City Bank and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have announced a new partnership under the Komlaphul Pharmacy Initiative aimed at training young women as pharmacy associates across Bangladesh. The collaboration, unveiled at a signing ceremony in Dhaka, marks the first joint effort between the two organisations and a significant step in advancing women’s empowerment and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in underserved areas.

The agreement was formalised by Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh, and Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank.

The initiative builds on a successful pilot run by UNFPA in cooperation with relevant directorates of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. That programme showed that female pharmacists and associates are often more trusted by women and girls, provide stronger SRH counselling, and help widen access to vital services. City Bank’s involvement will see the project scaled up, creating employment opportunities for women while improving healthcare delivery and inclusivity.

“This partnership with City Bank is a powerful example of how the private sector can play a transformative role in empowering women while expanding access to essential sexual and reproductive health services. By investing in young women as pharmacy associates, we are investing in healthier families, stronger communities and a more equitable society in Bangladesh,” said Catherine Breen Kamkong.

Mashrur Arefin highlighted the broader vision behind the move. “At City Bank, we believe financial inclusion must go hand in hand with social inclusion. This initiative with UNFPA is not just about training young women for jobs, but about creating pathways for dignity, independence, and leadership in their communities. By supporting women to become pharmacy associates, we are helping them transform both their own lives and the lives of countless others through improved access to healthcare and trusted counselling. This is aligned with our vision of building a more inclusive and sustainable Bangladesh.”

The Komlaphul Pharmacy Initiative is now set to expand nationwide, aiming to improve healthcare access while empowering a new generation of women professionals.