Sowing Sustainability: Standard Chartered’s Social Impact Reaches 18 Million
Standard Chartered Bangladesh has brought meaningful change to over 18 million lives in the past five years through diverse initiatives supporting agricultural mechanization and the integration of technology into farming. These efforts, implemented in collaboration with various local and international partners, were highlighted during a press conference held on Sunday (May 18) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.
According to the information presented at the event, in 2024 alone, Standard Chartered Bangladesh played a pivotal role in launching climate-smart agriculture in the haor regions, value-added apiculture initiatives, farmer income enhancement projects in Jashore, youth training programs in Gazipur, and alternative livelihood creation in disaster-prone char areas.
“Our role goes beyond banking,” said Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh. “In 2024 alone, around 1 million people benefited from our community programs. Initiatives like mangrove plantation, agricultural innovation, rural eye care, and skills training are all part of the bank’s long-term impact strategy.”
“As a foreign bank with a limited branch network, our greatest strength lies in our trusted local partners,” he added. “We focus on delivering real-life impact over sheer numbers.”
Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Country Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand, and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bangladesh, shared that with support from SAF, the bank’s 'Smart Agricultural Village Initiative' helped establish a network of mechanized tools, integrated pest management, post-harvest care, and advisory services. “As a result, over 60% of the 1,450 farmers in the program saw increased production and reduced costs.”
She further noted that, in collaboration with UCEP Bangladesh, the youth skills development and employment project in Gazipur has trained young people in mobile servicing and machinery operation, raising graduates’ average monthly income to over BDT 10,000.
In partnership with BRAC, the bank promoted food security in haor regions through flood-resilient local market channels and agricultural input assistance. As a result, 80% of the 1,500 participating farmers reported improved food availability and year-round income.
In Jashore, Standard Chartered worked with TMSS to support flower farming centers. By establishing direct connections between growers and wholesalers, flower growers were trained in gerbera cultivation, polyhouse management, pruning, and pest control. The program helped raise average monthly incomes by BDT 2,000 to BDT 5,000 per grower.
The bank also supported safe honey collection and processing through development partner BASA. With added training in financial planning, individual apiarists saw their annual income increase by more than BDT 25,000.
“Our partners and communities are the drivers of positive social change,” said Bitopi. “We are grateful to walk this journey alongside them. Each success this year is more than a number—it represents stories of hope, dignity, and resilience in every field, home, polyhouse, and beehive.”
TMSS founder and executive director Hossne Ara Begum commented, “Standard Chartered is not merely a donor; they are true development partners. They respect community needs and focus on long-term impact.”
She added, “It is rare to see a corporate entity implement projects centered on small-scale farmers or marginalized groups without seeking publicity or short-term returns.”
A.K.M. Akhtaruzzaman, CEO of Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital, stated that their partnership with Standard Chartered began with a mobile eye hospital and has now expanded into health, education, and renewable energy initiatives.
Runa Khan, Executive Director of Friendship, said, “We work with people outside the mainstream—those who need health, education, and livelihood support simultaneously. Standard Chartered’s holistic vision has made this possible.”
