Citi contributes Tk 2.28cr to UNDP to help Bangladesh fight Covid-19

Citibank NA has contributed Tk 2.28 crore to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh to help the country mitigate the impact of Covid-19.

The contribution has supported the distribution of food and hygiene kits through the Strengthening Women's Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO) project in Bangladesh, reaching close to 9,000 marginalised women, the bank said in a statement.

As a key social security project of the Local Government Division, the SWAPNO aims to tackle the impacts of Covid-19, cyclonic storm Amphan and the recent floods that have plunged the coastal areas into a humanitarian and financial crisis.

With Citi's support, almost 9,000 women from 5,252 families in Kurigram and 3,744 families in Satkhira have received urgently needed food and hygiene packages.

This contribution is part of Citi's ongoing partnership with UNDP in Asia Pacific, which has strengthened further in 2020.

UNDP, which works to eradicate poverty, partnered with Citi to raise important funds over the course of the year in the fight against Covid-19.

"Our partnership with the UNDP has provided important support to communities across Asia Pacific," said Peter Babej, Asia Pacific CEO of Citi.

"I am proud that thousands of Citi colleagues have joined in this partnership, making a real difference to people in need during a challenging time.  We look forward to our continued collaboration with the UNDP."

N Rajashekaran, Citi country officer for Bangladesh, said "During these challenging times, we are responding to the urgent needs of our communities, including those who are less privileged, and remain committed to support the strong economic growth of Bangladesh,"

"As the world changes and adapts to Covid-19, Citi is supporting the groups who need our help the most," said Sudipto Mukerjee, resident representative of the UNDP Bangladesh.

"Their commitment to social good alongside sustainable business practices has made them a mutually reinforcing partner for UNDP while also setting a good example for other private sector organisations."