PHOTO: BRAC BANK

STAR BUSINESS DESK

BRAC Bank recently signed an agreement with WaterAid Bangladesh, a non-profit organisation, to support more than 10,000 individuals living in the coastal region of Satkhira in gaining access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and better hygiene.

Md Sabbir Hossain, deputy managing director and chief operating officer at the bank, and Hasin Jahan, country director of the NGO, signed the deal at the latter’s office in Dhaka, according to a press release.

Hossain said, “Aporajeyo WE is not just about providing water—it’s about building healthier communities, empowering women, and promoting long-term resilience against climate issues.”

“We aim to create lasting improvements in people’s lives for years,” he added.

Hasin Jahan said, “This partnership is crucial for ensuring that those who need safe water and sanitation the most receive it.”

“By combining our expertise with BRAC Bank’s dedication to social good, we can develop solutions that enhance public health, empower communities—especially women—and uplift local economies through promoting women-led enterprises,” she added.

This initiative is part of BRAC Bank’s corporate social responsibility programme, Aporajeyo Water Entrepreneur (WE), which aims to mitigate and adapt to climate change, aligning with Bangladesh Bank guidelines.

Under the agreement, they will set up five water purification plants in the water-scarce areas of Gabura and Padma Pukur unions of Shyamnagar, Satkhira, to enhance access to clean water.

Additionally, the programme will improve sanitation facilities and implement a rainwater collection system at three local health clinics, fostering improved health and well-being for the community.

By introducing reverse osmosis water filtration systems and conducting awareness workshops on hygiene practices, the initiative seeks to significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, which are often worsened by saline water sources.

Other senior officials from both the bank and the NGO were also present.