Dhaka, Sept. 20 -- Despite Bangladesh Bank's allocation of Tk 30,000 crore in low-interest loans for farmers this year, only a fraction of them are reaping the benefits, alleged Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) President AHM Shafiquzzaman on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference titled "CAB's Activity Briefing" at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), Shafiquzzaman claimed that powerful syndicates are forcing farmers to borrow money at high interest rates, undermining the central bank's initiative.

"Whether marginal farmers are truly receiving the benefit of these loans remains a big question," he said.

"Large syndicates have taken control, compelling farmers to borrow at exploitative rates. CAB will intensify efforts to dismantle the...