Eastern Bank PLC and icddr,b signed an agreement at the EBL's head office in Dhaka on Monday. Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) and icddr,b have taken a pioneering step in corporate social responsibility by investing in healthcare waste management and addressing water scarcity in coastal areas.
The partnership was formalised with the signing of an agreement at the EBL's head office in Dhaka on Monday, says a statement.
Building on the success of a healthcare waste management project funded by EBL in early 2024, the bank has extended its support to a second phase of the Best Practices in Sustainable Solid Biohazardous Waste Management initiative at icddr,b.
This phase will enhance waste treatment capacity at icddr,b by introducing advanced sterilization technology and providing training to key healthcare facilities in Dhaka.
The programme also aims to align national healthcare waste management policies with sustainable practices, ensuring a more environment-friendly and resilient healthcare system. Dr Asadulghani, Head of the Biosafety, Biorepository, and Containment Lab at icddr,b, will lead the implementation of this project.
EBL has also committed to supporting icddr,b's new project, Purified Water for Salinity-Prone Areas: Overcoming Water Scarcity Challenges in Coastal Bangladesh.
Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director and CEO of EBL, said, "At EBL, we believe in pushing the boundaries of traditional corporate responsibility. Supporting initiatives like these, where environmental sustainability meets public health, allows us to create a ripple effect of positive change. We are not just investing in projects; we're investing in the future of our communities."
Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b, echoed this sentiment: "When corporate partners like EBL step up, the potential for transformation is immense. These initiatives go beyond the immediate impacts of healthcare waste management or water purification; they build resilience, empower communities, and set the stage for sustainable solutions to climate and health challenges. Together, we are shaping a future where every action counts."
The total support from EBL for both projects amounts to Tk 9.2 million (approximately USD 76,857), highlighting the bank's commitment to environmental sustainability and public health.
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