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Title: Best Practices in Microcredit Governance: Lessons from Bangladesh

Abstract: The performance of two prominent microcredit providers—Grameen Bank and BRAC NGO—is examined in this paper, with particular attention paid to their different organizational structures and governance frameworks. As a borrower-owned cooperative, Grameen Bank promotes member involvement in decision-making, which, through group lending, encourages ownership and peer support but may also lead to social pressure. BRAC NGO, on the other hand, employs a centralized governance model and offers a thorough approach to micro credit that is in line with its larger social development initiatives. Although this strategy provides comprehensive assistance, it may not be as flexible to meet the needs of each borrower. Although borrower choices and economic conditions have an impact on their effectiveness, both groups aim to increase loan attachment and reduce poverty. While BRAC depends on a combination of donor money and revenue-generating operations, Grameen Bank places a higher priority on self-sufficiency. The impact and sustainability of microcredit systems might be improved by fusing the advantages of both models—BRAC's integrated approach and Grameen Bank's borrower ownership.

By Tahmina Akhter, Shanzida Hassan
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Islamic Banking in Bangladesh: A Case Study of FSIBL and Implications for Indian Islamic Banking Prospects and Societal Banking

Abstract: Islamic banking is reshaping Bangladesh’s financial landscape by offering a Sharia-compliant alternative to conventional banking, particularly through innovative community-driven micro-savings and micro-investment models. This qualitative study analyzes First Security Islami Bank Limited (FSIBL), Bangladesh’s first full-fledged Islamic bank (est. 1999), to draw insights for India’s emerging Islamic banking sector. FSIBL’s success in applying profit-loss sharing (PLS) models—such as Mudarabah-based micro-savings pools converted into agricultural investments and Bai-mode financing for SMEs—alongside mobile banking-enabled societal banking initiatives, demonstrates how Islamic finance can bridge financial inclusion gaps in developing economies. The bank’s CSR-linked community investment programs, which transform small deposits into Waqf-funded local projects, offer a replicable template for India. However, recent governance lapses and liquidity crunches highlight systemic risks in scaling these models without robust safeguards. The study addresses two questions: (1) How does FSIBL’s integration of microfinance with Islamic principles validate its viability in emerging markets? (2) What lessons can India adopt to leverage societal banking wings for grassroots capital formation while avoiding governance pitfalls? Findings reveal that participatory micro-investment frameworks require three pillars: strong Sharia governance (e.g., community oversight committees), depositor protection mechanisms (e.g., taka ful-backed micro-savings), and adaptive asset-liability management (e.g., blockchain-tracked PLS ventures). By examining FSIBL’s journey, the paper proposes actionable strategies for India to harness Islamic banking’s dual social-commercial mandate, advocating for regulatory sandboxes to pilot community savings-to-investment chains and tax-neutrality for micro-investment products. The study concludes that India’s vast SHG networks and digital infrastructure position it to outperform Bangladesh’s model—if integrated with ethical resilience and operational transparency.

By Abu Sayed, Nabila Aktia Chowdhury
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: The Impact of Pawnbroking on Local Communities with special reference to Bangladesh

Abstract: This study examines pawnbroking's impact on social entrepreneurship and its implications for social development. It posits that Pawnbroking aids vulnerable entrepreneurs, often excluded from formal credit, in accessing quick financial resources, thereby enhancing social entrepreneurship. Through a meta-analysis and literature review, including three case studies from Bangladesh, the findings indicate that, despite exploitative practices, pawnshops are vital for providing the impoverished with financial access and supporting social welfare. However, risks such as asset loss, debt cycles, and exploitation of desperate borrowers are also highlighted. The study emphasizes the need for regulatory oversight and more accessible financial systems that protect borrowers while maintaining accessibility. Overall, pawnbroking offers both advantages and challenges for local communities in Bangladesh, necessitating a balance between quick cash access and consumer protections to promote healthier community dynamics.

By José G. Vargas-Hernández, Amina Khatun, Csongor Czipf, Absalón J. Salmerón-Zapata
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: A Critical Review on Financial, Developmental and Supervisory Role of NABARD: With Special Reference to Functions of its Management Bodies

Abstract: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) formed in 1982 on 12th July is India's leading agricultural finance and rural development institution. This paper critically examines NABARD's development, financing, and supervisory roles with particular reference to the operations of its organizational hierarchies. NABARD performs as a support system for rural banking organizations' refinancing, financial inclusion, financing infrastructure operations, and promoting capacity-building schemes such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Its departments such as Financial Inclusion and Development, Infrastructure and Development, and Supervision allow NABARD to support rural credit infrastructure and policy adherence. This paper assesses the performance of NABARD in rural development, climate resilient farming, and inclusive growth. Imbalanced credit flow to regions, over-reliance on government support, weak digital connectivity, and congruence of youth training skills remain issues despite these advancements. Despite these issues, NABARD remains a powerful instrument of sustainable rural development and farm advancement in India. This paper thus concludes the relevance of policy reforms, technology adoption, and greater autonomy to improve NABARD's long-term performance.

By Saumya Rai, Dinesh Kumar Tiwari
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Gender Based Violence and Its Impact on the Society

Abstract: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global issue that affects individuals across all demographics, but disproportionately impacts women and girls. This abstract examines the multifaceted nature of GBV, encompassing various forms such as physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. Using a socio-ecological framework, it explores the complex interplay of individual, relational, community, and societal factors that contribute to the perpetuation of GBV. Furthermore, the abstract delves into the profound consequences of GBV on individuals and society at large. Beyond the immediate physical and psychological trauma experienced by survivors, GBV perpetuates cycles of poverty, hinders economic development, and undermines social cohesion. It exacerbates existing inequalities and impedes progress towards gender equality and women's empowerment. Drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, this paper underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral approaches to address GBV effectively. Such approaches should encompass prevention, intervention, and response strategies that engage diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals. Moreover, efforts to combat GBV must be underpinned by a commitment to challenging harmful gender norms, promoting human rights, and fostering gender-equitable societies. By shedding light on the pervasive nature and far-reaching impacts of GBV, this abstract seeks to inform policy, advocacy, and programming efforts aimed at eradicating this grave violation of human rights and fostering a more just and equitable society for all.

By Faraha, Nazia Ansari
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1