DHAKA: Bangladesh Bank (BB) has taken the lead role to encourage banks  widen and deepen their CSR activities.

The initiative of providing support to nine development organizations from BB's social responsibility fund is a bold step to this effort.

Governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Atiur Rahman said this while receiving a report titled Paying Back: Bangladesh Bank sets example from Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) at a simple ceremony on Wednesday.

The report is a compilation of a brief introduction to the nine organizations that received funding support from the central bank, utilization of the funds and a look into the future.

A video documentary has also been produced depicting the programmes and activities of the organizations.

Appreciating the performances of the organizations, the Governor particularly thanked MRDI for producing the important report and the video documentary.

He added: “CSR has got momentum in Bangladesh and its expansion, particularly in the banking sector is on. Bangladesh Bank's support to the development organizations will strengthen it further.”

Expressing deep gratitude to Bangladesh Bank, Executive Director of MRDI Hasibur Rahman said, "Partnership between regulatory authorities and the development organizations can encourage and strengthen CSR for a sustainable economic growth and minimize dependence on donor support.”

Officials of Bangladesh Bank and MRDI were present in the programme.

BDST: 2110 HRS, NOV 05, 2014