2011

The HSBC - Kali O Kalam Young Poet and Writer Awards 2010
The HSBC - Kali O Kalam Young Poets and Writer Awards 2010 was announced at the main auditorium of the National Museum on 22 April 2011. Monthly literary magazine 'Kali O Kalam', in partnership with HSBC, initiated the Award in 2008. This year, young writers received awards in four categories: poetry, literature, research and essay.

Celebrating Tagore's 150th birth anniversary
HSBC Bangladesh organised a special event commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the biggest icon of Bangla culture and literature ? Rabindronath Tagore. The event included unveiling the cover of a research work on Tagore's songs by Dr Karunamaya Goswami and the rendition of Tagore songs by Bengali artists from Bangladesh and India.

Art Of Tagore Songs
As part of its continuous commitment to local culture and heritage, HSBC Bangladesh paid tribute to Noble laureate Rabindronath Tagore on his 150th birth Anniversary by sponsoring a research and publication of a book titled "The Art of Tagore Songs" written by renowned researcher Dr Karunamaya Goswami. Over 1,000 books were printed and have been distributed as courtesy copies to cultural personalities, universities, cultural academies, libraries and galleries across the country.

Winter Cloth Distribution
To provide warmth to the poor in the cold nights of January, all branches in HSBC collected warm clothing items and also purchased blankets with money donated by staff. After collating the collection in the Main Office, many staff members enthusiastically participated as volunteers and helped distributing items among street people in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Arsenic Remedy in Jessore
Following the setup of two tube-wells in the Jessore district ? an arsenic-affected area of the country ? HSBC Bangladesh provided BDT 125,000 to setup 15 new arsenic-free deep tube-wells and thus provide pure drinking water to some 30,000 villagers.

Donating Computers to Disabled People
This year, HSBC Bangladesh donated a total of 6 desktop PCs and 4 laptops to 3 NGOs to aid the learning and training of disabled children. SSDP received 2 Laptops and 4 Desktop PCs; Samannito Janakalyan Kendro (SJK) was given 1 Laptop and 1 Desktop PC; and the Scholars Special School was provided 1 Laptop and 1 Desktop as well. This will support the attempts by these organisations to turn disabled people into assets for the country.

School of Hope
HSBC Bangladesh, through its resources and volunteer-work-hours, assisted the relocation of School of Hope from its previous premise. Furthermore, the Bank's employees also took part in School of Hope's annual fun day which was celebrated at International School, Dhaka, on 14 May 2011.