Written By: Baharin Akter Antora
Dhaka, May 12, 2026 — In the riverine char areas of Gaibandha, where thousands of people face the constant threat of erosion, floods, and climate uncertainty, a new partnership aims to bring sustainable support and long-term resilience to vulnerable communities.
NCC Bank PLC and Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a climate resilience initiative in the char regions of Fulchhari upazila.
Under the agreement, NCC Bank will finance a two-year project titled “The Adaptive Eco Char Project”, which will be implemented in the remote char areas of Fazlupur and Fulchhari unions with support from Cultivera Limited and Daahuk.
The initiative aims to improve climate adaptation, digital access, healthcare, safe water supply, and income opportunities for char communities living in some of the country’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
As part of the project, solar-powered “Digital Resilience Centers” will be established to provide early disaster warnings, digital literacy training, and access to information services for local residents. The project will also introduce telemedicine services to improve healthcare access in remote areas where medical facilities remain limited.
In addition, households will receive support through solar energy solutions and modern safe drinking water systems. The initiative will also promote climate-resilient agriculture and livestock farming to help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.
A special emphasis will be placed on empowering women entrepreneurs by creating opportunities for income generation and economic participation. Organizers said the project is expected to create livelihood opportunities for at least 300 families while improving safety, health, and resilience for thousands of char residents.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the NCC Bank head office and was signed by M. Shamsul Arefin and M. Abdus Salam.
Among others present at the event were NCC Bank Additional Managing Director M. Khurshed Alam; Deputy Managing Directors Md. Zakir Anam, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, and Md. Habibur Rahman; EVP and Head of Sustainable & Women’s Banking Nighat Mumtaz; and SVP and Head of NCC Bank Foundation Khandaker Saiful Alam.
Representatives from partner organizations also attended the ceremony, including Faruque Ahmed and Md. Magfi Reza Siddique.
Speaking at the event, M. Shamsul Arefin said NCC Bank is committed not only to financial sector development but also to improving the quality of life of marginalized communities through responsible and sustainable initiatives.
M. Abdus Salam described the collaboration as a potential model for climate resilience and sustainable economic development in Bangladesh’s char regions.
Officials said the initiative reflects a growing focus on climate adaptation and inclusive development, particularly for communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
