M Shahjahan Bhuiyan, managing director of the bank, disclosed this at a press briefing in Dhaka yesterday. The briefing was organised to announce the launch of a 'special service month' offered by the bank, marking its 11th anniversary.

The managing director also informed that they would open 10 new branches across the country this year. Presently, the bank has a total of 42 branches.

Under the programme of special service month, the bank will recognise three microcredit loan recipients, who are now self-sufficient, to encourage the microcredit entrepreneurs.

The bank will also hold discussions at its all branches to exchange views with the customers.

"Besides, we have already increased the deposit interest rate from 9.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the bank," said Bhuiyan.

However, he said the bank has also increased lending rate to highest 15 per cent.

Prime Bank deputy managing directors Nasiruddin Ahmed and Mahbubul Alam, and executive vice-presidents Manash Kumar Ghosh, IB Chowdhury and Mokhter Hossain were present at the press briefing.