SFD Circular Letter No. 03: Allocation of CSR Budget for Health Sector for Combating Situation Arisen from Corona Virus in the Country

Ref No.: SFD.CSRD.03 Sustainable Finance Department Bangladesh Bank Head Office Dhaka.

Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer All Scheduled Banks Operating in Bangladesh

Dear Sir,

Context regarding the allocation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget for the health sector to combat the situation arising from the Corona virus in the country.

Attention is drawn to the guidelines issued by the Sustainable Finance Department in Circular Letter No. 07/2014 dated December 22, 2014, and Circular Letter No. 01/2020 dated March 22, 2020.

2. In accordance with existing guidelines, instructions have been issued to allocate CSR expenditure for combating the public health crisis arising from the prevalence of the coronavirus as follows: 60% for the health sector, 30% for the education sector, and 10% for the climate risk fund sector. Considering the current context as highly significant, it is necessary to ensure the implementation of the prescribed 60% expenditure amount for the health sector to combat COVID-19.

3. Due to the prevalence of the global pandemic Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), it has become imperative to take multi-faceted steps in the health sector to combat the public health crisis in the country. In this regard, you are advised to assist by undertaking regular programs under your bank's CSR activities in the health sector, purchasing essential medical equipment (such as Ventilators, Oxygen Concentrators, Monitors, etc.) for the treatment of people infected with COVID-19, and providing necessary protective materials to all those engaged in health services (such as doctors, health workers, ward boys, cleaners, etc.) to mitigate health risks. Measures should be taken to ensure that this assistance covers up to the district level.

4. Regarding the expenditure in the health sector mentioned in serial number 02 above, you are instructed to report the details of such expenditure under the applicable sub-sector in the format issued via Circular Letter No. 06 dated June 10, 2015, until further instructions are issued on this matter.

These instructions are effective immediately.

Yours faithfully,

(Khandaker Morshed Milon) General Manager Phone: 9530320

CC: sfd.csrbd@bb.org.bd ms.sfd@bb.org.bd

SFD Circular Letter No.: 03 Date: June 16, 2020 Date: --------------------- Asharha 02, 1427