DHAKA - The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved $200 million in interest-free credit to improve livelihoods of approximately 5 million poor people in rural Bangladesh under a project.

The Nuton Jibon Livelihood Improvement project will benefit the rural poor in the poorest sub-districts in 21 districts, building on the activities supported by the predecessor Social Investment Program Project, said a statement of the Washington-based lender received here on Thursday.

It said the project will empower rural communities by providing support for livelihoods and access to market through business partnerships. The project will also offer funding for small rural infrastructures, it added.