DOUR, bankers run for a greater cause

With CSR becoming a part and parcel of the corporate world, the banking sector now goes beyond contributing to the economy, guarding people’s savings, helping them prosper and including them in national development.

The banks go beyond their corporate duties and reach out to serve the people and community, often coming forward to respond to the call of humanity.

In 2011 BRAC Bank pioneered the idea of a fundraiser marathon, a first in the country, inspiring all employees to voluntarily donate for the social cause. The bank commits to match the amount 100% from its CSR fund and the total amount is then donated to the charitable organisations. Since then they have run in Agargaon, around the parliament and in Hatirjheel. Whenever they run, the philosophy of standing beside the less fortune of the society remains same. 

They are committed to running every year with unwavering commitment, symbolising the brand promise of BRAC Bank.

Over the last nine years, DOUR has created a distinctive mark as an employee-initiated CSR initiative.

It has also led developing the habit of running among the corporate executives and young people who are conscious about health and well-being. Initially planned only for BRAC Bank officials, DOUR is now open to all, a gesture to involve the community and serve the people together. Now DOUR has earned a place in the almanac of sports and running enthusiasts in Bangladesh.

A guest participant who finished 10th said: “I proudly hold my DOUR crest and tell my friends about the examples BRAC Bank is setting in Bangladesh. DOUR goes beyond humanitarian cause, the most important aspect is that it sends out a wave of lifestyle change among the youth who now take up running passionately because of DOUR.”

This year, the bankers will brave the morning fog and cold and run for the humanity on 14 February in Hatirjheel.

BRAC Bank has donated more than 10 million taka to charities and distributed 100,000 warm garments under the DOUR initiative. Social organisations like Diganta Memorial Cancer Foundation, Association for the Aged and Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Protibondhi Foundation, Subarta Trust, Thalassaemia Samity, CRP-Savar, Rights & Sight for Children, Deepshikha School, Changing Diabetes in Children-BIRDEM, etc are all recipients of DOUR contributions.

BRAC Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Selim RF Hussain, said, “As a values-based organisation belonging to the larger BRAC Family, corporate responsibility is embedded in the DNA of the bank. I am encouraged to see the passion and spontaneity in our colleagues to contribute to society. DOUR is an amazing example of employee-driven CSR initiative. We will take the annual marathon to a newer level in coming years. We strongly believe that together we can make a difference in people’s lives.”