Grameen Bank provided free eye examinations and distributed tree saplings in Narsingdi on Thursday as part of its social responsibility initiatives, with around 200 bank members and local residents receiving medical services.
The day-long programme, organised in collaboration with VisionSpring at the bank’s Lochanpur Raipura branch under its Narsingdi zone, marked World Sight Day, the 50th anniversary of Grameen Bank and the 20th anniversary of its Nobel Peace Prize win, the bank said in a press release.
Specialist physicians from Grameen Kalyan conducted free eye examinations, provided spectacles at affordable prices and advised cataract patients on further treatment.
Alongside the healthcare services, saplings of fruit-bearing, forest and medicinal trees were distributed among recipients and local residents to encourage afforestation and help address the effects of climate change.
Grameen Bank Company Secretary Abdus Sabur Md Baquis attended the programme as chief guest.
“World Sight Day reminds us of the importance of caring for our eyes. Alongside protecting eyesight, tree plantation can help us build a healthy, beautiful and green future,” he said.
Grameen Bank Managing Director Sarder Akhter Hamed said the institution remained committed to improving the health of marginalised communities and promoting environmental sustainability alongside its core objectives of poverty alleviation and economic self-reliance.
“Grameen Bank is not only working towards poverty alleviation and economic self-reliance but is also equally committed to protecting the health of marginalised communities and fostering a sustainable environment,” he said.
He added that the bank was continuing its free eye-care services to protect people’s vision while pursuing greening initiatives for future generations.
Also present were Moha Nazmul Haque, head of the Branch Operations Department (South Zone); Md Mojibur Rahman, head of the Branch Operations Department (West Zone); and Aminur Rahman, zonal manager of Narsingdi zone.
Local bank officials, members and dignitaries also attended the programme.
