Staff Reporter : Robi Axiata PI.C has once again organized a blood donation campaign in support of thalassemia patients, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to health, social responsibility, and community welfare. The initiative, held on 28 May at Robi’s headquarters in Shanta Forum Tower, was conducted in collaboration with the Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation.
More than 100 employees from Robi, Unilever, McDonald, Shanta Holdings, and other organizations within the Shanta Forum community participated in the drive. As part of the campaign, donors also received six free basic health checkups.
Following a similar effort last year, Robi continued its support for thalassemia patients by bringing together members of its board of directors and senior leadership at the event. They expressed gratitude to the donors and encouraged continued participation in such life-saving efforts in the future.
Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin, often resulting in severe anemia. According to 2024 data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), around 18.2 million people in the country approximately 11.4% of the population are carriers of the disease. Each year, an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 children are born with thalassemia in Bangladesh. The Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) reports that over 70,000 people in the country currently live with the condition.
Dr. Syeda Masooma Rahman, Professor, Blood Transfusion & Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh, Thalassemia Foundation, said, “Blood donation is essential for thalassemia patients, as they rely on regular transfusions for their survival and overall health. The involvement of corporate organizations in such initiatives is vital to sustaining this life-saving support. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Robi Axiata for being the highest corporate blood donor to the Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation in 2024, and for consistently showing exceptional leadership in corporate social responsibility.”
Commenting on the initiative, Robi’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer, Shahed Alam, said, “We are proud and grateful for the overwhelming response to the blood donation drive. Participation from professionals across various organizations reflects the collective spirit of compassion. This initiative demonstrates Robi’s enduring commitment to supporting healthcare and serving the people of Bangladesh.”
ABOUT ROBI : Robi Axiata PLC. (“Robi”) is a public limited company, where Asian telecom giant, Axiata Group Berhad. based in Malaysia, holds the majority shareholding (61.82%). Aside from the public shareholders (10%). the global telecom giant, Bharti Airtel, headquartered in New Delhi, India, holds 28.18% of shares in the company. Robi is the second largest mobile network operator in Bangladesh creating new digital experiences for the people of the country. Through sustained investment Robi has created a robust telecom infrastructure to deliver innovation to all corners of the country. In addition to delivering its innovative digital products and services, the country-wide telecom infrastructure serves as the key enabler for the growing digital eco-system of the country. Be it urban or rural, people find their way to Digital Bangladesh through Robi.