Bangladesh Innovation Conclave initiated the first ever AkijBashir Group Presents Sustainability Summit in Association with Intellier and The Daily Star, held at Le Méridien Dhaka on September 10, 2024. Themed under “Empowering Sustainable Future: Pathways to a Sustainable Bangladesh,”Sustainability Summit 2024 stood up as a premier gathering aimed at fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action towards advancing sustainable development. The summit aimed to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to take collective action, set ambitious targets, and drive meaningful change that benefits both present and future generations.
The event provided hands-on experience with implementing SGD and addressed common challenges and questions related to SGD. Collaboration opportunities and their potential impact on brands were explored, and emerging SDG trends and innovations were discussed. The discussion received overwhelming participation and positive feedback from the attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to discuss the importance of sustainability in brand strategy and explore ways to integrate SDGs into their business practices.
The summit featured an engaging agenda comprising 01 Keynote Session, 02 Panel Discussions, 03 Insight Sessions and 01 Case Study. This summit united a variety of stakeholders, including representatives from government, businesses, academia, non-profits, and civil society, to tackle critical sustainability issues and explore innovative solutions.
Partners:
AkijBashir Group Presents Sustainability Summit 2024 was held in Association with Intellier and The Daily Star; in Collaboration with International Advertising Association Bangladesh, Asia Marketing Federation (AMF), Marketing Society of Bangladesh (MSB); Supported by – Creative IT Institute; Technology Partner – aamra Technologies Limited; Hospitality Partner – Le Méridien Dhaka; PR Partner – Backpage PR. Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative organised the summit. Sustainability Summit 2024 is an initiative of Bangladesh Innovation Conclave.
Session Type: Keynote
Topic: Why Sustainability is Critical for Bangladeshi Businesses and How Should They Pursue It
Speaker: Zaved Akhtar, Chairman & Managing Director, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd.; President, Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Zaved Akhtar, in his keynote session, emphasized that sustainability must be a core component of business strategies and should be performance-driven and measurable. He stressed that sustainability is no longer a point of difference but rather a point of parity, highlighting examples like the recycling of plastic bottles in the UK. Zaved discussed how small initiatives, like adapting refill systems for soaps, could significantly reduce plastic consumption. He shared the impact of partnering with the Chattogram City Corporation to reduce plastic usage and the need to redesign product packaging to save resources like water for future generations. Zaved reflected on his experience engaging school students in awareness campaigns, noting their overwhelming curiosity and intelligence. He concluded by asserting that while knowledge is crucial for sustainability, desire and action are the first steps to achieving meaningful change, particularly in finding alternatives for the many people dependent on plastic production.
Session Type: Case Study
Topic: Sustainable Practices of AkijBashir Group
Speaker: Sk. Bashir Uddin, Managing Director, AkijBashir Group
AkijBashir emphasises sustainability through innovative processes and a diverse workforce, integrating gender and ability diversity to build a unified sustainable business model. They are leading in adopting technology to improve environmental and operational efficiency across industries, including jute, ceramics, and particle board manufacturing.
In their jute mills, AkijBashir has introduced an underground dust suction system, significantly improving air quality and reducing wear on machinery. This innovation has lowered energy consumption, minimized production interruptions, and saved 2 crore taka in lubricating oil costs. Additionally, they have implemented a solar power system that generates 66% of the jute mills’ electricity, with a goal to achieve 100% renewable energy in two years, using lithium-ion batteries for energy storage and advanced power management systems to enhance efficiency.
In their ceramics business, AkijBashir has developed a circular production process that reuses waste materials and is installing 31 megawatts of solar energy to power the factory. They recover 90% of wasted thermal energy from their combustion power generation systems, well above the national average, and have replaced 50% of their natural gas usage with energy from biomass generated from packaging materials.
Their particle board business uses only branches, not logs, and has introduced technologies that reduce raw material consumption by 35% and energy usage by 40%. AkijBashir is also the largest producer of biomass and solar energy in Bangladesh and has reduced water consumption by 80% across all industries.
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Topic: Why Bangladeshi Businesses Should Embrace Sustainability for
Future World
Moderator: Shariful Islam, Founder and Managing Director, Bangladesh Brand Forum
Speakers: Dr. A. K. Enamul Haque, Professor, Department Of Economics & Dean, Faculty of Business And Economics, East West University; President, Marketing Society of Bangladesh (MSB); Dr. Melita Mehjabeen, Professor, Institute Of Business Administration, University of Dhaka; Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman, Daffodil International University (DIU); Sayef Nasir, Managing Director, Social Marketing Enterprise Ltd. (Smc).
The panel discussion addressed key challenges and opportunities related to sustainability, education, and industry development in Bangladesh. Participants emphasised that while Bangladesh is a significant global economy, it remains constrained by low per capita income and outdated technology. This has led to higher pollution levels and lower productivity than more advanced regions. The country needs to prioritise research and development (R&D) to remain competitive, adopt higher regulatory standards, and improve policy enforcement to level the playing field across industries.
The discussion also covered the private sector’s struggle to fully embrace sustainability beyond environmental issues. While larger companies are beginning to make progress due to regulatory pressure and market demand, smaller companies often see sustainability as a cost rather than an investment in long-term value. The need for companies to assess their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks and extend sustainability practices throughout their supply chain was emphasized, alongside the importance of conducting materiality assessments.
In terms of education, the panel highlighted Bangladesh’s unpredictable nature and the need to prepare students to adapt to changing circumstances. The country’s university ranking systems were criticised for focusing on infrastructure over educational quality and employability. Micro-credential courses were proposed as a solution to enhance students’ employability, though there is currently a lack of clarity around which skills are most relevant to the job market.
Lastly, the panel discussed how industries in Bangladesh must focus on three key elements—people, process, and technology—to thrive. There is a need for greater investment in skill development and a shift towards more process-oriented practices. Technology, in particular, should be leveraged to reduce costs and increase competitiveness. SMC’s success as a company was presented as an example of how compliance, quality, and sustainability can coexist profitably.
Session Type: Insight Session
Topic: IFC Perspective: Setting ESG Standards to Advance Sustainable Finance
Speaker: Lopa Rahman, ESG Officer, IFC – International Finance Corporation
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) holds a significant portfolio in Bangladesh, focusing on sustainable investments to address the critical threat of climate change, which affects both short- and long-term sustainability. IFC emphasises that businesses must consider the interests of all stakeholders, not just shareholders, making environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors integral to growth strategies rather than just philanthropy or CSR. Corporate directors should be held accountable for their environmental impact, with legal liabilities attached, while listed companies should implement mandatory audit committees to address climate-related risks through transparent reporting and disclosure.
In Bangladesh, IFC works at multiple levels—market, regulatory, real sector, and financial institutions—partnering with Bangladesh Bank to develop sustainable finance frameworks, including the Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) practices. Under an ESG initiative, IFC and Bangladesh Bank are developing guidelines for sustainability and climate-related financial disclosures, adhering to IFRS S1 and S2 standards, making banks accountable for emissions related to their financing activities. Bangladesh is one of the few countries adopting these international standards.
IFC is also collaborating with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission to create a sustainable bond guideline that covers not only green bonds but also gender, blue, and climate bonds. These guidelines aim to define what qualifies as “green” and ensure transparency in measuring responsibility, accountability, and performance, thereby addressing the issue of greenwashing. Companies with strong ESG practices tend to perform better financially, achieving higher returns on both assets and equity.
As a global standard-setter in corporate governance, IFC’s methodologies are used by 35 development financial institutions, providing a benchmark for corporations to assess environmental, social, and governance risks.
Session Type: Insight Session
Topic: Bridging the Renewable Energy Gap: How Can Bangladeshi
Businesses Transition
Speaker: Shehzad Munim, Advisor & Former President, Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mentor, Leadership Academy 
Bangladesh is significantly behind in achieving its renewable energy targets, particularly in solar and wind power, which undermines the country’s efforts toward self-sufficiency. This shortfall highlights the urgent need for regional energy cooperation, with Bangladesh raising its voice at both regional and international levels to build a comprehensive renewable energy ecosystem. The country’s electricity supply is insufficient, causing both quantitative and qualitative issues, with many factories relying on outdated and inefficient captive machinery that requires upgrading. Due to unreliable power supply, companies are forced to generate their own electricity, but they face challenges in fully utilizing their renewable power plants, as excess energy during off-peak hours cannot be stored or traded. To address this, institutional renewable energy solutions must be promoted, allowing contributions to the national grid and ensuring long-term energy sustainability. Collaboration between policymakers, business leaders, and technical experts is crucial in bridging the renewable energy gap and enhancing power generation. Additionally, failure to meet international sustainability deadlines could negatively impact Bangladesh’s export businesses, making it essential to prioritise renewable energy to stay competitive globally.
Session Type: Panel Discussion (CEO Panel)
Topic: Leadership’s Impact on Embedding Sustainability into Business
Purpose
Moderator: Asif Iqbal, Transformative Business Leader
Speaker: Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Managing Director, ACI Logistics Ltd. (Shwapno); Rupali Chowdhury, Managing Director, Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd.; Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman & CEO, PRAN-RFL Group; K. A. M. Majedur Rahman, Group CEO, A. K. Khan & Company Ltd.; Md. Rubaiyath Sarwar, Managing Director, Innovision Consulting Private Ltd.; Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, Mutual Trust Bank PLC.
The panel discussion at the Sustainability Summit 2024 focused on the importance of collective action to achieve sustainability, particularly in a densely populated country like Bangladesh. The panellists highlighted that sustainability efforts must align with global standards, such as the implementation of ILO directives, and emphasised the role of education and leadership in driving this mission forward. The conversation touched on the need for eco-friendly alternatives like solar power and the importance of protecting the planet, regardless of where business is conducted. Additionally, they underscored the environmental impact of industrial activities, such as printing and transportation, and suggested leveraging Bangladesh’s waterway system to reduce long-term costs.
The panel agreed that sustainability cannot be achieved overnight; it requires gradual steps, increased awareness, and dialogues that engage all stakeholders. They discussed the need to inject sustainability into communities and address the consumer awareness gap that often leaves businesses demotivated when sustainable products don’t receive sufficient market support. Ultimately, the panel stressed the importance of short-term dialogues and long-term vision sharing to ensure that sustainability is a continuous journey rather than a one-time achievement.
Session Type: Insight Session
Topic:Accelerating Climate Action: Policies and Practices
Speaker: Saif Islam, Senior Programme Officer, International Labour Organization (ILO)
The insight session emphasised the critical need for a “Just Transition” in Bangladesh in response to the ongoing triple planetary crisis affecting businesses and workers. While companies and the economy are shifting towards a green transition, it must be sustainable, and inclusive, and create decent jobs, ensuring that no one is left behind. A Just Transition requires integrated policy responses, national oversight, and adequate financing, with successful examples from countries like Korea and the Philippines.
To support Bangladesh’s sustainability journey, key economic sectors must align with a national narrative and framework for Just Transition. This involves knowledge dissemination through social dialogues, green enterprise policies, skill development, and strengthening institutional capacities. The session also highlighted the importance of focusing on people and inclusivity, with women playing a central role in leading the sustainability agenda.
SDG Brand Champion Awards 2024
The first Sustainability Summit was followed by the 2nd edition of SDG Brand Champion Awards. 39 sustainable brand initiatives were awarded in the award gala held at Le Méridien Dhaka. Among the awardees, 16 initiatives received the winner accolade and 23 received the Honourable Mentions. Initiated by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, this award aimed to recognise and honour private organisations and brands that have contributed outstandingly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh.
The award gala was attended by Ms. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change; Advisor, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, as the Honorable Chief Guest.
Addressing the occasion and the awardees, the Chief Guest stated, “What we see here today, through these awards, are not just achievements; they are examples of how collaboration, leadership, and commitment can translate into real-world impact. As we work towards achieving the SDGs, we need to continue fostering these partnerships between the private and public sectors, NGOs, and communities. Together, we can tackle the challenges that lie ahead and create an inclusive and sustainable Bangladesh that we can all be proud of.”
The SDG Brand Champion Awards 2024 received an overwhelming response from a diverse range of industries, earning widespread appreciation for being the first-of-its-kind recognition in the field of sustainability. With more than 500 attendees, the awards ceremony highlighted the pioneering efforts and impactful initiatives of businesses, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, and brands that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting and implementing sustainable development goals across the country.
The SDG Brand Champion Awards 2024 were presented across 9 distinct categories, covering the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to Bangladesh. Nominations for the awards were open from May 12 to June 13, during which 357 nominations were submitted. The winners were chosen through a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. This included an initial screening of nominations, followed by thorough reviews conducted from July 9 to 13 by 8 exclusive grand jury panels. These panels featured 37 esteemed category experts from various industries, ensuring that the most impactful initiatives were recognised through a transparent, accountable, and unbiased selection process.
The jury session included significant experts like MD. Rubaiyath Sarwar, Managing Director Innovision Consulting Private Ltd.; Towfiquzzaman Chowdhury, PMP, General Manager, Sustainability, Robi Axiata Ltd.; Nazra Sabet, Senior Director and CEO, Friendship NGO; DR. Rubina Husain, President, SEED Foundation Bangladesh; Engr. Naznin Akther, Director, Solaric Group; Dilruba S. Khan, Group Human Resources Director, AkijBashir Group; Asif Iqbal, Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamid Group; Saif Moinul Islam, Senior Programme Officer, International Labour Organization (ILO) and many others.
As Shariful Islam, Founder and Managing Director of Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, so eloquently stated, ‘In the rise of a New Bangladesh, the role of brands in practicing sustainability has never been more crucial. Brands have the power to influence behaviors, drive innovation, and transform industries, all while contributing to the greater good of society and the planet. By integrating sustainability into their core operations, businesses are not only building a resilient economy but also ensuring a more equitable, just, and thriving future for the generations to come.’
The inaugural Sustainability Summit 2024, initiated by the Bangladesh Innovation Conclave and presented by AkijBashir Group, marked a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s journey toward sustainable development. This landmark event united key stakeholders from government, business, academia, and civil society to foster meaningful dialogues and drive action on sustainability. Through engaging sessions—from keynote addresses and insightful panels to case studies and expert-led discussions—participants tackled the challenges and explored innovative solutions for integrating sustainable practices across industries. The event emphasised the importance of incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into business strategies, underscoring that sustainability is not just a goal but a foundational value for future growth and resilience.
The SDG Brand Champion Awards 2024, held in conjunction with the summit, celebrated pioneering brands and organisations leading by example in their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognised across nine categories, the awardees demonstrated how collaboration, innovation, and leadership can drive impactful change. As emphasised by the event speakers, this collective push toward sustainability will help forge a more inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh. The summit and awards underscore the role of brands and organisations in building a sustainable future, showing that, through shared effort, Bangladesh can set a powerful example in sustainable development for generations to come.
