NCC Bank, GUK launch climate resilience project in Gaibandha chars

NCC Bank PLC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gana Unnayan Kendra  (GUK), a non-governmental development organisation, to strengthen climate resilience and improve sustainable livelihoods in the char areas of Fulchhari upazila in Gaibandha.

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, NCC Bank will finance a two-year project, titled “The Adaptive Eco Char Project: A Blueprint for Thriving Dynamic Landscapes”, according to a press release.

Implemented in the char areas of Fazlupur and Fulchhari unions, the project aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of local communities to climate change while ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Key initiatives include establishing solar-powered Digital Resilience Centers for early disaster warnings, digital services and training, telemedicine-based healthcare services, safe drinking water systems, and solar power facilities.

The project will also promote climate-resilient agriculture, homestead vegetable cultivation, livestock rearing, women entrepreneurship development, and community-based disaster management capacity.

Thousands of families are expected to gain access to safe water, renewable energy and healthcare services, while more than 300 families will have opportunities to engage in income-generating activities.

M Shamsul Arefin, managing director of the bank, and M Abdus Salam, chief executive officer of GUK, signed the MoU at the bank’s head office in Dhaka recently.

Arefin said NCC Bank has long been supporting marginalised communities through education, healthcare and other social initiatives.

“The people of char regions live in extremely vulnerable conditions and face the adverse impacts of climate change every year,” he said, adding that the project would help families protect their livelihoods and achieve sustainable economic development.

Salam said the partnership would serve as an effective model for climate resilience and sustainable economic development in Bangladesh’s char regions.

Cultivera Limited will serve as the project’s strategic partner, while Daahuk will act as the research and evaluation partner.

M Khurshed Alam, additional managing director of the bank; Md Zakir Anam, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman and Md Habibur Rahman, deputy managing directors, among others, were also present.