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11 banks, most NBFIs skip CSR spending in 2025: BB report
06 Apr 2026
Source: The Business Standard

Eleven banks and the majority of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) in Bangladesh reported no spending on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in 2025, exposing gaps in participation despite a rise in overall CSR expenditure by banks in the latter half of the year, according to a Bangladesh Bank report published today (5 April).

The report shows that 11 of the country's 61 banks recorded zero CSR expenditure during the year. A similar pattern was seen among NBFIs, where 21 out of 35 institutions reported no CSR spending at all.

Despite the limited participation by many institutions, overall CSR spending by banks increased significantly in the second half of 2025. Total CSR expenditure by banks reached Tk197.85 crore between July and December, up from Tk147.19 crore in the first half of the year.

The data also indicates that CSR spending remains concentrated among a small number of banks, with a handful of lenders accounting for a large share of the total outlay.

Standard Chartered Bank contributed the highest amount at Tk27.71 crore, followed by BRAC Bank with Tk20.04 crore and EXIM Bank with Tk19.85 crore.

Private banks dominated overall CSR spending, accounting for 79.16% of the total. In contrast, state-owned banks contributed only 4.09%, highlighting a stark imbalance between the two groups.

CSR spending also remained largely focused on traditional sectors.

Education received the largest share, accounting for 32.47% of total CSR expenditure, while health accounted for 29.07%. Together, the two sectors received nearly 60% of the total CSR allocation.

Spending on environment and climate-related initiatives remained comparatively low. Allocations for environmental protection and climate action stood at 14.81%, falling short of the 20% guideline set by Bangladesh Bank.

Under Bangladesh Bank regulations, banks and financial institutions are required to allocate up to 1% of their net profits to CSR activities.

Of this amount, at least 30% must be spent on education and another 30% on health. A further 20% is required to go towards environmental protection and climate change mitigation, while the remaining 20% may be allocated to areas such as income generation, disaster management, infrastructure development, sports and cultural activities.

 
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