HSBC announces Tk 10 crore aid for Ctg flood-hit families

HSBC Bangladesh has announced Tk 10 crore in humanitarian assistance for the rehabilitation and sustainable recovery of families affected by the recent floods in Chattogram division.

The rehabilitation programme was formally launched at a programme held at Chattogram Circuit House today.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The funds will be used to rebuild damaged homes, restore livelihoods, repair educational institutions, and improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

Finance and Planning Minister and lawmaker Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury inaugurated the initiative as the chief guest.

Bangladesh Bank Director Sworup Kumar Chowdhury, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia, HSBC Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer Md Mahbub Ur Rahman, and Md Liaquat Ali, director of BRAC’s Disaster Risk Management Programme and Climate and Environmental Innovation Programme, also spoke at the event.

It was announced at the programme that BRAC will implement the seven-month rehabilitation programme with funding from HSBC Bangladesh. The programme will involve six months of field-level activities, followed by one month for preparing the final report.

Recently, 10 districts in Chattogram division were severely affected by flash floods, landslides and prolonged waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall and water flowing down from upstream areas. More than 1.04 million people were affected, according to the programme organisers.

The floods caused extensive damage to homes, educational institutions, sanitation facilities, water sources and agricultural land.

The project will prioritise the worst-affected areas in Ward 38 of Chattogram City Corporation, Satkania and Banshkhali upazilas in Chattogram, and Chakaria upazila in Cox’s Bazar, project officials said.

Under the programme, 50 damaged schools will be repaired and renovated, while educational materials will be distributed among students.

In addition, 250 damaged houses will be rebuilt, 400 latrines will be repaired or constructed, and 30 tube wells will be rehabilitated. Some 300 low-income families will receive support to restore their livelihoods, while 600 of the most vulnerable farming families will be provided with necessary agricultural inputs.

Speaking at the event, HSBC Bangladesh CEO Md Mahbub Ur Rahman said, “At HSBC, our responsibility goes beyond business. We are committed to improving the lives of the communities we work with through our partnership with BRAC.”

“We are investing in housing, livelihoods and essential services to help families recover and build long-term resilience to climate-related disasters,” he said.

He said HSBC has always sought to contribute to the welfare of the people of Bangladesh.

The assistance would help rebuild homes, create livelihood opportunities and provide other essential support to flood-affected people, he added.

At least 12,000 affected families will receive various forms of assistance under the project, he said.

Speaking as the chief guest, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said it was encouraging to see private organisations coming forward alongside the government to support people affected by the floods in Chattogram.

“Many things can be done more effectively through public-private partnerships,” he said, adding that such partnerships could help ensure transparency and accountability while reducing irregularities and corruption.