Standard Chartered has already launched several initiatives to stand beside the people during this crisis. This will be the bank’s first assistance programme targeting semi-urban and rural communities, according to a press release.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, “We are fully focused on supporting Bangladesh and its people rise above the COVID-19 challenges through community initiatives that deliver rapid emergency assistance to vulnerable communities and support economic recovery.”

He hoped to announce more COVID-19 support measures from his bank in the near future.

Rajiv Prasad Shaha Chairman and Managing Director of Kumudini said: “It gives us great pleasure to partner with Standard Chartered Bank to provide vital food support to the poor and needy families affected by this crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are reaching out to the community to address their medical needs during this difficult time and thank Standard Chartered for their Support.”

The Bank is also collaborating with BRAC to deliver support packages to 25,000 people from 5,000 low-income families, residing in locked-down urban areas. The bank is supporting daily treatment cost of 120 COVID-19 patients at the Sajida Hospital Narayanganj, which has been converted into a dedicated COVID-19 treatment centre.

Standard Chartered has contributed $300,000 to the Red Cross for the provision of urgent medical support and $1.3 million to UNICEF for the immediate protection and education of vulnerable children in Bangladesh.

It has announced a broad range of support measures for its retail customers and businesses, including loan repayment holidays, fee waivers or cancellations and loan extension facilities.

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It has initiated a $1 billion global financing program for companies that provide goods and services to help the fight against COVID-19. It has also launched a $50 million fund aiding communities affected by the pandemic across its global footprint, including Bangladesh.

Kumudini Welfare Trust has been serving the poor and the needy since 1947 in the areas of Healthcare and Education aiming to build a prosperous fair and all-inclusive society free from bias and discrimination where each individual has equal opportunity regardless of caste, creed, gender, class or ability.

Kumudini Hospital has continued treatment of patients from the very beginning of the crisis. It has set up an isolation ward for patients suspected of contracting the COVID-19 virus. In addition, for patients unable or unwilling to come to the hospital for regular treatment, follow up or even in case of emergency needs, services have been extended to the community through an innovative telemedicine service.