Shaping Tomorrow: bKash’s vision for education through CSR

When it comes to CSR, the distinction between genuine impact and simple visibility is often subtle but important. Too often, organisations lean towards what is seen rather than what is felt and meaningful. At bKash, we have tried to stay mindful of that balance by focusing less on the optics and more on creating meaningful and lasting impressions.

The journey of bKash began when it was licensed by Bangladesh Bank in 2010, and the commercial operations commenced on 21 July 2011. At that time, Mobile Financial Services (MFS) were still new in Bangladesh. In many ways, core services of bKash were in the form of helping society in bringing the unbanked population under the formal financial system by providing affordable, convenient and limited store value accounts. Financial inclusion was not just a business model; it was more of attaining a social development goal.

However, the founder and

CEO of bKash, Kamal Quadir, realised early on that as a corporate entity, bKash needed structured and focused CSR initiatives beyond its core services. Around 2014, bKash formally designed its CSR framework, placing education at the centre.

We believe that true enlightenment of any individual comes from exposure to knowledge beyond textbooks. While formal education is essential, books outside the syllabus–on science, history, literature, technology etc. help shaping inquisitive and curious minds. That is why bKash has consistently focused on cultivating reading habits among young people. Encouraging students to explore beyond their curriculum is, in our view, a long-term investment. It helps build a more thoughtful and intuitive generation.

At the same time, we observed a growing trend of bright students from science backgrounds choosing to pursue business studies, often for better job prospects. As a Nation, we cannot afford to lag behind in science, technology and innovation. To address this, we organised and supported countrywide science festivals at school and college levels, providing students with a platform to showcase innovative ideas, compete, and gain recognition. Such early exposure to science and technology can shape lifelong interests and influence individual career paths.

Our CSR efforts also extend to supporting children with special needs. We have partnered with institutions dedicated to their education and development, recognising that inclusivity must remain at the core of any meaningful social initiative.

Another area bKash has prioritised is the modernisation of libraries. Even in an age of digital access, physical libraries still hold immense value. There is something powerful about being in a serene space surrounded by books, designed for uninterrupted focus and attention for deeper comprehension of any subject of interest. We are working to transform libraries into inviting, modern environments–such as our recent initiative at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka with the primary objective of drawing people of all age groups to a befitting environment for reading.

When it comes to optics, bKash has deliberately adopted an understated approach. For us, CSR is not about showcasing generosity, but about fulfilling a responsibility. At the same time, we believe it is important for people to understand what a company stands for. Accordingly, bKash communicates its CSR efforts in a manner that is measured, subtle, and respectful.

If resources were not a constraint, bKash would prioritise improving and modernizing rural schools. Many institutions across Bangladesh lack basic infrastructure, including functional libraries, laboratories, playgrounds, and other essential facilities. Rather than spreading our efforts too thin, bKash would focus on transforming a select number of schools into model institutions. The objective would be to create scalable and replicable examples that can be adopted by others–corporates, NGOs, or even the government, thereby driving broader, sustainable impact across the education sector.

bKash is also increasingly focusing on environmental sustainability as part of its CSR agenda. Our digital services inherently reduce the need for physical travel, thereby contributing to lower carbon emissions. Beyond that, we are exploring afforestation projects inspired by the national policy and global best practices. The idea is to engage our customers in a technology-driven model where their transactional activities will be recognized and considered as a contribution to planting a tree. In fact, the responsibility of the plantation and nurturing of the tree will be borne by bKash for each customer attaining a set threshold by making financial transactions through bKash.

CSR is also deeply embedded in bKash's culture, ethos and values. During natural calamities, our employees voluntarily contributed by donating a day's salary. During the pandemic, bKash waived fees on essential services despite significant revenue impact and facilitated the procurement of critical medical equipment, including 390 ventilators, which were handed over to the government and installed in different hospitals. These actions were not mandated–they came from a shared sense of responsibility.

Looking ahead, we are exploring the idea of supporting a group of talented young individuals–particularly in the field of technology–by providing them with the resources, mentorship, funding and space to undertake innovative projects. The focus would not be on guaranteed outcomes, but on fostering commitment, creativity, and experimentation. Even if only a few succeed, the impact could be transformative–not just for bKash, but for the broader financial and technological ecosystem.

Ultimately, CSR should not be about ticking boxes. It should be about identifying real gaps, committing to them with sincerity, and creating change that lasts beyond the immediate moment. That is the principle bKash strives to uphold.

A quiet push shaping young minds through book reading: bKash partnering with BSK for 12 years

Beyond academic curricula, a quieter but deeply meaningful initiative has been steadily shaping young minds over the decades- the book reading programme by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro. To add more value to this impactful initiative, bKash joined hands with Bishwo Shahitto Kendro 12 years ago to bolster one simple but powerful habit- reading.

At its core, the initiative was designed with a long-term vision to build an 'enlightened society' by cultivating reading habits that reach millions of students across the country. Rather than short-term visibility, the focus remained on building a sustainable culture of reading among school and college-going children, particularly those aged 11 to 18, an age group considered most receptive to lifelong habits.

Illustration: TBS

It often comes to mind why a fintech corporate company like bKash joined such an initiative. Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash, Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd) shared, "From the perspective of sustainable CSR, it's a clear belief from bKash's leadership that good habits formed early can shape an entire generation. For that, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, an institution well known for enlightening millions through book reading, is the ideal choice for collaboration. By nurturing reading into students' everyday lives, the effort aims to go beyond textbooks and encourage curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking."

Since 2014, the impact has grown significantly. bKash has distributed over 4,07,880 books through Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, reached around 3,000 educational institutions and benefitted approximately 3.4 million readers. On average, about 40,000 books are distributed annually, with nearly 100 new institutions added each year. Importantly, the programme has also reached remote and rural areas, ensuring that access to books is not limited by geography.

From the remote island areas to the hill tracts of Bangladesh, this book-reading initiative is bringing a rich and diverse range of out-of-curriculum books directly to students. It helps to unlock new horizons of imagination, curiosity and knowledge to young readers of hard-to-reach communities and enhancing the knowledge-based society.

What makes the initiative unique is its sustained engagement model. Schools are continuously monitored, student progress is reviewed, and worn-out books are regularly replaced, making sure that reading remains an active and evolving experience rather than a one-time intervention.