Chevron Bangladesh, in collaboration with the environmental organization Green Savers, launched a tree plantation program near its Bibiyana Gas Plant in Habiganj as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity. Over five years, the program plans to plant more than 4,000 high-quality seedlings, including flowers, fruit trees, wood trees, and medicinal plants, with an emphasis on indigenous species. This initiative seeks to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide habitats for local wildlife. Additionally, Debdaru trees will be planted to help reduce noise pollution in the area. Green Savers will oversee the plantation and maintenance of the trees to ensure their health and growth.

At the inauguration, Fardoush Anwar, director of the Sylhet divisional office of the Department of Environment, commended the initiative for its commitment to environmental protection. Eric M Walker, president and managing director of Chevron Bangladesh, emphasized the significance of tree planting in offsetting carbon emissions and fostering a greener future. Ahsan Rony, founder of Green Savers, highlighted the positive impact of corporate sustainability initiatives in creating a greener Bangladesh. The ceremony was attended by various local officials and environmentalists.

Chevron Bangladesh, in collaboration with the environmental organization Green Savers, launched a tree plantation program near its Bibiyana Gas Plant in Habiganj as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity. Over five years, the program plans to plant more than 4,000 high-quality seedlings, including flowers, fruit trees, wood trees, and medicinal plants, with an emphasis on indigenous species. This initiative seeks to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide habitats for local wildlife. Additionally, Debdaru trees will be planted to help reduce noise pollution in the area. Green Savers will oversee the plantation and maintenance of the trees to ensure their health and growth.

At the inauguration, Fardoush Anwar, director of the Sylhet divisional office of the Department of Environment, commended the initiative for its commitment to environmental protection. Eric M Walker, president and managing director of Chevron Bangladesh, emphasized the significance of tree planting in offsetting carbon emissions and fostering a greener future. Ahsan Rony, founder of Green Savers, highlighted the positive impact of corporate sustainability initiatives in creating a greener Bangladesh. The ceremony was attended by various local officials and environmentalists.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for immediate action to accurately estimate and reduce Bangladesh’s non-performing loans (NPLs), which threaten the country’s financial stability. Chris Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Bangladesh, emphasized that NPLs—unpaid loans—restrict the availability of funds for new lending, posing significant risks to the financial system.

Following the IMF mission’s visit to Dhaka from September 24-30, Papageorgiou highlighted the urgent need for NPL estimation based on international standards and a comprehensive reduction strategy. He also stressed the importance of conducting an asset quality review and adopting global best practices for banking recovery and resolution.

In addition to addressing NPLs, Papageorgiou identified several key reforms for lasting financial stability, including risk-based supervision, enhanced corporate governance, and strengthening the independence of Bangladesh Bank. He also underscored the importance of accelerating regulatory reforms and developing the domestic capital market to support long-term economic growth. The IMF, in collaboration with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), USAID, and the UK’s FCDO, is working with a task force established by Bangladesh Bank to address the sector’s vulnerabilities.