Md Rakel Islam, Bogura 

'MTB Foundation', a social responsibility organization of Mutual Trust Bank (MTB), has distributed free bicycles to 150 talented and underprivileged students in Bogura , with the aim of removing obstacles to students' school travel due to distance and preventing dropouts.

As part of the bank's 27th anniversary celebrations, the distribution ceremony was organized at the Bogra Deputy  Commissioner's (DC) office on Wednesday under the 'Dream Chariot' project under their CSR program. These bicycles were handed over to selected students through a specific screening process by the Bogra branch and the concerned school authorities.

Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Member of Parliament for Bogura-4 (Kahalu-Nandigram) constituency, who was present at the event, highly appreciated the social initiatives taken by the bank for the benefit of the education sector and the young population. He said, "If the good and established banks of the country come forward for such encouraging work in the education sector, it will further pave the way for building a well-educated society in the future."

Speaking at the event, Bogura Deputy Commissioner  Md. Taufiqur Rahman said, "This initiative of MTB Foundation to prevent school dropouts and facilitate regular transportation of school students in Bogra is highly commendable. After being associated as a sponsor of the Deputy Commissioner Gold Cup Football Tournament, this time the bank has provided this grant in the field of education."

Addressing the students, he also said, "Along with studies, one should look left and right and drive carefully on the road. Regular cycling will also create opportunities to maintain physical fitness."

Highlighting the goals and context of the program, MTB Foundation Chief Executive Officer Samia Chowdhury said, "MTB Foundation has been working in the education, health and environment sectors for a long time under its CSR policy. The main objective of our flagship project 'Swapna Sarathi' in the education sector is to ensure that distance does not become a barrier to going to school. 

The program ended with the handing over of bicycles to the selected students in a joyful atmosphere in the presence of senior officials of the district administration and bank authorities.