Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, urged banks to avoid investing in heavily polluting industries, emphasizing their role in environmental protection. Speaking at BRAC Bank’s event where the bank launched its 2023 Sustainability Report titled “Bloom into the Future,” Rizwana highlighted the need for banks to focus on sustainable businesses and renewable energy. She expressed concern about investments in environmentally harmful industries, such as shipbreaking, and praised BRAC Bank for its leadership in sustainability efforts.
The event also featured remarks from Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar, who stressed the central bank’s commitment to promoting sustainability disclosures. She emphasized that sustainability ratings reflect a bank’s dedication to long-term growth that balances economic, environmental, and social responsibilities.
BRAC Bank Chairman Meheriar M Hasan reinforced the idea that sustainability is now a necessity in modern banking, not a choice. He highlighted the bank’s role as a leader in sustainable banking practices, both in Bangladesh and globally. The bank’s Managing Director, Selim RF Hussain, reiterated their commitment to responsible banking that supports economic growth while considering environmental and social factors.
The Sustainability Report, aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative framework, details BRAC Bank’s strategy in promoting responsible financing, governance, and climate change mitigation, positioning the bank as a leader in sustainable finance in Bangladesh.
Comment here