Books are the best companions of human beings -- and that is believed by all. Even though the world is now at its peak of using technology in everything, the glamour of paperbacks has not left the earth. While the number of books is increasing day by day, so are the prices.

Although once eminent writer Syed Mujtaba Ali said 'Buying books cannot make you bankrupt'- people often faced discomfort while glaring at desired books with shortage of money in pocket. To solve the equation between need and reality, IPDC Finance Limited launched a useful loan project for the booklovers called 'Subodh'.

What exactly is the IPDC Subodh Loan Project? And how does it bridge the gap between the necessity and reality? UNB visited Subodh's stall at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair to get the facts about all the hype over this project.

Talking to UNB, IPDC Subodh Loan Project Supervisor Mushfiqur Rahman explained that the whole initiative has originated to grow the love for books among people.

"Although books haven't lost the glamour among the booklovers, many do not feel interested in books anymore these days,' Mushfiqur said.

He went on to say, 'Many can blame tech addiction for that, but it's also true that sometimes people, especially the students, cannot buy their desired books because of financial constraints.'

Mushfiq explained that the whole system is reliant on bKash service, without a single paisa as interest. To avail of the loan, one has to be a Bangladeshi citizen and bring some necessary documents such as the photocopy of NID card, they must hold a personal bKash wallet and of course a smartphone.

"First, the buyer will send us the 10 percent of his total purchased amount (max purchase 3000) and we'll send the total amount to the publisher. The buyer will have the facility to repay the loan without interest through bKash within 3 months," he explained to UNB.

Asked if the service only offers the loan to students, Mushfiq clarified that anyone can avail of the loan -- student, working people or businessman -- there is no barrier.

At the inaugural ceremony of the loan service on February 2 at the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, MD and CEO of IPDC Finance Ltd Mominul Islam said, "This time, IPDC has brought the loan facility to boost the enthusiasm of booklovers and return the interest in reading books to the present generation."

He expressed the hope that Subodh will be a great help in buying favourite books for the customers.

How is the service?

According to its consumers, the overall process is simple - albeit a little time consuming.

Naim Faisal, a student of Dhaka University, recently used the facility to buy new books and his impression about it was mostly positive.

"I think, this is a marvelous opportunity for those who are short in cash and cannot afford their desired books," he told UNB.

Although he pointed out that the whole process could have been more convenient.

"The delay in paying the publisher is awkward as it's fairly a new system that many are not familiar with. I hope, they'll improve in the future," he added.

Interested booklovers can visit their stall number 127 at the Bangla Academy premises -Visit website https://www.ipdcbd.com/index.php/shubodh or call 16519 for more information.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan