Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasised the importance of integrating sustainability into business practices, noting that financial institutions play a key role in promoting responsible investments.

She said this while speaking as the chief guest in the BRAC Bank's official launch of its Sustainability Report 2023, titled “Bloom into the Future,” on Thursday at a ceremony held at the InterContinental Hotel, Dhaka.

Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. Banks are pivotal in ensuring that financial flows support sustainable development, green growth, and climate resilience, said the adviser.

She also asked banks not to lend money to habitual polluters.

The report, “Bloom into the Future,” highlights the bank’s commitment to sustainable banking, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint, supporting green financing, and promoting responsible business practices, said Rizwana.

It outlines the bank's efforts in aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributing to Bangladesh’s environmental and social development. She urged more private sector companies to adopt sustainability frameworks and work towards a greener, more equitable future, she added.

Nurun Nahar, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Meheriar M Hasan, chairman of Brac Bank; and Selim RF Hussain, managing director of BRAC Bank, also spoke on the occasion.