Riyadul Mamun Sohag, Chattogram

ASA–Chattogram Division is currently providing loan services to 323,000 members through 157 branches in the ongoing fiscal year. The total outstanding loan amount stands at Tk 1,547 crore. The target for loan disbursement in the 2025–26 fiscal year has been set at Tk 3,000 crore.

These details were disclosed by Saiful Islam Chowdhury, Senior Additional Divisional Manager of ASA Chattogram Division, at a views-exchange meeting with journalists on Monday (24 November) at a hotel in the city.

Speaking about ASA’s ongoing activities, Saiful Islam Chowdhury said that Tk 33.5 lakh has been paid to 670 members against insurance claims. Additionally, Tk 33.5 lakh was provided as burial support for deceased members, with Tk 5,000 allocated per person. As part of medical assistance, 176 members received Tk 7.44 lakh. Moreover, 65 members were given Tk 9.75 lakh as one-time retirement benefits.

He further added that 2,400 winter blankets were distributed through the district administration during the winter season. In addition, financial assistance of Tk 2.52 lakh is provided every month to seven underprivileged meritorious students. ASA representatives also take part regularly in government-declared national days, and the organization continues to play an important role in poverty alleviation and social development.

Highlighting ASA’s education initiatives, Ariful Islam, Education Officer of ASA Chattogram, said the organization has been working to reduce dropout rates among primary and secondary school students. Under the "ASA Primary Education Strengthening Program," 24,108 students are receiving support across 880 centers in the Chattogram Division.

Speaking on ASA’s health services, Ishrat Jahan Eva, Physiotherapist at ASA Chattogram Physiotherapy Center, said that 47,636 patients received services from five health centers. Additionally, 7,236 patients received non-surgical treatment for knee, waist, neck, and hand pain, paralysis, arthritis, disc prolapse and other joint-related issues at two physiotherapy centers.

The meeting was presided over by ASA–Chattogram Division’s Divisional Manager M.M. Nafiz Mahmud and moderated by Additional Divisional Manager Nazrul Islam. Among others, Mohammad Minhajur Rahman, Director of the Chattogram Divisional Office of the Department of Social Services; Assistant Director Abul Kashem; and Chattogram Press Club Member-Secretary Zahedul Karim Kochi also addressed the event.