SCB, Brac to help 25,000 people in lockdown

Standard Chartered Bangladesh (SCB) has teamed up with Brac to deliver support packages to 25,000 people from 5,000 low-income families residing in locked down areas.

The packages, containing staples and non-perishable food items, are being delivered to doorsteps of the impacted households, said a press release issued yesterday.

Besides, SCB has launched several other initiatives to support the people to overcome this crisis, it said.

SCB Chief Executive Officer Naser Ezaz Bijoy said, "Covid-19 is a generational challenge that will require every section of the society to come together in support of each other."

Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh said, "We are glad to join forces with Standard Chartered and stand beside vulnerable families under lockdown with essential food support."

Standard Chartered has initiated a USD 1 billion global financing programme for companies that provide goods and services to help fight against Covid-19, said the release.

It has also launched a USD 50 million fund to aid communities affected by the pandemic across its global footprint, including Bangladesh, it added.

Meanwhile, Brac has mobilised its entire organisation -- including over 100,000 frontline staffers, community healthcare workers and volunteers -- to stand beside communities from the very onset of the Covid-19 crisis, it further said.