Diplomatic Desk:
BRAC University’s Department of Economics and Social Sciences organized a ceremony on the Merul Badda campus in Dhaka on Thursday (8 October 2026) to award certificates to the second cohort of 24 participants who completed a 60-hour professional ESG certificate course.
ESG (environmental, social, and governance) is a framework used to evaluate an organization’s activities regarding environmental impact, social responsibility and governance.
When it comes to Bangladesh’s industrial growth, ESG is fast becoming central to market access, export competitiveness, investment readiness and long-term resilience.
The course was developed by BRAC University under Swisscontact’s PROGRESS initiative, with support from the embassies of Sweden and Switzerland in Bangladesh, and facilitated by both academic experts and industry practitioners.
It offers professionals from various sectors the opportunity to gain practical knowledge in sustainable business practices, investment, reporting and responsible decision-making.
“Adhering to ESG and sustainable development standards has become crucial for Bangladesh’s export-oriented industrial sector,” said Professor Muhammad Wasiqur Rahman Khan, chairperson of the Department of Economics and Social Sciences.
“It is not just the industrial sector; banks, financial institutions, and various business enterprises are also increasingly prioritizing ESG factors when making strategic decisions,” he said in the welcome address.
He further mentioned that BRAC University was working to develop a skilled workforce in the field of ESG.
BRAC University is currently working to get regulatory approval for a postgraduate diploma in ESG and has plans to introduce a full-fledged master’s program in the future, he added.
Farzana Amin, team leader of the PROGRESS project, noted that transitioning to a green and sustainable industrial system in Bangladesh cannot happen overnight; it is a long-term journey.
She said, “The green transition we speak of takes time. It requires collaborative effort among the government, the industrial sector, educational institutions, and development partners. This transformation is not possible without collective action.”
Shirin Sultana, senior program manager (Governance, Climate Change, and Environment) at the Embassy of Switzerland, said, “We cannot always rely on international assistance; we must build our own capacity.”
“Universities and educational institutions need to play a more significant role in this regard,” she said.
“We must consider future generations. The world has changed, and business-as-usual is no longer an option. Now is the time to reflect on how we can become a more sustainable and self-reliant nation,” she added.
Addressing the participants, BRAC University Treasurer Ariful Islam stated that ESG was not merely about regulatory compliance as it helps make an organization stronger and more sustainable in the long run.
“Sound decision-making, capacity building, risk management, and the efficient use of resources—all of these are integral parts of ESG,” he said.
“Those of you who have completed this course should apply this knowledge in your workplaces. This will not only benefit the organization but also help create a better world for future generations,” he added.
During the event, participants shared their experiences and views. They noted that the course provided them with new perspectives on their professional lives and offered an opportunity to gain practical knowledge regarding ESG.
Dr Shahidur Rahman, coordinator of the ESG Program at BRAC University, delivered the concluding remarks.
