Sustainable finance key to Bangladesh’s low-carbon transition: BSEC chief

Sustainable finance will play a critical role in mobilising investment for Bangladesh's transition to a low-carbon economy, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan said at the Sustainability Summit 2026 in Dhaka yesterday.

Addressing the summit as chief guest, he said green, social, sustainability and blue bonds are emerging as key financing instruments worldwide and that Bangladesh must position itself to tap into these emerging sources of capital.

He stressed that stronger governance, credible sustainability reporting and independent assurance mechanisms are needed to build investor confidence and prevent greenwashing. According to him, Bangladesh's green transition will depend not only on new financial products but also on efficient capital markets, improved financial literacy and stronger institutional capacity.

The fourth edition of the Sustainability Summit 2026, organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, brought together business leaders, policymakers, academics and development practitioners to discuss sustainable business practices and Bangladesh's transition toward a greener economy.

Opening the event, Shariful Islam, founder and managing director of Bangladesh Brand Forum, said responsible business is no longer a choice but a prerequisite for success in global markets.

"As Bangladesh moves toward its 2030 commitments and prepares for LDC graduation, this is our moment to move from responsibility to impact, and from compliance to conduct," he said.

Delivering a virtual keynote, marketing thinker Philip Kotler said businesses must move beyond competing solely on low costs and instead focus on innovation, productivity and sustainable value creation. Joining him, Dr Khalid Hasan discussed how modern brands can create long-term shared value in an increasingly purpose-driven global economy.

Dr Shraman Jha, chief executive officer of the Hindustan Unilever Foundation, said sustainability has evolved from philanthropy and compliance into a core business growth strategy. He noted that climate risks are increasingly influencing business costs, profitability and investment decisions, making sustainability integral to long-term resilience.

M Mashrur Reaz, chairman and founder of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, said responsible business conduct and sustainability disclosures are becoming essential for exporters as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation. 

Melita Mehjabeen, professor at the Institute of Business Administration at the University of Dhaka, said transparency, verified disclosures and supply chain traceability have become the new language of business trust as buyers, investors and consumers increasingly look beyond price and quality.

Speakers at a panel discussion titled "From Boardroom to Bottom Line: Embedding Sustainability into Business Strategy" said sustainability and affordability are not mutually exclusive. They noted that companies integrating sustainability into decision-making can improve operational efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen long-term resilience through circular economy practices and smarter resource management.

Another panel discussion on Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry highlighted how the sector has evolved from basic compliance to responsible business leadership. Speakers said the next phase of growth would depend on verified sustainability data, decarbonisation efforts, traceability and internationally recognised environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, alongside continued investment in green factories and worker welfare.

Speakers also highlighted carbon markets and ESG frameworks as potential drivers of green growth. Professor Mohammad Nurnnabi, Unesco Chair on Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Actions, said ESG is increasingly becoming a market requirement rather than a voluntary commitment, with investors placing greater emphasis on transparent and verifiable sustainability disclosures.

Industry leaders noted that stronger ESG standards and coordinated regulatory action could help attract foreign direct investment and create new economic opportunities.