Prime Bank signs MOU with friendship to support kurigram char communities
Prime Bank PLC and Friendship have launched a climate resilience initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable char communities.
Under Prime Bank's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, the two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement "Safe Shores: Empowering Char Communities against Climate Change", focusing on disaster preparedness and long-term resilience in climate-affected riverine areas.
The project aims to strengthen climate adaptation capacity, protect livelihoods and build long-term resilience in Bhatpara, one of the most vulnerable chars under Austomir Char Union in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram district, which faces recurring floods, river erosion and extreme weather events.
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Under the initiative, the partners plan to implement renewable energy solutions (a "solar village"), flood-resilient shelters or raised plinths, livelihood support, sanitary latrines and tree plantation programmes in the char areas. The interventions align with Friendship's integrated climate adaptation model, the organisations said.
The MoU was signed by Hassan O Rashid, chief executive officer of Prime Bank PLC, and Runa Khan, founder and executive director of Friendship. Also present were Md Ziaur Rahman, deputy managing director and chief risk officer of Prime Bank, and Muhammed Shameem Reza, senior director (legal) and chief financial officer of Friendship.
"At Prime Bank, we believe true banking goes beyond transactions; it stands beside people when they are most vulnerable. Through this project, we are investing in resilience, dignity and hope. This partnership reflects our commitment to building a future where no community is left behind in the face of climate change," Hassan O Rashid said.
Runa Khan said, "When a family loses land to erosion, they lose more than a home; they lose their ability to hope and plan, as their dignity is wrenched away. 'Safe Shores' is about restoring courage and strength, so communities in Bhatpara can rebuild their lives with safety and opportunity. Friendship is proud to join Prime Bank to back locally led resilience, with women and children at its core."
