Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Friendship recently inaugurated a comprehensive environmental project for 750 residents of Ghughumari Char, a remote sedimentary island in Kurigram, a press release said Tuesday.
Under the project, the previously off-grid island will be supported with a 54-kilowatt solar micro-grid, 60 tube wells, and a tree plantation initiative. By providing access to essential resources, the bank is lifting participation amongst marginalised communities and helping to drive sustainable economic and social development.
The installation of a cost-efficient solar micro-grid will connect 150 households to a much-needed sustainable energy source. The installation of 60 tube wells will ensure access to safe and clean drinking water for the island’s residents. Trees will be planted to arrest soil erosion and offset carbon footprint. All initiatives are expected to be completed within sixth months from inception.
The agreement for the Standard Chartered-Friendship Solar Village project was signed by Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, SCB, and Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director, Friendship, at the Friendship head office in Dhaka. Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, SCB, and Md. Kamal Uddin, Senior Director and Head of Sustainable Economic Development, Friendship were also present.
