NCC Bank and Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen climate resilience and improve sustainable livelihoods in the char areas of Fulchhari Upazila under Gaibandha district. As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, NCC Bank will finance a two-year project titled “The Adaptive Eco Char Project: A Blueprint for Thriving Dynamic Landscapes”, which will be implemented in the char areas of Fazlupur and Fulchhari unions. Cultivera Limited will serve as the strategic partner of the project, while Dahuk will act as the research and evaluation partner.

The MoU signing ceremony was recently held at the Head Office of NCC Bank. M. Shamsul Arefin, Managing Director of NCC Bank, and M. Abdus Salam, Chief Executive of Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Among others present at the ceremony were NCC Bank’s Additional Managing Director M. Khurshed Alam, Deputy Managing Directors Md. Zakir Anam, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman & Md. Habibur Rahman; EVP & Head of Sustainable and Women’s Banking Nighat Mumtaz; SVP & Head of Security & Logistics and Head of NCC Bank Foundation Khandaker Saiful Alam; along with Founder & Managing Director of Cultivera Limited Faruque Ahmed, and Founder and Director of Daahuk Md. Magfi Reza Siddique.

The project aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of char communities to climate change and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Key initiatives under the project include establishment of solar-powered Digital Resilience Centers for early disaster warning, digital services and training; telemedicine-based healthcare services; installation of safe drinking water systems and solar power panels; promotion of climate-resilient agriculture, homestead vegetable cultivation and livestock rearing; women entrepreneurship development; and enhancement of community-based disaster management capacity. Through this initiative, thousands of families are expected to gain access to safe water, renewable energy and healthcare services, while more than 300 families will have opportunities to engage in income-generating activities. The project is also expected to encourage women-led small enterprises and strengthen local disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

Managing Director of NCC Bank M. Shamsul Arefin, said, “As part of its corporate social responsibility, NCC Bank has long been investing not only in financial development but also in improving the quality of life of marginalized communities by supporting basic needs such as education, healthcare, and medical services. Continuing this commitment, the Bank has now extended support for the sustainable development of people living in char areas. “The people of char regions live in extremely vulnerable conditions and face the adverse impacts of climate change every year. In these areas, internet connectivity, storage facilities, opportunities for modern agricultural practices, healthcare services, and climate information are not luxuries but essential needs. This project will integrate these services into a practical model that will help families protect their lives and livelihoods, access proper guidance, and achieve sustainable economic development. I believe this initiative will play a significant role in improving the living standards of people in the char areas of Fulchhari Upazila in Gaibandha.”

Chief Executive of GUK M. Abdus Salam stated, “This partnership with NCC Bank will serve as an effective model for climate resilience and sustainable economic development in Bangladesh’s char regions. We believe this integrated resilience model will contribute to long-term stability for marginalized communities through practical interventions in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and disaster preparedness.”