Transform donates Tk22 crore to 8 Bangladeshi organisations

'Transform', a joint venture of Unilever, the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom, and Ernst & Young, has donated Tk22 crore to implement the innovative initiatives of eight companies in Bangladesh.

Transform aims to inspire innovative social businesses which contribute to achieving the social development goals (SDGs). In the past two years, Transform has provided support to eight new social business organisations in Bangladesh, said a press release on Wednesday. 

The eight projects which received Transform's donation are: Jeeon, Maya, HappyTap, Shobar Jonno Pani, SWEEP, Drinkwell, Folia Water, and Bhumijo. 

The companies that received the grant outlined their projects at an event named "Transform Bangladesh Entrepreneurs Showcasing Event" at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday.   

Mr Kedar Lele, chief executive officer and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh along with the chief guest Mr Md Mokammel Hossain, the additional secretary for SDG affairs of the Prime Minister's Office were present at the event.

The event was also graced by Richard Wright, global director of Unilever's Sustainable Behavior Change Project, and Chris Edward, strategic partnership and innovation manager at DFID (UK).

In his Speech, Kedar Lele said, "We strive to implement the innovative ideas of young and talented entrepreneurs for the overall development of this country. From that belief, Transform stands next to these young talents."

"We believe this joint initiative will help in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals within the stipulated time through poverty mitigation, providing assurance of good health and improving the overall living standard of the people of Bangladesh," he added.

The Department for International Development, United kingdom and one of the world's largest professional firms Ernst & Young, have taken the initiative in order to take Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan further.