Ensure CSR support for underdeveloped regions Speakers emphasise at CSR Dialogue: Chattogram

Speakers at an online discussion suggested that CSR initiatives should contribute to the development of remote and hard-to-reach areas such as Chittagong Hill Tracts by supporting the entrepreneurs from these areas. 
The event titled 'CSR Dialogue: Chattogram' was held on October 1, 2022. It was part of a joint initiative of The Daily Star and CSR Window known as "A Better Tomorrow CSR Summit and Awards". The annual nationwide programme aims to create dialogues for future development and sustainability solutions and recognise corporations for their innovative and world-class CSR initiatives, social projects and programmes implemented for sustainable impacts on society.
Subimal Chakma, CEO & Co-Founder of Hillsbazar talked about the difficulties the indigenous people face while selling their products. He, along with his team, is working on a project called 'Hillsbazar' which will help the indigenous people to promote their products. They focus on creating opportunities and increasing the value of the output to ensure economic stability. They are encouraging young people in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) to be involved in the agriculture sector and introduce local products to consumers in plainland. 
Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, Honourable Deputy Minister of Education, said that institutionalization of CSR is a recent concept, and successful corporations have been adopting this idea as part of their commitment to society. However, there are certain obstacles for corporate organisations that need to be resolved to increase investment in CSR. Institutionalization of CSR would be difficult if issues like tax exemption are not addressed in our regulatory framework. 
Prantick Chowdhury, Trustee of Shunte Ki Pao (SKP), discussed the problems the indigenous people face in accessing medical care and education. Himadri Center, an initiative by SKP, will provide education to children and develop youths' skills. They are also planning to set up a library where books in both Bangla and mother language of indigenous people will be available. SKP will also provide telemedicine services to local people.
Aftabur Rahman Jafree, CEO of Ghashful, shared that they received support from both individual and institutional donors, including the government, to run their projects. For example, they have been working with British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh on a tree plantation project for more than 11 years. Corporates have specific criteria for CSR investment, and building a database compiling these criteria will be helpful for new entrepreneurs, he added. 
Khandker Nagib Anwar, Head of Digital Communications & Digital Assets, IDLC Finance Limited, suggested that young entrepreneurs should have a clear business plan so that corporate organisations can easily understand what kind of support they need to provide to these new initiatives. "We focus on the sustainability of a project and how much impact it will have on society," he added. He also endorsed the idea of building a database. 
"BAT Bangladesh has been running its afforestation programme since 1980. In 2022 alone, we distributed 5 million free saplings," shared Ashiqul Haque, Divisional Leaf Manager of BAT Bangladesh. They have planted 3 million saplings in 6 districts of Chittagong Division. They have also planted 2 lacs saplings in Kutopalong Rohingya Camp. "We have been supporting the government to achieve SDG 13 (Climate action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)," he added. 
"We have to consider sustainability and financial profitability as we aim to promote creative, unique, and new ideas in Bangladesh through CSR. However, we have to know why and for what purpose an entrepreneur has taken the initiative", said Mohammed Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive of Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).  Due to some regulatory limitations, some banks are unable to support young entrepreneurs financially. The organisations like YPSA and Ghashful can support them. He also suggested that CSR initiatives should provide seed money to young entrepreneurs so that they can carry forward their projects.

The online session was moderated by Ahsan Rony, Co-Founder of CSR Window.