BB boss urges SCB to be more involved in CSR

Bangladesh Bank (BB) governor Dr Atiur Rahman Thursday called upon Standard Chartered Bank to become more involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities along with its basic banking services.
Dr Rahman made the call while inaugurating the celebration of the UK-based, but emerging market-focused bank's 110-year presence in Bangladesh by opening the renovated building façade at its head office in the capital.
The programme was also addressed, among others, by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert W Gibson, and CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh Abrar A. Anwar.
Wishing continued success of the foreign bank in its future endeavour in Bangladesh, the central bank chief said, "The bank has been operating here for a long time with great professionalism."
"As a foreign bank, it has always been our good partner, contributing significantly to the economic development through innovation of new financial products, facilitating banking, particularly, trade services, and promoting employment generation," the BB governor said.
Citing the central bank's different socially responsible financing ethos in the banking sector, Dr Rahman said, "Standard Chartered has been an active player in this campaign with many humanitarian activities."
On the occasion of celebration of the 100 years' presence, the governor also re-launched 'Orjon', a business loan for women entrepreneurs, with new attractive features.
"It (Orjon) is another noteworthy initiative of the bank," he added.
Bank officials said that among its operations in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, the SCB is disbursing this type of loan of up to 10 million; it will help the women easily realise their dreams.
The products provide the liquidity that the women entrepreneurs need to grow their business or meet cash flow requirement, the officials said, adding that the loan enables the borrowers to obtain financing without any requirement of land or property as collateral.
In his speech, the British envoy said that the SCB has been playing an important role in bringing the new banking solutions while contributing to the development of financial sector in Bangladesh.
He expressed the hope that the bank would continue to play its role.
Mr Anwar said, "Standard Chartered Bank has been actively engaged in the growth and development of Bangladesh. It is the first bank to have setup operations in Bangladesh 110 years ago."
"And we never closed our doors even during the most difficult periods facing the world that is a testimony to our confidence in the growth and development of this market," he added.
To commemorate the 110 years celebration of the bank, it will continue to arrange different client events and provide services to the customers throughout the year.
The SCB is the largest international bank in Bangladesh with 26 branches and 83 ATM booths, employing over 1,900 people in six cities-Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Bogra and Narayanganj.
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