Prime Bank renews icddr,b deal for Sylhet TB centre, where 1,843 patients were detected in a year
Prime Bank PLC has renewed its strategic partnership with icddr,b to continue essential health services for tuberculosis (TB) patients, suspected cases and confirmed patients in Sylhet.
Under the partnership, the bank will provide financial support to run the Sylhet TB Screening and Treatment Centre (TBSTC) until 31 August 2027.
The bank announced the information in a press release sent on Thursday. The release said the renewed agreement will ensure uninterrupted TB detection, screening and treatment services for disadvantaged and at-risk groups in society.
The initiative follows on from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in September 2025.
According to the release, from September 2025 to August 2026, a total of 15,338 people with TB symptoms came to the Sylhet TB Screening and Treatment Centre for services. Among them, TB was detected in 1,843 people.
The approved funding will make it possible to keep TB detection, screening and treatment services running uninterrupted at the centre for the coming year, the release said.
At a recent ceremony at Prime Bank's head office in Dhaka, the renewed MoU was signed by Md Ziaur Rahman, additional managing director and chief risk officer of Prime Bank PLC, and Namdi Chukwuma Nadozie, acting executive director of icddr,b. Senior officials of both organisations were present at the time.
Speaking about the partnership, Md Ziaur Rahman said: 'Prime Bank believes that receiving timely, necessary healthcare is a fundamental right of every person. Through this partnership with icddr,b, an opportunity has been created to play an effective role in TB prevention and control in Sylhet. As a result, thousands of patients will receive the screening, diagnosis and treatment they need, which will help them return to a healthy life.'
Through this initiative, Prime Bank PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public health development. The bank said it is committed to working jointly with icddr,b to further strengthen TB prevention, detection and treatment activities in Bangladesh.
