BRAC Bank believes in a value-driven approach for every CSR-focused initiative, strategy, and action, which aligns with BRAC’s work philosophy. Noteworthy initiatives of the bank, such as introducing small-ticket loans for CMSMEs, which have helped connect the missing middle with formal banking services, have significantly contributed to the advancement of financial inclusion in Bangladesh. This initiative is an integral part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility. 

As SME financing is the core of BRAC Bank’s existence and values, this institution is committed to promoting women’s empowerment and equal access opportunities for all to create a just society. Sir Abed envisioned establishing the bank focused on this purpose, and it continues to honour his legacy by striving for financial inclusion in all aspects, which makes it social responsibility more pervasive and more impactful. 

The bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy is deeply embedded in our core philosophy of People, Planet, and Prosperity (3Ps), reflecting the vision of our late founder Chairman, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed. Designed in alignment with Bangladesh Bank guidelines, our CSR approach integrates sustainable banking with social transformation, ensuring that our business operations drive meaningful change. We remain dedicated to fostering a sustainable future through education, healthcare, climate adaptation and mitigation, environmental sustainability, culture, sports, and disaster relief.

CSR Mission: Beyond Banking, Toward Inclusion

At BRAC Bank, we believe in breaking financial barriers and societal taboos and creating equal opportunities for all. Our mission is to empower individuals by ensuring access to education, healthcare, and financial opportunities, enabling them to live dignified and meaningful lives.

Key Impact Areas

Education Initiatives: Transforming Futures

Our education-focused initiatives are shaping a new generation of leaders by enabling access to quality learning opportunities:

• Aporajeyo TARA Scholarship: Launched in 2023, this is Bangladesh’s first women-only scholarship aiming to break gender barriers in higher education.
• Scholarship Support: Provided financial assistance to female students at Dhaka University (Faculty of Business Studies), BRAC University, and meritorious students selected by Prothom Alo Trust.
• National Education Support: Allocated 5% of the CSR budget to the Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust to assist underprivileged students.

Through these initiatives, BRAC Bank is not just funding education but creating a pipeline of empowered women and future leaders who will drive economic and social progress.

Health Initiatives: Changing Lives, One Patient at a Time

Health remains a major focus area, with its flagship initiative, “BRAC Bank Aporajeyo Ami,” aimed at improving access to quality healthcare:

VisionSpring:

• Conducted free vision screenings for 15,500+ factory workers and the bank’s non-executive staffers.
• Eyeglasses Distribution: 5,916 workers (38% of those screened) received corrective glasses, enhancing their productivity and well-being.

Kidney Foundation Sylhet:

• Funded an oxygen plant to enhance critical patient care.
• Contributed BDT 8 million to the Sir Abed Kidney Dialysis Fund, providing free dialysis treatments to underprivileged patients.

BRAC Limb and Brace Centre (BLBC)

• Supported 45 students injured during the July Uprising 2024, providing artificial limbs and braces.
• Distributed BDT 25,000 to 414 injured individuals.

Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN):

• Partnered to sensitise co-workers on disability and promote inclusivity at the workplace.
• Hosted the ‘Empower Ability: Powering Every Ability’ national conference in further collaboration with ILO and GIZ.

Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital:

• Contributed two phaco machines to facilitate affordable cataract surgeries for underprivileged patients.

These interventions are not just about healthcare—they are about restoring dignity, productivity, and opportunities for thousands.

Environmental Initiatives: Strengthening Climate Resilience

BRAC Bank continues to lead efforts in climate adaptation and environmental conservation:

Climate-Smart Agriculture:

• Partnered with the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) and Gram Unnayan Karma (GUK).
• Supported 2,500+ farmers in cultivating climate-resilient crops and smart agriculture techniques, ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Tree Plantation for World Environment Day:

• Planted 3,000 climate-resilient trees at Polly Unnayan Academy, Jamalpur.
• Ensured long-term maintenance in collaboration with Torupallab.

Saving trees by removing nails:

• Partnered with the Forest Department in Bangladesh, which is responsible for managing and conserving the country’s forests and wildlife to remove nails from trees nationwide. 

By integrating sustainability in agriculture, forestry, and conservation, BRAC Bank protects people’s livelihoods and the planet’s future.

Disaster Relief and Social Support: Rapid Response, Lasting Impact

Recognising the critical need for disaster response and social support, BRAC Bank has stepped up relief efforts:

Winter Aid Distribution:

• Distributed 30,000 blankets across 21 districts, including Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet, and Mymensingh.
• Total blanket distribution stands at 53,000 in 2024.

Flood Relief Contributions:

• Contributed BDT 5 crore to the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) for rescue and relief in Feni flood-affected areas.
• Provided BDT 1.43 crore to BRAC’s ‘Dakchhe Amar Desh’ initiative for flood relief in eastern Bangladesh.

These contributions underscore BRAC Bank’s role as a dependable partner in times of crisis, ensuring communities are supported when they need it most.

A Legacy of Impact: Real Change, Beyond Compliance

BRAC Bank’s CSR initiatives go far beyond regulatory requirements; they are about creating real, sustainable change. Our strategic approach ensures that every intervention is well-executed through deep intervention, a long-term solution rather than a short-term relief measure.

• Education: Aporajeyo TARA Scholarship shatters gender barriers, creating opportunities for women to become future leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs.
• Healthcare: Free eye care services, dialysis treatments, and disability support are not just about treatment but about enhancing quality of life.
• Environmental Sustainability: By equipping farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices, BRAC Bank is securing food security and economic resilience.
• Disaster Relief: Our rapid flood and winter aid interventions are not just responses to crises; they are about helping communities rebuild and thrive.
• Inclusivity: By promoting disability inclusion and workplace sensitisation, BRAC Bank transforms societal perceptions and ensures equal opportunities for all.

A Future of Shared Prosperity

Through its strategic, well-designed CSR programmes, BRAC Bank has demonstrated that true impact is not about how much you spend but how wisely you invest.

Our legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and equality, ensuring that every taka spent creates a ripple effect of positive change. As we continue our journey, BRAC Bank remains committed to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Bangladesh for generations to come.

BRAC Bank’s commitment to social responsibility goes beyond traditional CSR. It adopts a comprehensive and purpose-driven methodology. The bank’s strong focus on sustainability supports meaningful social initiatives that promote lasting positive transformation. Its proactive and impact-focused efforts demonstrate a true dedication to enhancing community welfare.

By aligning itself with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of the UN Global Compact, BRAC Bank continues to play a key role in building a more inclusive and sustainable future. 

BRAC Bank is an institution that cares the people and planet and creates Impact.

Author: Ekram Kabir

The writer is a communication specialist and Head of Communication at BRAC Bank.