Dhaka, 12 January 2026 - In a significant step toward strengthening environmental sustainability and climate resilience in one of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable coastal regions, Eastern Bank PLC. (EBL) has partnered with Nou Kollan Foundation Trading Company Ltd. (NKFTCL) to implement a large-scale afforestation and land restoration initiative on Bhasan Char Island.
As part of EBL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, the Bank will invest BDT 7.4million in two integrated projects aimed at enhancing ecological stability and improving the quality of life for the island’s approximately 32,000 residents.
The initiative will support extensive tree plantation across nearly 16500 acres of Bhasan Char, including 1702 acres protected by a flood-control embankment under the Ashrayan-3 Project. To ensure the long-term survival of the plantations, NKFTCL will carry out soil filling and grass-planting along the embankment, creating a protective buffer for young saplings and reinforcing the island’s natural defenses against climate-related threats.
Together, these efforts are expected to mitigate the impacts of climate change, strengthen coastal resilience, and contribute to the creation of a greener, more sustainable living environment for Bhashan Char’s growing population.
The partnership underscores the critical role of private-sector leadership in advancing climate adaptation and environmental regeneration in Bangladesh.
Ahmed Shaheen, Additional Managing Director of EBL, formally handed over the project funding cheques to Commodore Mohammad Habib Ul Alam (H1), NUP, PCGM, psc, BN (retd), Managing Director of NKFTCL.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Shaheen said, “This partnership reflects EBL’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community resilience. By supporting sustainable afforestation in Bhasan Char, we are not only greening the coastline but also investing in the long-term future of its people.”
Commodore Mohammad Habib Ul Alam (retd), Managing Director of NKFTCL, said, “This CSR-supported initiative by Eastern Bank PLC on Bhasan Char will significantly strengthen coastal protection and promote long-term environmental sustainability. NKFTCL will carry out Coconut Tree Plantation at Bhasan Char, Hatiya Upzilla of Noakhali district covering significant area at Bhasan Char.”
The event was attended by senior officials from both organizations. Representing NKFTCL were Commander Manjur Ahmed (S), BN, Director of Finance & Marketing, and H Lt S M Nurul Alam (X), BN (Retd), Project Officer. From EBL, Maj Md. Abdus Salam (retd), Head of Administration; Md. Abdullah Al Mamun FCS, Company Secretary; and Md. Maskur Reza FCA, Head of Business Information Systems and other officials.
