Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 14, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a seminar here underscored the importance of sustainability reporting for strengthening corporate accountability, transparency and investor confidence in Bangladesh.

The seminar, titled "Sustainability Reporting: Regulations and Way Forward," was organized by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB) at the BIM Auditorium in the city on Saturday to enhance awareness and professional understanding of sustainability reporting, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, and the evolving regulatory framework, said a press release today.

Delivering the welcome address, ICSB President Hossain Sadat highlighted the importance of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) in ensuring sustainable business operations.

Referring to OECD and ILO principles, he stressed the growing need for adopting sustainability standards, mandatory reporting and assurance certification.

The keynote paper was presented by sustainability and ESG professional Meer Sajed Ul Basher, who discussed the global evolution of sustainability reporting and its contribution to long-term value creation, corporate governance and stakeholder confidence.

He also emphasized the expanding role of company secretaries in sustainability reporting, risk mitigation and addressing broader societal needs.

Chairman of the Sustainability and ESG Sub-Committee of ICSB Prof. Dr. Feroz Iqbal Faruque FCS highlighted the importance of trust, professionalism, ethics and sustainability in business practices.

Managing Director of Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC Nuzhat Anwar said sustainability and ESG compliance are becoming increasingly important for enhancing Bangladesh's competitiveness and attracting foreign investment. She also stressed the need for capacity building and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Director of the Sustainable Finance Department of Bangladesh Bank Chowdhury Liakat Ali, who attended the event as special guest, shared insights on sustainable finance initiatives, implementation of IFRS S1 and S2 standards, and recent regulatory developments.

Speaking as chief guest, Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Dr. Md. Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan underscored the significance of sustainability reporting in promoting corporate transparency, accountability and investor confidence.

The seminar was chaired by Mohammed Showket Iqbal, Chairman of the Seminar and Conference Sub-Committee of ICSB, while Dr. Mir Shariful Bashar moderated the event.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-answer session attended by ICSB members and corporate leaders.