IPDC Finance PLC, Bangladesh’s first non-bank financial institution (NBFI), has entered into a strategic partnership with the School of Architecture and Design at BRAC University to launch the “Affordable & Sustainable Housing Design Project.” The initiative forms part of IPDC’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability agenda, aimed at promoting environmentally responsible and inclusive housing across the country.
The collaborative project seeks to tackle one of Bangladesh’s most pressing urban challenges — the shortage of affordable, climate-resilient, and energy-efficient homes for low- and middle-income families. According to IPDC Finance, the partnership will blend academic innovation with practical financing solutions, bringing together design expertise and financial accessibility under a unified framework.
Under this joint initiative, the School of Architecture and Design will develop contextually appropriate, eco-conscious housing prototypes tailored to the socio-economic realities of Bangladeshi households. Simultaneously, IPDC Finance will extend home loan facilities through its “Bhalobasha Home Loan” programme, helping families to access and adopt these sustainable housing models.
Key Features of the Collaboration
| Partner | Role and Contribution |
|---|---|
| BRAC University (School of Architecture and Design) | Designing affordable, climate-responsive, and community-based housing prototypes suitable for Bangladesh’s urban and rural settings. |
| IPDC Finance PLC | Providing financial inclusion through affordable housing loans, client selection, and project financing under its “Bhalobasha Home Loan” scheme. |
The partnership was officially launched at a ceremony attended by leading figures from both institutions. Representing BRAC University were Professor Fuad Hassan Mallick, PhD, Dean of the School of Architecture and Design, and Professor Zainab Faruqui Ali, PhD, Chairperson of the department. From IPDC Finance, the event was attended by Samiul Hashim, Head of Legal and Company Secretary; Mohammad Monirul Islam, Head of Retail Business; and other senior officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Rizwan Dawood Shams, Managing Director of IPDC Finance PLC, stated:
“At IPDC, we view sustainability as a cornerstone of our CSR philosophy. Access to safe, affordable housing should be a right, not a privilege. This collaboration allows us to combine academic creativity with financial innovation to uplift the living standards of Bangladesh’s underserved communities.”
Echoing his sentiments, Professor Fuad Hassan Mallick, PhD, Dean of the School of Architecture and Design at BRAC University, said:
“Our partnership with IPDC represents a step towards practical, sustainable housing solutions that are sensitive to local economic and environmental conditions. Together, we hope to pioneer a replicable model for affordable, dignified living.”
This initiative reinforces both institutions’ shared vision of contributing to Bangladesh’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas relating to sustainable cities, climate resilience, and financial inclusion.