BRAC Bank expands scholarships for 300 female students at CU

BRAC Bank has expanded its 'Aporajeyo TARA' scholarship programme to provide financial assistance to 300 female students from the Faculty of Business Administration and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Chittagong (CU).

The partnership was formalised during a signing ceremony held at the CU campus on 19 March 2025. Md Shaheen Iqbal, CFA, deputy managing director and head of treasury & financial institutions, signed on behalf of BRAC Bank. Professor S M Nasrul Quadir, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, and Professor Dr Md Iqbal Shahin Khan, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, represented CU in the agreement.

During the ceremony, Professor Quadir expressed his gratitude to BRAC Bank, stating, "This initiative will have a profound impact on the lives of our female students. It is more than just financial support; it is a catalyst for change that will empower our students to dream bigger and achieve greater success in their academic and professional careers."

Md Shaheen Iqbal remarked, "At BRAC Bank, we firmly believe that investing in women's education is an investment in the future of our country. With the Aporajeyo TARA scholarships, we aim to bridge the gender gap in higher education and ensure that financial limitations hold back no deserving student."

Women continue to be underrepresented in higher education in Bangladesh, comprising less than 40% of university students. Recognising this disparity, BRAC Bank's scholarship programme is dedicated to supporting female students, helping them access quality education and become empowered leaders.

Aporajeyo TARA is BRAC Bank's flagship CSR initiative to promote women's education. In addition to CU, the bank has supported female students at institutions such as the University of Dhaka, Rajshahi University, and BRAC University, among others, through partnerships with the Prothom Alo Trust since 2011, benefiting over 2,000 students.

BRAC Bank is a values-based organisation committed to breaking financial barriers and social taboos through its CSR initiatives. The bank strives to create opportunities, ensure access to education, and enable individuals to realise their potential and lead meaningful lives.