HSBC allocates $1m for disaster preparedness in Bangladesh Published: 8 November 2026 Updated: 8 November 2026, 21:27 Star Business Report The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) has allocated $1 million (around Tk 12.43 crore) to support three disaster preparedness projects in Bangladesh through a partnership with UNICEF, the British Red Cross and Save the Children. According to a press release, the projects aim to help vulnerable communities prepare for emergencies, take early action against anticipated disasters and protect lives and livelihoods. Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source The initiative is part of HSBC's Disaster Relief Partnership, backed by a commitment of $4.5 million over an initial 18-month pilot period. The partnership supports projects in countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Kenya and the Philippines. The Bangladesh chapter of the partnership was launched at a ceremony in Dhaka recently, attended by senior representatives of HSBC, the three humanitarian organisations and the British High Commission. "Long-term economic growth across our international markets depends directly on community resilience," said Surendra Rosha, co-chief executive of Asia and the Middle East at HSBC. By combining the bank's global reach with the frontline expertise of its humanitarian partners, the initiative would help vulnerable communities move from reacting to disasters to preparing for them in advance, he said. Md Mahbub ur Rahman, chief executive officer of HSBC Bangladesh, said economic resilience in Bangladesh began with preparedness at the local level. Through the collaboration, HSBC was directing resources towards building long-term defences to help vulnerable communities anticipate and withstand climate-related challenges, he added. Antonio Franco García, chief of field services at UNICEF Bangladesh, said floods, cyclones and disease outbreaks could quickly become life-threatening emergencies for children. Investing in preparedness would allow communities to anticipate risks and act before disasters struck, helping protect children and build a safer future, he added. Mukesh Kumar Singh, country representative of the British Red Cross, said the partnership would help the organisation, together with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, strengthen locally led disaster preparedness, response and climate action. ASM Rahmat Ullah, deputy country director of Save the Children, said HSBC's support had strengthened the organisation's systems for localised risk monitoring and anticipatory action. Launched globally on October 13 this year, the partnership combines HSBC's financial support with the humanitarian expertise and local reach of the three organisations to help communities better anticipate and withstand disasters. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 3 HOUR(s) - Economy

Misinterpretation of religion, patriarchal mindsets hinder women's empowerment: Zahir Uddin Swapan. * Reporter Name * Update Time: 10:31:34 pm, Thursday, 29 October 2026 * 4 Time View Misinterpretation of religion and patriarchal attitudes remain major challenges to gender equality and women's empowerment in Bangladesh, Prime Minister's Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan said today (29 October). "Misinterpretation of religion and patriarchal attitudes remain major challenges to achieving gender equality and ensuring women's empowerment in Bangladesh. These challenges must be addressed if we are to build an equitable, inclusive and developed Bangladesh. Alongside reducing existing inequalities between women and men, it is essential to ensure equal opportunities for women in education, employment, leadership and decision-making," he said. Swapan made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the 'IDG Carnival 2026', organised by Save the Children in Bangladesh at a hotel in the capital to mark the International Day of the Girl. He stressed the need to address these challenges and ensure equal opportunities for women in education, employment, leadership and decision-making to build an equitable, inclusive and developed Bangladesh. Held under the theme "Rooted in Every Region, Advancing Every Adolescent Girl", the event brought together policymakers, development partners, youth representatives and other stakeholders to promote the rights, leadership and meaningful participation of girls and adolescent girls in society. The prime minister's adviser said the government placed particular importance on gender equality and women's empowerment as part of its vision for building the Bangladesh of the future. However, achieving these goals required effective contributions from both the government and development partners, he said. "Save the Children's experience, support and partnerships can make an important contribution in this regard," Swapan said, expressing hope that the organisation would continue working with the government to advance women's rights, eliminate discrimination and build a more equitable society. Dr Md Saimum Parvez, special assistant to the prime minister on environment, forest and climate change, attended the event as the guest of honour. Members of Parliament Helen Zerin Khan, Mahmuda Habiba and Mansura Akter attended as special guests, while Dr Eliza Azei, head of the Adolescents and Youth Programme at UNFPA Bangladesh, was also present. Discussions at the carnival highlighted the need to remove barriers that prevent girls and adolescent girls from accessing education, employment, leadership opportunities, entrepreneurship and decision-making processes. The government places particular importance on gender equality and women's empowerment as part of its vision for building the Bangladesh of the future, said the PM's Adviser. However, achieving this goal requires effective contributions not only from the government but also from development partners. The event highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for girls and adolescent girls to realise their potential, develop leadership skills and participate actively in decision-making processes. Dr. Md. Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Members of Parliament Helen Zerin Khan, Mahmuda Habiba and Mansura Akter attended as Special Guests. Dr. Eliza Azei, Head of Adolescents and Youth Programme at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Bangladesh, was also present. Speakers also stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by families, communities, the government, development partners and other institutions to create safe, inclusive and supportive environments where the voices, experiences and needs of girls and adolescent girls are recognised and valued. Organised under Save the Children in Bangladesh's SWOCCHAR project, the initiative served as an important platform for strengthening collective efforts to promote the rights and empowerment of girls and adolescent girls. Participants expressed their expectation that creating equal opportunities for adolescent girls, amplifying their voices and increasing their participation in policymaking and decision-making processes will contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive society.