DHAKA: Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) will provide Tk 1.7-crore to set up a woman’s training centre cum health centre at Char Patila of Char Fassion in Bhola.

An agreement was inked between Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) Ltd. and Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), as part of its CSR advocacy initiative, in this regard.

Managing Director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank Limited Anis A Khan and Executive Director of MRDI Hasibur Rahman signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations, said a press release on Tuesday (August 16).

Speakers said the adverse impact of climate change hampers Bangladesh’s efforts at breaking the cycle of poverty that traps thousands of people living in the country’s off-shore chars.

Former Adviser to the Caretaker government and MRDI’s board member Rokia Afzal Rahman called for greater engagement of the corporate sector in CSR activities that directly address climate vulnerable people.

“Over the years, banks have created good examples of CSR like this intervention which other sectors of business should follow,” she added.

Anis A Khan said, MTB has been supporting interventions in remote char areas for years.  

“To foster total development of the community we are continuing this support to the poorest of the poor,” he said.

Referring to MRDI’s CSR advocacy program Hasibur Rahman said, “MTB’s support to the initiative of improving education, health and livelihood will encourage other business houses in making the best use of their CSR money.”

Need for livelihood and health care services surfaced from a study of MRDI, supported by Bangladesh Bank. The study found the impoverished village as one of the worst climate change affected areas.

The funds will be used to train women of the remote village to gain skills in sewing and stitching so they earn to support their families. They will form an association to run the centre and sustain the initiative.

The health care centre will provide primary health care including safe motherhood services to the villagers. The initiative will train paramedics to provide the services.

The health centre will also be linked with Char Fassion upazilla health complex for referral services.

BDST: 1925 HRS, AUG 16, 2016
BD/RR