Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - Prime Bank Foundation has awarded stipends to more 386 poor but meritorious students this year, facilitating them to complete their higher studies successfully.
Noted economist Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud as the chief guest handed over the stipend-money at an 'award giving ceremony' of the foundation at the LGED Bhaban in the city on Saturday.
Presided over by Md Shirajul Islam Mollah, chairman of the bank, the ceremony was addressed, among others, by SK Sur Chowdhury, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, renowned educationalist, Md Nader Khan, chairman of Prime Bank Foundation and Dr Iqbal Anwar, chief executive officer of Prime Bank Foundation.
The students were given long term and renewable stipends of BDT 2,200 per month. The stipends will continue till the end of their studies, officials said.
Since 2007, the foundation under its 'education support program' awarded 1,277 students including 170 in 2007, 122 in 2008, 198 in 2009, 196 in 2010, 205 in 2011 and 386 this year.
Apart from the commercial banking operation, Prime Bank by its foundation is simultaneously playing a pivotal role in the society as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), they said.
The foundation is providing long-term financial support to the underprivileged but meritorious students from different educational institutions (college and university levels) of the country.
The advisors of the selection committee comprises of three of the country's acknowledged educationalists whose discreet advices have been making it possible to select the best students for stipends with highest neutrality, they added.
Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the students, who won stipends this year and earlier, can form alumni, from where they can receive courage and strength, which is very essential for doing prosperity in the life.
The central bank has been promoting humane program in the banking sector to ensure inclusive growth in the country, Shitangshu Kumar Sur Chowdhury said.
He urged all banks to come forward to take such program like Prime Bank.
Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, who is a member of the selection committee, requested the Prime Bank authorities to expand its stipend program so that more students can get much more facilities from the bank.
BBN/SSR/AD-16Sept12-1:30 pm (BST)
