---

City Bank and UNICEF have recently announced a new partnership aimed at supporting underprivileged adolescents and youth in Bangladesh—especially girls—in gaining employability and entrepreneurial skills.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony hosted by City Bank. Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, and Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

Also present at the event were Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Managing Director and CFO; Mahiya Junaed, Additional Managing Director and COO; Kazi Azizur Rahman, Additional Managing Director and CIO; Shahriar Jamil Khan, Head of Brand and Marketing; and other senior officials from both organizations.

Through this initiative, adolescents and young people—particularly in climate-vulnerable areas such as Bagerhat district—will receive market-driven training, career coaching, and employment opportunities with local entrepreneurs and enterprises. The project will focus on practical, inclusive, and outcome-oriented learning to help disadvantaged youth build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to climate-resilient communities.

UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, Rana Flowers, said, “Every child and young person has the right to dream, to learn, and to thrive. This partnership with City Bank is not just an investment in skills—it is an investment in hope. By creating employment and skill development opportunities for disadvantaged adolescents and youth in climate-vulnerable areas, we are opening doors of possibility for them. Together with the private sector, we are working towards a Bangladesh where every young person can contribute and benefit from sustainable growth.”

Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank, said, “UNICEF has long been doing remarkable work in Bangladesh to improve the lives of children and young people and create opportunities for them. We are truly delighted to join hands with UNICEF in this meaningful partnership. Together, we aim to build skills and opportunities for youth—especially young women—so they can shape a sustainable and inclusive future.”