Thirty-two companies have been recognised for their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance at Bangladesh’s first ESG Excellence Awards, highlighting a growing focus among businesses on measurable sustainability practices.
The awards were jointly organised by UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh and ESG Institute Bangladesh, with Shwapno as the powered-by partner.
Companies were recognised across 20 categories covering energy transition, water stewardship, carbon emission control, occupational health and safety, worker wellbeing, skills development, gender equity, supply-chain management, sustainability reporting, and product and digital innovation.
Among the apparel exporters recognised were Envoy Textiles, Q Collection, Urmi Group, Masco Group, Fakir Fashion, Vintage Denim, Palmal Group, Energypac Fashions and Classical Handmade Products.
Telecom operators Grameenphone, Robi Axiata and Banglalink were recognised for their sustainability practices.
Multinational companies recognised included Coca-Cola Bangladesh, Bata Bangladesh, Reckitt Benckiser, Berger Paints and LafargeHolcim Bangladesh.
In the financial services sector, City Bank, IPDC Finance, Green Delta Insurance and bKash received recognition for their ESG initiatives.
Local companies recognised included ACI Logistics (Shwapno), Walton Hi-Tech, BSRM Group, DBL Ceramics, Akij Group, Dutch-Bangla Pack, Rancon Infrastructures, Nutan Bidyut, SQUARE Pharmaceuticals, Labaid Cancer Hospital and Syngenta Bangladesh.
The ceremony was held on Saturday at La Vita Hall, Lakeshore Grand in Dhaka, bringing together business leaders, regulators, financial institutions and representatives from the diplomatic community.
The recognition comes as companies in Bangladesh face increasing expectations from global markets, investors and regulators to demonstrate progress on climate action, responsible business practices and transparent reporting.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, who attended the event as chief guest, said progress on Bangladesh’s climate ambitions would depend on action at factories and in boardrooms.
Representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, the Embassies of Denmark and Sweden and the Australian High Commission highlighted the importance of independent recognition in encouraging companies to strengthen ESG performance.
An independent jury comprising professionals from regulation, academia, finance and industry reviewed the submissions.
Organisers said applicants were asked to provide written clarification where ESG claims were not adequately supported by evidence.
“The ESG conversation in Bangladesh is shifting from what companies believe to what they can demonstrate,” said UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh Executive Director Shahamin S Zaman.
ESG Institute Bangladesh Executive Director Shadman Sakib Anik said the awards would establish a benchmark for future participants and encourage companies to strengthen their sustainability practices.
The Championing Climate Action Award was presented to Urmi Group Director Shamarukh Fakhruddin, Rancon Infrastructures and Engineering Chief Operating Officer Md Subail Bin Alam and Walton Hi-Tech Managing Director SM Mahbubul Alam.
UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh Network Representative Farooq Sobhan delivered the welcome remarks, while Dhaka Stock Exchange Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar highlighted the importance of sustainability disclosures for investors.
Organisers said applications for the 2027 ESG Excellence Awards will open early next year as more companies seek recognition for sustainability initiatives and stronger ESG practices.
