Eastern Bank PLC (EBL), under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, has entered a strategic partnership with Friendship, a prominent Bangladeshi non-governmental organisation, to enhance access to essential healthcare services and safe drinking water for vulnerable communities across the country.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the collaboration was signed at EBL’s head office in Dhaka. Ahmed Shaheen, Additional Managing Director of EBL, presented a cheque to Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director of Friendship, marking the official launch of the initiative, according to a press release issued by EBL.
The partnership will operate under Friendship’s Char Surgery Access Programme, which targets isolated river island communities in northern Bangladesh. Over 1,000 specialist surgeries are planned, including cataract removal, burn contracture repair, prolapse correction, Achilles tendon surgery, and other essential procedures. These interventions aim to restore sight, mobility, dignity, and quality of life for patients who typically have limited or no access to advanced medical care.
Friendship’s floating hospitals, including the Emirates Friendship Hospital and Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital, alongside satellite clinics and trained community medic-aides, will serve as the backbone of this initiative, ensuring surgical care reaches the most remote locations.
Ahmed Shaheen commented, “Friendship continues to play an instrumental role in humanitarian service through its unique fleet of floating hospitals. We are delighted to partner with them to bridge critical healthcare gaps while supporting communities in adapting to climate change impacts.”
Runa Khan added, “This collaboration addresses two pressing needs for vulnerable communities: surgical healthcare and safe drinking water. By tackling both simultaneously, we improve health outcomes, strengthen resilience, and uplift quality of life for people living on the frontlines of exclusion and climate vulnerability.”
In addition to healthcare interventions, EBL will fund the installation of two multi-source Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in Shyamnagar, a cyclone-prone coastal area where freshwater supplies are frequently compromised due to salinity and climate-related challenges. Each plant will produce up to 1,000 litres of purified water per hour, benefiting approximately 400 families.
Key Details of the Partnership
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Programme | Char Surgery Access Programme; 1,000+ specialist surgeries |
| Target Communities | Isolated river islands in northern Bangladesh |
| Facilities | Emirates Friendship Hospital, Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital, satellite clinics |
| Surgical Procedures | Cataract surgery, burn contracture repair, prolapse correction, Achilles tendon repair, general surgeries |
| Water Initiative | Two multi-source Water Treatment Plants in Shyamnagar |
| Capacity per WTP | 1,000 litres/hour; ~400 families served per plant |
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both organisations. From Friendship: Muhammed Shameem Reza (Senior Director, Legal & CFO), Kazi Amdadul Hoque (Senior Director & Head of Strategy, Planning & Climate Action), Dr. Rafi Abul Hasnath Siddique (Deputy Director – Health), and Enamul Haque (Assistant Director – Partnership Development). From EBL: Ziaul Karim (Head of Communications & External Affairs), Md. Abdullah Al Mamun (Company Secretary), Maj. Md. Abdus Salam, psc (Retd) (Head of Administration), and Md. Maskur Reza, FCA (Head of Business Information Systems).
This collaboration marks a significant step in EBL’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility while reinforcing Friendship’s mission of delivering sustainable healthcare and clean water solutions to Bangladesh’s most vulnerable populations.