Standard Chartered Champions Sustainability with Nationwide Impact in Bangladesh
Business Report:
Standard Chartered Bangladesh has unveiled the far-reaching outcomes of its comprehensive sustainability initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to community development and environmental protection. The bank’s efforts span six key sectors: agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, environment, health, and disaster management — all aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable progress.
Speaking on the occasion, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, emphasized the bank’s integrated approach. “Our community initiatives are not add-ons to our operations — they are central to who we are and how we serve our communities,” he stated. “We are investing in long-term impact: empowering entrepreneurs, nurturing students, protecting the environment, supporting agriculture, promoting innovation, and standing by communities in times of need.”
Impact Across Key Areas:
Agriculture:
The bank successfully implemented 11 agricultural projects in 23 districts, targeting improvements in crop productivity, aquaculture, apiculture, mechanisation, and agro-processing. Additionally, it funded seven research initiatives across four universities to promote innovation and resilience in the farming sector.
Health:
Over 1.15 million individuals benefitted from eye care camps conducted nationwide. Furthermore, 50,000 people in remote regions received healthcare services through floating hospitals. The bank also trained 118 nurses and established the fourth medical oxygen plant across four community hospitals.
Education & Entrepreneurship:
Through its Futuremakers initiative with UCEP, 7,000 youths received skill development and job placement support. The bank also supported educational institutions by setting up a conference centre and teacher’s lounge at Dhaka University’s Institute of Business Administration (IBA), and by providing essentials for 5,000 JAAGO Foundation students. Over 116,000 youths were empowered through an online entrepreneurship learning platform.
Environment:
In partnership with Khulna Mukti Sheba Sangstha and Bidyanondo Foundation, the bank supported projects to improve floriculture and reduce plastic pollution. A five-year plan to convert 50 hectares of land into a mangrove forest was also launched to boost biodiversity and climate resilience.
Disaster Management:
The bank provided emergency flood relief to more than 100,000 individuals and winter clothing to over 10,000 people in northern Bangladesh. It also built eight plinths in northern char-areas to safeguard communities during floods.
Measurable Community Impact:
Third-party assessments have confirmed tangible benefits from these interventions. In Sunamganj and Habiganj, haor farmers saw a 15.57% income increase and a 32.11% rise in rice yields, thanks to early-maturing varieties and mechanisation. Meanwhile, the char-area project led to improved diets for 92% of households and boosted average monthly income from BDT 7,519 to BDT 17,262. In apiculture, beekeepers experienced a 25.89% increase in honey production and higher sales prices.
Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing at Standard Chartered Bangladesh, credited grassroots partnerships for the success. “None of this would be possible without our implementation partners. Their deep-rooted engagement at the local level continues to drive our shared mission of inclusive growth.”
Standard Chartered’s initiatives are part of its long-term strategy to support Bangladesh’s sustainable development goals and uphold its brand promise — Here for good. With over 120 years of presence in the country, the bank remains steadfast in driving commerce and uplifting communities through meaningful and lasting contributions.