CSR Annual Report 2021
  • Version
  • Download 12
  • File Size 12.06 MB
  • Create Date April 15, 2024

This year, the “Report on CSR in Bangladesh 2021” highlights the impact of the pandemic, which has created a new world with total transformation in the way businesses operate and envision sustainability.

Companies globally and locally have been challenged to survive, governments have been compelled to save humanity by safeguarding measures and reducing all forms of physical contacts. While majority of offices had minimal attendees yet businesses in the Ready Made Garment sector, transportation and food sector tried its best to fight the negative impact of the pandemic. Whereas the health sector faced a remarkable upsurge in the use of medical supplies, hospital services and patient numbers as a result of COVID-19 viruses. Amongst all this unforeseen situation, the tourism and hospitality sectors went through uncertain times and was hugely impacted. The system of education was challenged globally and Bangladesh was not an exception– thanks to the already implemented “Digital Bangladesh” there came new innovation in utilizing technology in education at all levels – from primary schools to graduate education the idea of online learning and knowledge sharing has become the normal practice for most institutions. But of course there are some exceptions in the case of school going children in rural household levels. The power of digitalization has been immense not only in education but also in
e-commerce and trades.

The CSR Centre introduces you to its annual CSR Report focusing on “Pandemic- Embracing the New Normal.” This Report highlights how Bangladesh has coped with this pandemic through identifying the challenges and mitigating the risks that help strengthen the companies in its sustainability journey. It identifies some of the sectoral interventions and the stories of resilience.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge all the contributors to this Report – United Hospital Limited, Square Pharmaceuticals, New Horizon Ltd, Biddyanondo Foundation, Pathao, University of Dhaka Women & Gender Studies, Daffodil International University, BYLC, Simco Spinning & Textiles Ltd, Westin Hotel, Madchef Eateries, Novoair Ltd, US Embassy Bangladesh, American Chamber of Commerce ( AmCham) and BRAC Bank Ltd. Lastly, I would like to thank the Ministry of Women & Children’s Affairs, Government of Bangladesh.

Also, I extend my thanks to our internal team at the CSR Center, led by Zarin Tasnim who has been instrumental is compiling this year’s CSR Report.

I would also like to thank our CSR Centre’s esteemed Board of Trustees through whose support and guidance the CSR Centre has been engaged in the CSR and sustainability platform in Bangladesh and globally. The CSR Report encourages corporates, development entities and public sector to share best practices of socio-economic perspectives that bring forth a positive branding of Bangladesh.