17:19:59 (BST) 17:19:59 (BST)
February 02, 2026, Chattogram:
The Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC (CSE) successfully hosted a high-level workshop in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact Network Bangladesh (UNGCNB) on Monday, February 2, 2026, marking a significant step toward advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and market integrity in Bangladesh's capital market.
The event, titled "Advancing ESG & Market Integrity: Opportunities for Bangladesh", took place at the CSE Conference Hall, CSE Building, 1080 Sk. Mujib Road, Agrabad, Chattogram. It brought together industry leaders, listed companies, investors, regulators, and stakeholders for strategic dialogue on harmonizing corporate growth with ethical transparency, sustainability and responsible business practices.
The program commenced with registration, followed by welcome remarks delivered by Mr. M. Shaifur Rahman Mazumdar, FCA, FCMA, Managing Director of CSE. Ms. Shahamin S. Zaman, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Bangladesh, the Chief Guest of the program, emphasizing the role of collaborative efforts in promoting the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the capital market. It is mentionable here that UNGCNB is the local network of the UN Global Compact, working to mobilize businesses in Bangladesh to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies aligned with the Ten Principles and SDGs.
A key highlight was the GCNB presentation by Mr. Mabrur M. Chowdhury, Program Manager, Global Compact Network Bangladesh, which outlined frameworks for ESG disclosure, anti-corruption, and sustainable finance. The session included an engaging Open Plenary led by Ms. Juliana Awo Quist Lawson, Coordinator, Stakeholder Engagement, Global Compact Network Bangladesh, fostering interactive discussions on opportunities and challenges for responsible investment in Bangladesh.
The workshop culminated in a ceremonial MoU signing between CSE and UNGCNB. This two-year Memorandum of Understanding establishes a formal framework for ongoing collaboration, including:
- Co-organizing capacity-building training, workshops, and seminars on ESG, corporate governance, sustainability, and business integrity.
- Joint awareness campaigns and advocacy to promote responsible business conduct.
- Co-developing research, reports, and guidelines on sustainability reporting and anti-corruption practices tailored to capital markets.
- Partnering on national events such as Sustainability Day and Integrity Day to highlight the capital market's contribution to sustainable development.
Under the MoU, CSE will facilitate engagement with listed companies, regulators, and investors to integrate sustainability practices, while UNGCNB will provide technical expertise, resources, and frameworks to support socio-economic progress.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mazumdar, Managing Director, CSE, stated: "This partnership with UNGCNB reinforces our commitment to building a transparent, ethical, and sustainable capital market in Bangladesh. By encouraging ESG adoption among listed entities, we aim to enhance investor confidence, drive responsible investment, and contribute to a thriving, sustainable economy."
The event underscored Bangladesh's growing focus on sustainable finance and aligns with global efforts to align business with the UNSDGs. CSE and UNGCNB expressed optimism that this collaboration will inspire broader market-wide adoption of ESG standards and foster long-term integrity in the capital market.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Mohammed Mahadi Hasan, CFA, Chief Regulatory Officer of CSE, who stated: "Today's collaboration with UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh marks a pivotal moment for our capital market. By committing to ESG principles and market integrity, we are not only strengthening regulatory frameworks but also paving the way for sustainable growth, greater investor trust, and a more resilient economy for Bangladesh.
For Details
Tania Begum
AM- P &CR, PR Department
Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC
Cell: 01760745736
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