The Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC (CSE) signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Global Compact Network Bangladesh (UNGCNB) on Monday to advance Environmental, Social and Governance standards and promote responsible investment across Bangladesh’s capital market.
The partnership will support ESG adoption among listed companies, strengthen anti-corruption measures, improve transparency, develop sustainability reporting frameworks and highlight the capital market’s contribution during national events such as Sustainability Day and Integrity Day.
The MoU followed a high-level workshop at the CSE Conference Hall, Agrabad, which brought together industry leaders, listed companies, investors, regulators and stakeholders to discuss ethical transparency, sustainability and corporate responsibility.
The programme opened with welcome remarks from CSE Managing Director Shaifur Rahman Mazumdar.
Shahamin S. Zaman, Executive Director of UNGCNB, emphasised collaborative efforts to promote the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh’s capital market.
Mabrur M. Chowdhury, Program Manager at UNGCNB, outlined frameworks for ESG disclosure, anti-corruption and sustainable finance, while Juliana Awo Quist Lawson, Coordinator of Stakeholder Engagement, led an open plenary on challenges and opportunities for responsible investment.
Under the MoU, CSE will engage listed companies, regulators and investors to integrate ESG practices, while UNGCNB will provide technical expertise, resources and frameworks to support socio-economic progress.
Joint initiatives include capacity-building workshops, advocacy campaigns, research on sustainability reporting and anti-corruption, and national events to highlight the capital market’s role in sustainable development.
Mazumdar said the partnership reinforces the exchange’s commitment to a transparent, ethical and sustainable capital market and will enhance investor confidence, drive responsible investment and contribute to a thriving economy.
UNGCNB noted the collaboration will strengthen ESG disclosure, anti-corruption measures and investment transparency, creating a framework for resilient and sustainable capital market practices.
CSE Chief Regulatory Officer Mohammed Mahadi Hasan said the partnership marks a pivotal moment for the capital market and strengthens regulatory frameworks while paving the way for sustainable growth, higher investor trust and a more resilient economy.
The collaboration is expected to increase transparency, attract responsible investment, reduce governance risks and inspire long-term adoption of ESG standards across Bangladesh’s capital market while aligning with global sustainability goals.
