The Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB) has underscored the urgent need for stronger sustainability reporting and ESG compliance frameworks to enhance corporate transparency, attract investment, and ensure responsible business practices in Bangladesh.

The call came at a seminar titled “Sustainability Reporting: Regulations & Way Forward”, organized by ICSB at the BIM Auditorium in Dhaka on June 13.

Speaking at the event, ICSB President Hossain Sadat FCS stressed the importance of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) in achieving sustainable business growth. Referring to OECD and ILO principles, he highlighted the increasing global emphasis on sustainability standards, mandatory disclosures, and assurance certification.

Presenting the keynote paper, sustainability and ESG expert Meer Sajed Ul Basher FCA outlined the global evolution of sustainability reporting, describing it as a key driver of long-term value creation, sound corporate governance, and stakeholder confidence.

He also noted the growing role of company secretaries in ESG reporting, risk management, and addressing broader societal concerns.

Prof. Dr. Feroz Iqbal Faruque FCS, Chairman of ICSB’s Sustainability and ESG Sub-Committee, emphasized that trust, professionalism, ethics, and sustainability must remain at the core of corporate practices.

Addressing the seminar, Dhaka Stock Exchange Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar said sustainability and ESG compliance are increasingly becoming prerequisites for enhancing Bangladesh’s competitiveness and attracting foreign investment.

She called for greater capacity building and stronger collaboration among regulators, businesses, and professionals.

As Special Guest, Chowdhury Liakat Ali, Director of the Sustainable Finance Department at Bangladesh Bank, shared updates on sustainable finance initiatives, implementation of IFRS S1 and S2 standards, and ongoing regulatory developments.

Chief Guest Dr. Md. Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), highlighted the growing importance of sustainability reporting in strengthening corporate accountability, transparency, and investor confidence.

The seminar was chaired by Mohammed Showket Iqbal FCS, Chairman of the Seminar and Conference Sub-Committee of ICSB, while Dr. Mir Shariful Bashar FCS moderated the session. The event concluded with an interactive discussion attended by ICSB members, corporate executives, and industry stakeholders.

—