In a first in the banking sector, BRAC Bank has introduced water supply and sanitation financing in collaboration with Water.org and its microfinance partners. Water.org is a global nonprofit organization working to bring water and sanitation to the world. The bank formally marked the launch through a ceremony titled ‘Improving Lives through Water Supply and Sanitation’ at Lakeshore Hotel on October 16. The ceremony was a networking session for Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and Water.org as they shared knowledge, exchanged ideas, and discussed innovative solutions. Selim R. F. Hussain, Managing Director & CEO, BRAC Bank; Syed Abdul Momen, Deputy Managing Director & Head of SME Banking, BRAC Bank; Manoj Gulati, Regional Director, South Asia, Water.org; Tapos Kumar Roy, Head of MFI & Agriculture Financing, BRAC Bank; and senior officials of partner microfinance institutions attended the ceremony. Syed Abdul Momen; DMD & Head of SME Banking, BRAC Bank, Sajid Amit, Executive Director, South Asia, Water. Org; S. M. A. Rakib, Coordinator-Special Program, Buro Bangladesh; and M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury; Executive Director, COAST Foundation; took part in a panel discussion on “The Road Ahead: Unlocking New Avenues for Water & Sanitation Financing in Bangladesh”. Mohammad Jakirul Islam, Head of SME Strategy, Innovation & New Business, BRAC Bank, moderated the session.
