Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) – রাজশাহী কৃষি উন্নয়ন ব্যাংক (রাকাব) is the largest development partner and agricultural credit provider in the northwestern region of the country, covering the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. The bank commenced operations on March 15, 1987, assuming the liabilities and assets of Bangladesh Krishi Bank branches located in the then Rajshahi Administrative Division (now Rajshahi and Rangpur Divisions), as per Ordinance No. 58 of 1986 issued by the Honorable President. Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) operates through 383 branches, including a Dhaka branch and the local head office. Among these, 333 branches are in rural areas, and 50 are in urban locations. It is the only specialized state-owned bank in the country with its head office situated in Rajshahi, outside Dhaka. The bank also operates a training institute located in Rajshahi city. RAKUB’s authorized manpower is 6,180, comprising 3,888 officers and 1,454 employees. Its authorized capital is Tk 1,000 crore, and its paid-up capital is Tk 825 crore.
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) – রাজশাহী কৃষি উন্নয়ন ব্যাংক (রাকাব) is provides comprehensive commercial banking services alongside agricultural credit for crop production, establishing agro-based industries, processing and marketing agricultural products, and funding socio-economic development and poverty alleviation initiatives. The bank aims to fully utilize the agricultural potential of the northwestern region and support the overall development of all sectors and sub-sectors of agriculture in this area. RAKUB places particular emphasis on financing high-value crop production, establishing commercial livestock and poultry farms, and supporting agro-industrial businesses in response to domestic and international demand. In addition to conventional lending, the bank operates numerous poverty alleviation programs to create employment for landless individuals and educated or semi-educated unemployed youth in the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions. Loans are distributed at both group and individual levels to improve socio-economic conditions and living standards. Recently, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) launched the “Consumer Loan Scheme” and “Special Loan for Employees” to meet the consumer needs of permanent government, semi-government, and autonomous institution employees, enhancing their standard of living.
See also:
❏ Banks in Bangladesh
Overview of Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB):
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) – রাজশাহী কৃষি উন্নয়ন ব্যাংক (রাকাব) is a specialized state-owned bank in Bangladesh, established in 1987 under the Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank Ordinance, 1986. It is dedicated to promoting agricultural growth and rural development in the predominantly agrarian Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. RAKUB’s primary objective is to provide financial assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs in rural areas, aiming to boost agricultural productivity, alleviate poverty, and support economic development.
With an extensive branch network, particularly in rural areas, the bank ensures financial inclusion and accessibility for farmers and agro-based industries. Headquartered in Rajshahi, RAKUB plays a vital role in uplifting the rural economy by focusing on agricultural productivity, financial inclusion, and sustainable rural development. Its efforts contribute significantly to the economic growth of Bangladesh, especially in the northern region, by addressing the unique needs of its agricultural communities.
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) at a glance: | |
| Bank Name | Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) – রাজশাহী কৃষি উন্নয়ন ব্যাংক (রাকাব) |
| Logo |  |
| Legal Status | Public Limited Company |
| Established | 1987 |
| Type | Public Bank |
| Category | Specialized Bank |
| Origin | Local Bank |
| No. of Branches | 383 |
| No. of Employees | 6180 |
| Authorized Capital | Tk. 10,000 million |
| Paid up Capital | Tk. 8,250 million |
| Address | Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB), Head Office: 272, Banolata C/A, Airport Road, Rajshahi-6200, Bangladesh |
| Call Center | +88-01708806036; 01950993407 |
| Telephone | +88-0247-860054, +880 721 862439, +88-0247-860532 |
| Fax | +88-0247-860516 |
| Bank Code | 180 |
| SWIFT Code | RKUBBDDH |
| info@rakub.org.bd | |
| Website | www.rakub.org.bd |
| Service Hours | Business day (Sun ~ Thu) 10:00 am ~ 4:00 pm * (Fri ~ Sat) Closed |
| Services |
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History of Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB):
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) – রাজশাহী কৃষি উন্নয়ন ব্যাংক (রাকাব) is the largest development partner in agricultural finance in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions (northwest Bangladesh). Established on March 15, 1987, under Presidential Ordinance No. 58 of 1986, RAKUB took over all branches, offices, and assets of Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) in the region. The bank focuses on the overall development of farmers and agricultural sectors, including agri-businesses and poverty alleviation programs.
RAKUB provides credit for summer and winter crops, horticulture, and nurseries, emphasizing high-yield and high-value crops. It also supports systematic and commercial livestock farming, such as dairy, beef fattening, poultry, and hatcheries. The bank’s authorized capital is Tk. 10,000 million, with a paid-up capital of Tk. 8,250 million. Its operations span 383 branches, including 333 rural branches, with headquarters in Rajshahi city. RAKUB has two divisional offices, two audit offices, and a training institute, all located in Rajshahi and Rangpur.
The bank is managed by an 8-member board of directors, including a chairman and managing director appointed by the government. A 3-member executive committee formulates policies during emergencies, and the managing director acts as the chief executive officer. RAKUB allocates 60% of its lending budget to crop production and identifies seven key sectors and 101 agro-based sub-sectors for entrepreneurial improvement. An Entrepreneur Development Cell at the principal branch provides advisory support, while zonal credit committees assist entrepreneurs in project establishment and expansion.
To diversify lending and boost agricultural productivity, RAKUB introduced the 2005 Credit Policies. These policies promote sectoral diversification, support small and medium enterprises, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance agri-industries. The bank operates poverty reduction loan programs aimed at generating employment for unemployed youth and the landless poor. Loans are disbursed individually and collectively for various initiatives, including goat breeding, marginal farming, women entrepreneurship, medicinal plant nurseries, and handicapped support projects. Additionally, RAKUB offers consumer loans and specialized programs for employees.
RAKUB implements foreign-aided projects like the Small Enterprises Development Credit Project (SEDCP) and the Northwest Crop Diversification Project (NCDP). These initiatives provide agricultural loans, training, and project support to farmers, encouraging high-value crop production and agro-based trade. The interest rate for agricultural loans ranges between 8% and 10%, with special rates of 2% for substituting imports of 19 agro-products like pulses, oilseeds, and spices.
Services Offered by Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB):
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) – রাজশাহী কৃষি উন্নয়ন ব্যাংক (রাকাব) offers a wide range of services primarily aimed at supporting agricultural and rural development in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions of Bangladesh. Key services include:
Agricultural Credit: RAKUB provides financial assistance for crop production, including summer and winter crops, horticulture, and nurseries. It also supports high-yielding and high-value crop production.
- Livestock and Poultry Financing: The bank offers credit for livestock farming, including dairy, beef fattening, poultry farming, and the establishment of hatcheries.
- Agro-based Industry Financing: RAKUB finances agro-industrial projects to promote the processing and marketing of agricultural products, helping to develop rural industries.
- Poverty Alleviation Programs: The bank runs various loan programs to create employment opportunities for the landless poor, unemployed youth, and marginalized communities in rural areas. These programs include goat breeding, small farming projects, and loans for women entrepreneurs.
- Consumer Loans: The bank provides consumer loans to meet the needs of individuals for purchasing consumer goods, including a special loan scheme for employees of government and private institutions.
- Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Loans: RAKUB supports the establishment and expansion of small and medium enterprises in rural areas, fostering local economic growth.
- Credit for Agro-products Substitution: The bank extends loans for importing substituted agro-products, including pulses, seeds, oilseeds, spices, and maize, to enhance local production.
- Specialized Agricultural Projects: RAKUB runs projects like the Small Enterprises Development Credit Project (SEDCP) and the Northwest Crop Diversification Project (NCDP) to provide loans and training for small-scale farming and agro-based ventures.
- Training and Capacity Building: Through its training institute, RAKUB offers programs to improve the skills of farmers, entrepreneurs, and employees in agricultural and business practices.
These services aim to enhance agricultural productivity, improve living standards, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable rural development in Bangladesh’s northern regions.
Contact
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB), Head Office: 272, Banolata C/A, Airport Road, Rajshahi-6200, Bangladesh or contact any Branch of the Bank
✆ Call Center: +88-01708806036; 01950993407
Telephone: +88-0247-860054, +880 721 862439, +88-0247-860532
Fax: +88-0247-860516
Bank Code: 180
SWIFT Code: RKUBBDDH
Email: info@rakub.org.bd
Website: www.rakub.org.bd
