Questions & Answers

During the pandemic, some philanthropic students of the Environmental Sciences department were helping juniors who had suddenly fallen into difficulty. The founder noticed that many people are embarrassed to accept charity. His thought was: if the same money is lent rather than given, that same money can rescue many students over a lifetime instead of just one. Thirty-three students started the programme with Tk 2,26,000.

Md Rokibul Hossain, a former student of the first batch of the Environmental Sciences department at Jahangirnagar University (28th batch). Born in Tangail, now resident in Kalabagan, Dhaka. He works as a Management Consultant and Trainer at CQS, which he founded in 2012.

The 33 contributors who turned the idea into reality by giving from nothing. Their names and designations are recorded on this website so their contribution is remembered permanently.

No. The founder’s residence serves as the office for now. All activity and meetings happen online, so an office is not currently needed.

Through branches. Past and present students of each branch lend or donate what they can, and the organisers also raise funds directly from individuals and organisations through Facebook.

It is a completely interest-free loan programme for university students. Any student may borrow regardless of wealth, academic standing, religion or background. Loans are not given to anyone who is intoxicated or involved in crime.

Mobile phones, computers or laptops, bicycles, GRE/IELTS/TOEFL courses, tuition support, job applications, textbooks, medical costs, going abroad for higher study, family hardship, parents’ medical treatment, and small business support that keeps a student in education.

Apply through this website or the app. The branch’s approving teacher or authorised representative verifies the applicant’s details and whether they can keep the commitment and repay. Once approved, the loan is disbursed by cheque or bKash.

Agreed with the borrower — usually three to six months, and up to a year in special cases.

The organisation generally does not lend to anyone unwilling or unable to repay. If repayment fails, repeated reminders are given. Where someone is genuinely unable, the committee considers the case.

No. No collateral, no guarantor and no certificates are required. The borrower’s promise is our only security.

No. Anyone in need may borrow, whatever their own or their family’s financial position.

Yes. Contributors may borrow for their own needs, and may withdraw their own loan subject to sufficient funds.

All funds are held at Agrani Bank, Jahangirnagar University Branch. Account name DANNOY-DHAR, number 02-00020321649, SWIFT AGBKBDDH, routing 010262267. The account is operated jointly by Professor Dr Syed Hafizur Rahman and Md Rokibul Hossain.

Contributors are listed with photo, name, designation and amount; sponsors are listed in full. Everything is run by volunteers and there is no operating cost beyond website maintenance. All income and expenditure is kept updated here.

At any time, subject to sufficient funds. Money withdrawn within the first year carries no credit on the site; after a year, honorary credit is retained. Donations are not refundable.

Not yet. Branches at other universities will open as funds allow.

There are none beyond website hosting. Everything is volunteer-run, and that small cost is met from donations or company sponsorship.

No. Should deposits ever grow large and sit idle, the board might consider an entirely risk-free investment, but this is very unlikely.

No. Because the money is lent and is repayable, Zakat may not be given to this fund. Ordinary donations are welcome — in Islam, lending is itself an act of merit.

No. The fund will never be placed in an FDR or anywhere that accrues interest.

No. The fund is not used for donations, scholarships or other charity. Any such plan would be run from a separately raised fund.

Planning, fundraising and lending currently rest with the founder, Md Rokibul Hossain. The bank account is operated jointly with the Chief Adviser, Dr Syed Hafizur Rahman. A steering committee of leading contributors is planned.

Contribute a small amount — at least Tk 1,000 — as a loan or donation and take a contributor ID. Then discuss with the organisers what you can do and when.

Branches can open in any university department or students’ welfare society. Speak to the organisers and a volunteer will guide you through it.

Call 01320-300-555 directly, or message the Dan Noy-Dhar Facebook page.

Apply through the form on this site or through the mobile app, giving your name, department, batch, roll, hall, contact details, the amount you need, its purpose and how you will repay. A campus coordinator verifies only whether the applicant is intoxicated or involved in anti-social activity. On approval the loan is paid by cheque or bKash.

Each branch has an approving teacher or a representative who knows the students. No salary or honorarium is paid to anyone.

Publishing a borrower’s name is optional. Anyone who has given more than Tk 10,000 may inspect the complete records at the office at any time, and in special cases this is open to anyone.

Success rests on three things: growing the fund, lending to the right students, and recovering on time so the money can go out again. In practice about 85% of borrowers repay readily once reminded. In three years, a principal of Tk 2,26,000 supported Tk 4,70,500 of lending — the original money came back twice over.