Published: 12:10 AM, 20 July 2026
Business leaders back ESG to secure Bangladesh's future
Business leaders, policymakers, academics and development experts on Saturday called for embedding sustainability and responsible business practices into the core of corporate strategy, saying they are essential for Bangladesh's competitiveness, economic resilience and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The call came at the fourth edition of Sustainability Summit 2026, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.
Presented by AkijBashir Group, powered by SMC Enterprise Limited and American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), and organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum and the Sustainable Brand Initiative, the day-long summit brought together leading voices from the public and private sectors to discuss how businesses can accelerate sustainable growth through responsible practices.
The programme featured three keynote sessions, two panel discussions, three insight sessions, two case study presentations, an expert deep dive and a policy dialogue, focusing on integrating sustainability into business strategy, strengthening environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, and advancing responsible business conduct. Opening the summit, Shariful Islam, Founder and Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum, said sustainability must become an integral part of every organisation rather than remain an annual discussion.
"As Bangladesh advances towards its 2030 commitments and prepares for LDC graduation, responsible business is no longer a choice—it is the foundation of our competitiveness," he said.
Delivering the keynote address as chief guest, Masud Khan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), highlighted the importance of sustainable finance in mobilising investment for Bangladesh's green transition through capital markets and innovative financing mechanisms. In a virtual keynote, globally renowned marketing expert Professor Philip Kotler, alongside Dr Khalid Hasan, President of the ResInt Sustainability Institute, Canada, discussed how businesses can create long-term value by embracing purpose-driven strategies. Another keynote speaker, Dr Shraman Jha, Chief Executive Officer of the Hindustan Unilever Foundation, said sustainability has become a key driver of business competitiveness and long-term growth.
The summit also featured prominent speakers and panellists, including M Mashrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh; Dr Melita Mehjabeen, Professor at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka; Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC; Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone; Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Managing Director of ACI Logistics Limited (Shwapno); Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President of BGMEA; Mohammed Zahidullah, Chief Sustainability Officer of DBL Group; Nuzhat Anwar, Managing Director of Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC; K A M Morshed, Senior Director at BRAC; and Professor Dr Mohammad Nurunnabi, UNESCO Chair.
Discussions throughout the day focused on translating sustainability commitments into measurable business outcomes. Speakers highlighted the growing importance of ESG reporting, responsible supply chains, sustainable finance and carbon markets, while exploring how stronger sustainability frameworks can attract foreign direct investment and strengthen Bangladesh's position in global markets.
The event concluded with the SDG Brand Champion Awards Gala, recognising organisations that have demonstrated measurable environmental, social and economic impact across Bangladesh. 59 brands honored for SDG Brand Champion Awards 2026 for driving sustainable impact.
Sustainability Summit 2026 was presented by AkijBashir Group, powered by SMC Enterprise Limited and AIUB, in association with PRAN-RFL Group and BGMEA. The event was organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum and the Sustainable Brand Initiative as an initiative of the Bangladesh Innovation Conclave.
Organisers said the summit aimed to encourage greater private-sector participation in advancing sustainability, particularly among local businesses, while fostering partnerships aligned with Bangladesh's SDG commitments and long-term economic aspirations.
