Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Friendship recently inaugurated a comprehensive environmental project for 750 residents of Ghughumari Char, a remote sedimentary island in Kurigram.
Under the framework of this project, the previously off-grid island will be supported with a 54-kilowatt solar micro-grid, 60 tube wells, and a tree plantation initiative.
By providing access to essential resources, the Bank is lifting participation amongst marginalised communities and helping to drive sustainable economic and social development.
The char’s remote location, coupled with other environmental factors means that the small island is cut off from electricity, gas, running water, and other infrastructure.
The installation of a cost-efficient solar micro-grid will connect 150 households to a much-needed sustainable energy source. This effort has been designed with climate considerations in mind – it is flood-tolerant and can be relocated in response to extreme climate events.
The agreement for the Standard Chartered-Friendship Solar Village project was signed by Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Charted Bangladesh and Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director, Friendship.