Good business practices require CSR

Photo: MRDI

Rokia Afzal Rahman, president of Bangladesh Employers Federation, speaks at a meeting on CSR presentation in Khulna on Sunday. Management and Resources Development Initiative in partnership with Manusher Jonno Foundation organised the programme.

The country can institutionalise corporate social responsibility (CSR) interventions to deal with malnutrition, education, health, unemployment and poverty, said discussants in a meeting in Khulna on Sunday.
Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) in partnership with Manusher Jonno Foundation organised the programme.
A strong CSR programme is an essential element in achieving good business practices and effective leadership, speakers added.
Rokia Afzal Rahman, former caretaker government adviser and president of Bangladesh Employers' Federation, was present as the chief guest.
CSR is coming out of the purview of 'doing social good' and is fast becoming a 'business necessity', she said.
She hoped the companies would voluntarily adopt good governance and CSR practices, rather than be legally compelled to do so. CSR was more than just an allocation of funds, she added.
“Good governance and CSR are vital factors for encouraging investors to invest in our country. Even small efforts of local businesses can substantially contribute to the success of CSR in taking social development forward.”
She said women are emerging as successful entrepreneurs and they need support and congenial environment.
She emphasised upon policy support and incentive from the government to encourage corporate sector to be more active in CSR.
Syed Md Aminul Karim, member of the National Board of Revenue, referred to the revised statutory regulatory order on CSR and hoped it will facilitate and encourage the business community to come up with more CSR activities.
Hasibur Rahman, executive director of MRDI, said CSR is recognised globally as a strong process for the corporate entities to serve community needs.
He said MRDI has taken an initiative to mainstream corporate funds into development works.
If CSR funds can be used in addressing poverty alleviation issues in an effective and sustainable manner, dependency on the development funds will be largely reduced, he added.
Two video documentaries on field investigation by MRDI were exhibited followed by open discussions.
The videos are: “Against all odds” on health care facilities for the Bawali community of the Sunderbans and “School blues” on school infrastructure development in Char Fashion, Bhola.