Extend CSR activities to boost edn, end poverty
Speakers tell meeting
Former adviser to the caretaker government Rokia Afzal Rahman speaks at a CSR presentation meeting at a hotel in the port city of Chittagong yesterday. Photo: STAR
Businesspersons should widen the periphery of activities under corporate social responsibilities to boost education, free environment from pollution and alleviate poverty in the country. Speakers told this to CSR presentation meeting held at a hotel in Chittagong city yesterday. Management and Resource Development Initiative (MRDI) in association with Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organised the meeting with the business community of Chittagong. Rokia Afzal Rahman, former adviser to the caretaker government and president of Bangladesh Employers' Federation, attended the meeting as the chief guest. Rokia said businesspersons should have responsibilities towards the society since they make profit through businesses in the society. She urged the businesses to adopt CSR, as it helps build a company's image and reputation, consequently increasing profit. A lot of sectors in Bangladesh need more intervention of the corporate houses, Rokia said. She stressed the need for developing a culture in the country to encourage businesses to be more socially responsible. Rokia also sought policy support from the government in this regard. Bangladesh Bank General Manager, Chittagong, Mohammad Naushad Ali Chowdhury, and National Board of Revenue (NBR) Member, Jahan Ara Siqqiqui, were special guests at the seminar moderated by The Financial Express Editor Moazzem Hossain. NBR Member Jahan Ara said the government has relaxed some conditions for the corporate houses with a view to encouraging CSR. Businesses can get 10 percent tax rebate by spending a certain amount of money on CSR, according to a revised statutory regulatory order (SRO) issued on July 1. BB GM Naushad Ali said the central bank is taking proactive measures to promote CSR. Proper utilisation of CSR fund can be a key factor in eliminating poverty, said Moazzem Hossain in the closing remarks. He sought a working definition of CSR in the context of Bangladesh, pointing to the necessity to differentiate among CSR, philanthropy and charity. Local investors, officials of Chittagong Income Tax Department and media houses participated in the seminar and MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman made the address of welcome.
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