Through cataract operations for the poor people, Launched by SIBL and Bashundhara Group

Social Investment Bank Limited and Bashundhara Group launched “Eradication of Sightlessness” through it’s free cataract operations for the poor people as a part of their social corporate responsibility. SIBL Chairman Major Dr. Rezaul Haque (Retd.) inaugurated the event at Pagla High School premises, Narayangonj on 15th September, 2006. The programme is financed by SIBL and Bashundhara Group and aided by Sight Savers International, Bangladesh and Dhaka Progressive Lion’s Hospital, Narayangonj.

SIBL Managing Director Mr. K. M. Ashaduzzaman and Senior Executives, Grameen Bank General Manager Noorjahan Begum, High Officials of Bashundhara Group, Dr. Alamgir Hossain of Sight Savers International, Mr. J. L. Bhowmik, Chairman of Dhaka Progressive Lion’s Hospital, Teachers of Pagla High School, Journalists and Local Elites were also present on the occasion.

1820 poor patients were screened in the programme, among whom 203 were given spectacles and arrangements were made to operate upon 81 patients.

Dr. Reza, Chairman, SIBL said that our Bank is a Shariah Based Joint Venture Bank with specialized Three Sector Model i.e. Formal, Non-Formal & Voluntary Sector Banking. The Formal Sector deals with Islamic Commercial Banking as a schedule Bank. Non-Formal works with family empowerment Micro-Credit Program, Micro Enterprise & SME’s, while the 3rd is the voluntary sector deals with Cash Waqf & Waqf Certificate scheme which is an innovative financial product for the welfare of the man kind before & after death. He also said as part of voluntary sector banking SIBL has launched the eyee operations programme for the poor people. He urged all the Banks & financial Institutions to come forward to do the similar activities for well being of the humanity.

Mr. K. M. Ashaduzzaman Khan said, SIBL is only bank in the country which gives equal emphasis on both commercial and humanitarian activites. He said that SIBL has been successfully operating the Cash Waqf Deposit Account under voluntary sector banking since 1998. Cash Waqf is a perpetual in nature & only the profit of the same is distributed towards the specified purpose as desired by Waqif. SIBL being the pioneer of the Cash Waqf has achieved both local & international commendations.

Author: Mohammad Abdul Karim, AVP & PRO

Source: Public Relations Department, SIBL HO.