Staff Reporter :
Sustainable business models should not be confined to exporters but must be embraced across the entire value chain, stated Debapriya Bhattacharya, Convenor of the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, on Tuesday.
Dr. Bhattacharya emphasised that the future progress of Bangladesh depends on building a sustainable economy, which in turn requires the restoration of a competitive economic and political environment.
Speaking at a discussion titled “National SDG Report (VNR) 2025: Perspective of Business Leaders,” he highlighted the necessity of entrepreneurs and transparent institutions to foster a competitive market system.
“We have observed that chambers of commerce across the country have failed to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
During a period when national elections were absent, these institutions also lacked internal elections. Without elections or competition, sustainable development cannot be achieved-this must not continue.
Moreover, those in leadership positions within these organisations engaged in corruption while simultaneously advocating for sustainable development,” he remarked.
He further criticised trade body leaders for supporting an undemocratic government while attaining leadership positions within their communities without fair elections, rendering their discourse on sustainability unconvincing.
To expand sustainable business models, Dr. Bhattacharya underscored the need for an improved investment climate in Bangladesh, alongside increased government support.
Addressing key challenges-such as financing constraints, energy supply issues, regulatory hurdles, and labour conditions-is essential for fostering sustainability, economists suggest.
He reiterated that sustainable business practices must go beyond the export sector and encompass the entire supply chain. “For businesses to adopt sustainable models, they require an improved investment climate where critical concerns such as financing, energy, logistics, labour, technology, policy, and regulatory barriers are resolved,” he added.
Dr. Bhattacharya also distinguished between sustainability and corporate social responsibility, stressing the importance of adopting good business practices within the private sector.
