Standard Chartered and Friendship launch clean energy and afforestation project in Kurigram

Standard Chartered Bangladesh, in partnership with Friendship, has launched an environmental project designed to deliver clean energy, safe water, and climate resilience to the remote island of Notunchar in Kurigram.

Notunchar, a sedimentary island located at the north-eastern point of Chilmari upazila, remains disconnected from the national grid and lacks access to basic infrastructure such as electricity, gas, and clean water. Under this initiative, the island will be connected to a 70-kilowatt solar micro-grid, supported by a water treatment facility and a large-scale afforestation drive.

The solar plant, with an estimated daily energy output of 263 kWh, will provide reliable electricity to 175 households, along with multiple shops, schools, and religious institutions, benefiting some 875 people. A water treatment facility – capable of supplying 60 litres of clean water per hour – will serve both the community's needs and the grid's maintenance. In parallel, 8,000 trees will be planted across Notunchar, Ghughumari Char, and eight additional chars in Gaibandha and Chilmari. The plantation drive aims to combat soil erosion, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to carbon offsetting.

To ensure sustainability and community ownership, 10 local residents will be trained as para-solar technicians and entrepreneurs, enabling them to build and maintain the micro-grid and related facilities. The Bank's partnership with Friendship builds on earlier collaborations, including the establishment of the Ghughumari Char Solar Village in 2023, and reflects its long-term vision to reduce inequality and expand opportunity.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "Climate resilience must begin where the impacts are felt most deeply. By bringing clean energy to 875 beneficiaries, ensuring access to safe water, and planting 8,000 trees, we are enabling communities of Notunchar and adjacent areas to build a more secure and sustainable future. With the right partnerships, communities can not only survive but thrive in the face of climate challenges."

Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director of Friendship, said, "Partnerships such as Friendship's with Standard Chartered are powerful because they go beyond infrastructure. They allow people to lead their own future, to know they are not forgotten, and that even in the most remote places, their lives and dreams matter."

These initiatives form part of Standard Chartered's broader strategy to support Bangladesh's sustainable development, while delivering on the Bank's brand promise — Here for good.