Written by The Banking Post
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure by banks plunged by nearly 51 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to July–December 2024, Bangladesh Bank data show.
From January to June, banks spent just over Tk 1.50 billion on CSR activities, down from Tk 3.07 billion in the preceding six months — a decline of about Tk 1.57 billion.
Most funds were channelled to disaster management, which absorbed Tk 751 million, or almost half of total CSR outlays. Other allocations included Tk 342.5 million (22.75pc) for education, Tk 281.2 million (18.67pc) for health, and Tk 52.1 million (3.46pc) for environment and climate change. Small amounts went to sports and culture, income-generating activities, and infrastructure.
Officials said the bulk of disaster-management funds were used to distribute blankets among cold-affected people in northern districts.
Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank PLC, noted that some banks, including Islamic banks, cut back on spending, while a portion of funds was channelled to the office of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He stressed that an economic rebound and stronger private-sector credit growth are key to boosting CSR contributions.
Private commercial banks accounted for the lion’s share of spending, contributing Tk 1.41 billion (94pc). Foreign banks spent Tk 79.9 million (5.3pc), while state-owned banks and specialised banks together provided less than 1pc.
Islamic banks spent Tk 366.7 million, or 24.4pc of the total.
