Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) signed a partnership agreement with ActionAid International Bangladesh Society (AAIBS), under which the bank is providing Tk 30 lakh to support the well-being, protection, and empowerment of 100 marginalised girls from Narayanganj, Cox's Bazar, and Lalmonirhat, under the AAIBS's "Support A Child" initiative.

Ziaul Karim, head of communications and external affairs of EBL, and Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh and ex-officio secretary of AAIBS, signed the deal at the bank's head office in Dhaka on Sunday, according to a press release.

Through this initiative, EBL aims to provide holistic support, ensuring these girls have access to a nurturing environment and essential resources to help them grow with dignity, confidence, and security.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ahmed Shaheen, additional managing director of EBL, said, "By partnering with ActionAid Bangladesh, we hope to provide these girls with the opportunities and resources they need to build their future."

"Our collaboration is a testament to our dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact on society," he added.

Kabir, executive director of AAIBS, said, "This partnership with EBL reinforces our commitment to working for respecting and uplifting marginalised girls, ensuring they grow up in an environment where their rights are respected, their voices heard, and their potential is nurtured."

"We appreciate this support from EBL in creating a future where every child can thrive free from discrimination and injustice," she added.

ActionAid's "Support A Child" initiative is dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk children by providing them with a safe and nurturing environment, life skills, and essential protections.

Maruf Mohammad Shehab, head of innovation and resource mobilisation; Abdullah Al Mamun, manager of child sponsorship and child rights programmes; and Kh Shams -AL- Muzaddid, manager of philanthropy and private sector partnerships, were present.

Md Abdullah Al Mamun, company secretary of the bank; Saiful Islam, head of RMD; Md Maskur Reza, head of business information systems; and Md Shahjahan Ali, head of compliance, among others, were also present.

Daily Star: EBL partners with ActionAid Bangladesh to support marginalised girls