Standard Chartered Bangladesh has partnered with the Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) to launch Shikhya Shurokkha, a community-based initiative aimed at reducing school dropout rates, expanding access to online learning, and improving learning outcomes in rural and marginalised communities across Bangladesh.

The programme will support more than 8,000 students from socio-economically disadvantaged families — with a particular focus on girls and children from remote, climate-vulnerable, and indigenous areas — across 80 primary and secondary schools nationwide. It will also build local capacity by training teachers, parents, and community facilitators to ensure lasting impact beyond the project's duration.

As part of the partnership, Standard Chartered Bangladesh is donating 30 laptops to CAMPE to set up digital libraries in 10 selected schools in Khagrachhari, Bhola, Naogaon, and Gaibandha. These digital learning hubs will enable teachers and students to access educational materials, bridge learning gaps, and promote digital inclusion. They will complement interventions such as book corners, reading sessions, and extracurricular learning clubs designed to boost literacy, creativity, and student engagement.

The initiative will also provide essential learning materials and warm clothing to 8,000 students and introduce menstrual hygiene kits in 24 schools to reduce absenteeism among adolescent girls. Over 4,000 parents, teachers, and local leaders will be engaged through community campaigns on school enrolment, girls' education, and preventing child marriage.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said:

"Education is the foundation of opportunity, yet too many children, especially in rural Bangladesh, still face barriers that force them out of school. Through Shikhya Shurokkha, a landmark initiative co-created with CAMPE, we are combining community engagement, digital access, and targeted educational support to help 8,000 learners stay in school and thrive. This initiative reflects our enduring commitment to inclusion and to creating pathways for a more equitable future."

Rasheda K Choudhury, Executive Director of CAMPE, said: "This partnership focuses on reaching underprivileged students in remote areas and is expected to make a qualitative difference in their learning. The introduction of digital libraries will help reduce inequalities in access to educational resources. The challenges are significant, but not insurmountable — together we can achieve quality with equity in education."

The collaboration reflects Standard Chartered's 120-year legacy in Bangladesh and its continued investment in empowering communities through education and inclusion.