Bangladesh University has inaugurated the country’s first-ever Centre for Sustainability and Innovation, marking a student-led step towards advancing environmentally responsible development and future-focused enterprise solutions.
The launch was announced during a seminar titled “Future of Sustainability and Innovation” held on Saturday at the university’s permanent campus, part of its ongoing Industry-Academic Week organised by the Department of Business Administration.
Established with student initiative, the centre aims to bridge innovation, policy, and inclusive economic growth in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing, where climate resilience and sustainable practices are increasingly critical.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam formally inaugurated the centre and said the move reflects the university’s ambition to shape socially conscious graduates prepared to lead change. “We want to equip our students with the mindset to harmonise economic growth, ecological balance, and equity,” he noted.
Unilever Bangladesh Chairman and Managing Director Javed Akhtar, addressing the seminar as keynote speaker, said sustainability must be woven into the fabric of every business decision. “This is no longer a side department—it must be embedded across operations,” he said, calling on future leaders to embrace lifelong learning and personal accountability.
Lopa Rahman, Environmental, Social and Governance Project Lead for South Asia at the International Finance Corporation, stressed that sustainability extends far beyond profit. “Social commitment, respect for nature, and employee safety must hold equal weight,” she said. Praising the innovation of Bangladeshi youth, she added, “With transparency and the right focus, we can lead.”
Urmi Group Director Shamrukh Fakhruddin encouraged students to take courageous steps beyond their comfort zones. “Leaving Unilever was a difficult choice, but it helped me grow in ways I never expected,” she said, adding that teamwork and shared purpose are essential for long-term business sustainability.
Environmental researcher and writer Faraz Islam, who moderated the seminar, said the world needs over $4 trillion annually to meet sustainability goals, yet current commitments fall drastically short. “The gap may be financial, but the solution lies in innovation,” he noted.
Board of Trustees member and business department advisor Shahnila Azhar said the university seeks to empower students not just for careers, but for driving societal change. “Sustainability and innovation are no longer optional—they are urgent,” she said.
Department Head Professor Dr Mozakkerul Huda, in his opening remarks, described sustainable development as a three-way balance between economy, environment, and society, which must work in harmony for meaningful progress.
The seminar concluded with a lively interaction between speakers and participants through a question-and-answer session.