Standard Chartered Bangladesh has partnered with development organisation World Vision Bangladesh to roll out two climate resilience initiatives in Bangladesh’s climate-vulnerable coastal regions, the bank said in a press release.
The programmes are designed to protect livelihoods, restore fragile ecosystems and improve access to safe drinking water in coastal communities increasingly affected by climate change.
One initiative will focus on ecosystem restoration and climate-resilient livelihoods in communities surrounding the Sundarbans, a critical natural barrier that serves as Bangladesh’s first line of defence against cyclones, tidal surges and extreme weather events. The programme aims to strengthen local income sources while supporting the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
The second initiative will address persistent shortages of safe drinking water in coastal districts where saltwater intrusion, groundwater contamination and repeated cyclone damage have undermined access to potable water. In many of these communities, women and girls spend several hours each day collecting drinking water, often travelling long distances, which affects health, education and income-generating activities.
To ease this burden, the programmes will introduce climate-resilient, solar-powered water systems alongside community-based water management approaches to ensure reliable and sustainable access to safe drinking water.
Together, the two initiatives are expected to directly benefit around 25,000 people, including women and people with disabilities, the bank said.
Standard Chartered Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer Naser Ezaz Bijoy said climate pressure has become part of daily life in coastal areas, affecting livelihoods and access to basic necessities. He said the partnership aims to strengthen livelihood security, improve access to safe water and help communities build resilience against future climate-related shocks.
World Vision Bangladesh Country Director Suresh Bartlett said sustainable change depends on collaboration among communities, businesses and development partners. He said the initiatives were structured to address immediate needs while also delivering long-term benefits for children and families living in vulnerable coastal regions.
Standard Chartered Bangladesh said the partnership reflects its broader commitment to supporting climate adaptation and inclusive development in Bangladesh, particularly in areas facing the most acute environmental risks.
