NCC Bank supports ‘SeaSafe Lifeguard’ initiative in Cox’s Bazar

NCC Bank PLC has extended support to the “SeaSafe Lifeguard” programme run by the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) at sea beach to help reduce drowning risks and raise public awareness.

M Shamsul Arefin, managing director of NCC Bank, inaugurated the programme at Sea Pearl Beach Resort in Cox’s Bazar recently, according to a press release.

Speaking at the event, Arefin said drowning remains a silent but devastating crisis in Bangladesh, leaving a profound impact on affected families.

He said the bank’s support for the initiative reflects its commitment to public safety and social well-being.

Drowning claims nearly 18,000 lives annually in Bangladesh, many of them children, making it a major public health concern.

Since 2012, CIPRB has been implementing the SeaSafe Lifeguard programme through regular beach patrols, rescue operations and awareness campaigns in Cox’s Bazar.

The initiative has saved 1,052 lives so far and reached millions of people through drowning prevention efforts.

NCC Bank said its involvement is part of its corporate social responsibility activities aimed at promoting public safety and social welfare.

M Khurshed Alam, additional managing director of NCC Bank; Md Zakir Anam, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman and Md Habibur Rahman, deputy managing directors; and Nighat Mumtaz, executive vice-president and head of sustainable and women’s banking as well as head of strategic brand management, attended the event.

Salim Mahmud Chowdhury, director of the Health System Research Division and RTI Prevention and Research Unit of CIPRB; Col (retd) Imran Ullah Sarker, director of human resources and administration; Saikhul Islam Helal, senior adviser for government liaison and CSR; and Yeasir Iftekhar, project manager of the SeaSafe Lifeguard Project, along with senior officials from both organisations, were also present.