Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) donated Tk 40 lakh to Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital (BETH) to facilitate critical eye care services, including free cataract surgeries, for underprivileged people across the country as part of its corporate social responsibility fund.

Ahmed Shaheen, additional managing director of EBL, handed over a cheque worth 40 lakh to Niaz Abdur Rahman, managing director of the Bangladesh Eye Hospital and Institute (BEHI), at the bank's head office in Dhaka today, said a press release.

"This partnership with Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital allows us to bring hope and light to thousands who suffer from preventable blindness. Together, we aim to build a healthier and more equitable Bangladesh," said Shaheen.

"The relationship we are building today with EBL will be long-term and that together we will make a significant impact in the fight against blindness in Bangladesh," said Rahman.

Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital, a concern of the BEHI, has been providing essential eye care services to underprivileged communities since its inception in 2014.

Through this partnership, EBL will support life-changing initiatives such as eye screening camps, food and lodging for patients, and free cataract surgeries.

Ziaul Karim, head of communications and external affairs at the bank; Maj (retd) Md Abdus Salam, head of administration; Md Abdullah Al Mamun, company secretary; Md Maskur Reza, head of business information systems; Md Shahjahan Ali, head of compliance; Mostafa Sarwar, head of credit risk management; and Md Safiqul Islam Zahid, head of financial operations and control, were present.

Mahziba Rahman Chowdhury, executive director of BETH; Mehraj Rahman Chowdhury, consultant; and Md Kamrul Islam Shanzeed, general manager, along with other senior officials from both organisations, were also present.