch Office Set Up
- 297+ Women Groups Formed
- 6087+ Members Involved in Income Generating Activities (IGAs)
- BDT 2,62,33,176+ Savings Accumulated
- BDT 9,03,37,059+ Invested Outstanding with Members
- BDT 52,97,74,516+70,70,000 Disbursed for cumulative Investment
- Recovery rate 98%
Way Forward
We will expand our activities in new areas and continue to adapt our models to the context of the project areas. Keeping in mind our mission and future goals we have to stride for our next steps and identify our future strategies. We are aware of our limitations, yet we are determined to explore our potentials. We look forward with hope and passion to accomplish our tasks ahead based on our learning and experience.
