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Business Leaders Back Sustainable Growth

Akij Bashir Group presents Sustainability Summit 2026, powered by SMC Enterprise Limited & American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), in association with PRAN-RFL Group and BGMEA, returned for its fourth edition on 18 July 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka, bringing together prominent voices and changemakers from across sectors. Organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative and initiated by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, the day-long summit gathered industry experts, business leaders, policymakers, academics, and social entrepreneurs to engage in forward-looking discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions on sustainable and responsible business practices. The summit featured a dynamic agenda comprising three keynote sessions, two panel discussions, three insight sessions, two case study presentations, an expert deep dive, and a policy dialogue. Together, these sessions traced a clear arc — from responsibility to measurable impact, and from compliance to conduct — exploring how sustainability and responsible business are reshaping business models, influencing competitiveness, and shaping the strategic vision of forward-thinking organisations in Bangladesh.Opening the summit, Shariful Islam, Founder & Managing Director, Bangladesh Brand Forum, remarked, “Sustainability is no longer a concept to be discussed once a year and then set aside — it is a practice that must be embedded into the DNA of every brand and organisation. As Bangladesh moves toward its 2030 commitments and prepares for LDC graduation, responsible business is no longer a choice; it is the foundation of our competitiveness. This is our moment to move from responsibility to impact, and from compliance to conduct.” The summit’s keynote sessions brought global and national perspectives to the stage. As Chief Guest, Masud Khan, Chairman, Bangladesh Securities & Exchange Commission (BSEC), delivered a keynote on “Sustainable Finance: Mobilising Capital for Bangladesh’s Green Transition,” addressing how capital markets and green financing instruments can channel investment into the country’s low-carbon transition. In a virtual keynote titled “The Next Evolution of Capitalism: Business, Brands and Sustainable Value Creation,” Professor Philip Kotler — the renowned marketing author, consultant, and Professor Emeritus at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University — was joined by Dr. Khalid Hasan, President, ResInt Sustainability Institute, Canada, to explore how brands can create long-term, shared value in a purpose-driven economy. Dr. Shraman Jha, Chief Executive Officer, Hindustan Unilever Foundation, closed the keynote line-up with “Why Sustainability is the New Growth Imperative,” making the case that sustainability now sits at the core of competitiveness and growth rather than at its periphery.The summit also brought together a distinguished group of speakers and panellists, including M Mashrur Reaz, Chairman & Founder, Policy Exchange Bangladesh; Dr. Melita Mehjabeen, Professor, Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka; Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, Chief Executive Officer, LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC; Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer, Grameenphone Ltd.; Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Managing Director, ACI Logistics Limited (Shwapno); Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President, BGMEA; Mohammed Zahidullah, Chief Sustainability Officer, DBL Group; Nuzhat Anwar, Managing Director, Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC; K A M Morshed, Senior Director, BRAC; and Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi, UNESCO Chair, along with other leading voices from the private, public, and development sectors. Across the day’s panels and sessions, the conversation moved from principle to practice. Insight sessions examined how businesses are turning responsibility into measurable shared value, why data, disclosure, and ESG reporting have become the new language of business trust, and how robust ESG frameworks can unlock foreign direct investment. Two panel discussions carried the discussion from the boardroom to the bottom line — embedding sustainability into core business strategy — and onto the factory floor, spotlighting how Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector is redefining responsible business for global markets. Case study presentations illustrated the real-world potential of carbon markets for green growth and the discipline of authentic sustainability storytelling, while an expert deep dive interrogated what responsible business truly means across Bangladesh’s supply chains. The programme culminated in a policy dialogue on responsible business conduct — framing it not as a choice but as a necessity shaping the future of business — convening regulators, industry, and development leaders around a shared agenda for accountability. With a core objective of driving greater private-sector participation — particularly among local businesses — Sustainability Summit 2026 spotlighted the link between responsible business and future growth, its relevance in the Gen Z era, and its alignment with national SDG targets. The summit sought to drive collective action, inspire ambitious commitments, and foster meaningful partnerships toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. The day concluded with the SDG Brand Champion Awards Gala, celebrating organisations creating measurable environmental, social, and economic impact across Bangladesh. AkijBashir Group presents Sustainability Summit 2026, powered by SMC Enterprise Limited and American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), in association with PRAN-RFL Group and BGMEA. Strategic Partners — International Advertising Association (IAA) Bangladesh, Asia Marketing Federation (AMF), and Marketing Society of Bangladesh (MSB); PR Partner — Backpage PR; Official Carrier Partner — Turkish Airlines; Hospitality Partner — Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka. The summit was organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative and is an initiative of Bangladesh Innovation Conclave.

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Christian Association urges India to end alleged minority persecution

MM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh Christian Association on Tuesday staged a human chain in front of the National Press Club in the capital, protesting what participants described as the persecution of religious minorities in India's West Bengal and urging the Indian government to take effective measures to protect all minority communities.Speakers at the programme alleged that Muslims, Christians and other minority groups in India have been subjected to increasing violence and discrimination, and called for an immediate end to such incidents.Among the speakers Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Secretary General of the Nawab Sir Salimullah Academy said, Bangladesh has a long-standing tradition of communal harmony and democratic values, where people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds have coexisted peacefully.He said all citizens in Bangladesh enjoy equal dignity and the constitutional right to practise their respective religions freely.Referring to the situation in India, Dr. Helal alleged that members of several minority communities, particularly Muslims, have faced persecution. He claimed that incidents targeting Muslims in West Bengal had increased following the elections and also alleged attacks on Christian churches. He urged the Indian authorities to ensure the safety and religious freedom of all minority communities.Albert P. Costa, President of the Bangladesh Christian Association presided over the human chain.BNP Vice Chairman and former MP Barkatullah Bulu attended the programme as the chief guest, while NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar was present as a special guest.Swapan Howlader, President of the association's Tejgaon chapter moderated the event, while featured speeches by Asadur Rahman Khan, Presidium Member of the National Democratic Party; Fr. Albert Thomas Rozario; Rev. David Ghosh; Pabitra Pramanik; and Jackson Gomez.Abdul Jabbar, President of the Nawab Sir Salimullah Academy and Manjurul Islam, a Majlish-e-Shura member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Dhaka City South and former central president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, along with leaders of various political, social and religious organisations were present among others. The speakers collectively called on the Indian government to take prompt and effective steps to stop alleged persecution and ensure the protection of religious minorities across the country.

Prime Minister calls for united efforts to build nation after ousting autocracy

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called upon the countrymen to work together for national development, saying the unity that ousted autocracy during the 2024 July Uprising should now be translated into collective efforts to build the nation."A few days ago, regardless of religion or ethnicity, we all removed autocracy together from this country. Now let us all work together for the country," he said.The prime minister was addressing a function after inaugurating a tree plantation programme on the bank of the Sagardi Canal at the Trish Godown Mass Killing Ground area here this afternoon.Recalling the Liberation War, Tarique Rahman said people from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, caste and creed, had fought together to achieve the country's independence.The same spirit of unity, he said, was demonstrated during the movement that toppled the autocratic regime."Only a few days ago, we drove autocracy out of this country. People from all walks of life, regardless of religion or opinion, came out on the streets together to remove it. This means that if we all stand shoulder to shoulder and work for the country and its people, everyone will benefit," he said.Later, the prime minister inaugurated the tree plantation drive by planting a coconut sapling.A prayer and munajat were offered after the plantation.

Saudi pledges cooperation as Bangladesh seeks cheaper Hajj

Special Correspondent: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has urged Saudi Arabia to reduce taxes and charges on Hajj-related air travel to help lower the overall cost of pilgrimage for Bangladeshi pilgrims.The request was made on Monday when Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya paid a courtesy call on the minister at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present. During the meeting, Afroza Khanam emphasized the need to make Hajj more affordable for Bangladeshi pilgrims, saying that a reduction in Saudi-imposed taxes and charges on Hajj flights would significantly ease the financial burden on thousands of pilgrims each year.In response, the Saudi ambassador assured the minister that the proposal would receive positive consideration and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to extending all possible cooperation in this regard.The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, tourism and Hajj management, reaffirming the longstanding friendly and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat raised concerns over the increased accommodation costs faced by Bangladeshi pilgrims following the discontinuation of Category D accommodation in Saudi Arabia. He requested the Saudi authorities to consider reinstating the category to help reduce overall pilgrimage expenses. The Saudi ambassador reiterated his government's commitment to improving the quality of services for Bangladeshi pilgrims while making Hajj more affordable. He pledged Saudi Arabia's full support for initiatives aimed at enhancing services and reducing costs.Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in civil aviation, tourism and Hajj management for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Kashmir’s July 13: Memory, Justice, and the Search for Peace

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai: Every nation has days that transcend the calendar. They become part of a people’s identity, reminding each generation of sacrifice, resilience, and the unfinished pursuit of justice. For millions of Kashmiris around the world, July 13 is such a day.Ninety-five years after the events of July 13, 1931, the memory of those who lost their lives continues to define Kashmir’s political consciousness. Their sacrifice symbolizes, for many Kashmiris, the beginning of a modern movement seeking dignity, justice, and the right to determine their political future.According to longstanding Kashmiri accounts, thousands gathered outside the Central Jail in Srinagar on July 13, 1931, during the trial of Abdul Qadeer. As the time for the Zuhr prayer approached, a man rose to call the Adhan. The Dogra administration’s forces opened fire on the crowd, leaving 22 Kashmiris dead. The victims were later buried beside the Shrine of Khwaja Bahawuddin Naqshband, where the site became known as Mazar-e-Shuhada—the Martyrs’ Graveyard.For decades, July 13 was officially commemorated as Martyrs’ Day in Jammu and Kashmir. Following the constitutional changes of 2019, the Government of India removed it from the list of official public holidays. Yet history cannot be erased by administrative decisions. Kashmiris across the globe continue to observe the day as a solemn reminder of sacrifice and an enduring symbol of their collective memory.I often recall a story shared with me by the late Ambassador Yusuf Buch, the distinguished Kashmiri-American diplomat who served as Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General. As a nine-year-old boy, he and his elder brother, Amin Buch, visited one of the wounded protesters in a Srinagar hospital following the shootings. Ambassador Buch remembered the dying man’s final words:“Aaseey niboou panin zimadari. Woin chou thuhund faraz aath madad karun.”“We fulfilled our responsibility as best we could. Now it is your duty to carry the movement forward.”Those words were not merely a farewell. They were a transfer of responsibility from one generation to the next. Today, that responsibility extends beyond Kashmir. It belongs to everyone who believes that lasting peace requires justice, dialogue, and respect for fundamental human rights.Kashmiris also remember Robert Thorpe, the British traveler and writer whose fearless criticism of governance in nineteenth-century Kashmir earned him a lasting place in Kashmiri history. Through his writings, later published as Cashmere Misgovernment, Thorpe sought to draw international attention to the suffering of ordinary Kashmiris. His willingness to speak when many remained silent continues to resonate today.Nearly eight decades after the partition of the Indian subcontinent, the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved. Generations have grown up amid conflict, militarization, political uncertainty, and recurring allegations of human rights abuses. Many Kashmiris argue that laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), the Public Safety Act (PSA), and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have contributed to a climate in which accountability is difficult to achieve. They also express concern that policies introduced since 2019 have fundamentally altered the political and demographic landscape of the region.Whether one agrees with every aspect of these claims or not, one fact is beyond dispute: Kashmir remains one of the world’s longest unresolved political conflicts. Ignoring it has not resolved it. Silence has not produced peace.The international community frequently speaks about defending the rules-based international order, protecting human rights, and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. Those principles should apply consistently, regardless of the size of a country’s economy, its strategic importance, or its geopolitical influence.The question is not whether India is an important global partner. It unquestionably is. The question is whether strategic partnerships should diminish the international community’s willingness to encourage accountability, protect fundamental rights, and support meaningful dialogue. Principles carry weight only when they are applied consistently.Many Kashmiris continue to look to the United Nations and influential governments, including the United States, to encourage constructive engagement among India, Pakistan, and representatives of the people of Kashmir. Sustainable peace cannot emerge from military measures alone. It requires political courage, genuine dialogue, and respect for the aspirations of those most directly affected by the conflict.The martyrs of July 13 did not leave behind wealth or monuments. They left behind a moral legacy. Their sacrifice reminds us that history is ultimately shaped not only by power but also by the determination of ordinary people to pursue justice despite overwhelming odds.Nearly a century after July 13, 1931, the voices of those who fell that day continue to echo across generations. Their sacrifice reminds us that history is not merely about the past—it is about the choices we make today. If the international community is sincere in its commitment to human rights, peaceful conflict resolution, and the rule of international law, then Kashmir cannot remain an exception. The martyrs of July 13 deserve remembrance, but the people of Kashmir deserve a future in which justice, dignity, and peace are no longer aspirations but realities.May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) accept the sacrifices of all those who lost their lives, grant comfort to their families, and bless the people of Kashmir with justice, peace, and a future built on dignity.(The writer is Chairman of World Forum for Peace & Justice and can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435 gnfai2003@yahoo.com)

Kashmir Martyrs' Day on Monday to remember 1931 massacre as security clampdowns persist in IIOJK

Online Desk: Kashmir Martyrs’ Day will be observed on Monday (July 13) to honour the 22 Kashmiri Muslims massacred by Dogra monarchy forces in 1931, a historic event that remains an indelible symbol of resistance after worshippers laid down their lives in defiance of state tyranny simply to complete the Azaan. The day recalls when, under Maharaja Hari Singh, the Muslim-majority population faced severe economic exploitation and religious discrimination. Tensions peaked during the trial of Abdul Qadeer, who was arrested for a fiery speech against autocratic rule.On July 13, 1931, thousands gathered outside Srinagar’s Central Jail to support Qadeer. When the time for Zuhr prayer arrived, a young man stood up to deliver the Azaan and was shot dead on the orders of the Dogra governor. In an extraordinary act of resilience, another protester stepped forward to continue the call and was also shot. This succession continued until 22 Kashmiris were martyred, targeted one after another to silence a single Azaan. Once an official state holiday symbolising the foundational struggle for civic rights, its formal status was stripped by India following the unilateral revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.As the anniversary is marked, the day honouring the 22 Kashmiris stands erased from the official calendar, with access to the Martyrs’ Graveyard sealed off by heavy barricades and razor wire in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Historical patterns repeat as current Indian security forces adopt tactics reminiscent of the Dogra regime, intensifying systemic crackdowns on the civilian population across the occupied valley.Decades of continuous conflict have resulted in over 96,000 Kashmiri casualties, leaving more than 22,000 women widowed, over 105,000 children orphaned, and over 10,000 documented cases of sexual violence. This pervasive military presence, constant surveillance, and structural accountability deficits have induced severe psychological trauma, sparking a widespread mental health crisis across generations of Kashmiris.In addition to security clampdowns, systematic economic adjustments have targeted native Kashmiri trading sectors—including agriculture, apple orchards, and local artisans—crippling the valley’s traditional commercial independence and self-reliance.Forced anti-encroachment demolition campaigns deliberately dispossess native populations of land ownership, while redrawn electoral maps allow non-locals to register as voters, systematically gerrymandering local constituencies.The issuance of millions of domicile certificates to non-locals following the 2019 repeal of Articles 370 and 35A has drastically altered IIOJK’s demographic character, violating Article 49(6) of the Fourth Geneva Convention. These unilateral legislative and administrative overhauls directly defy multiple UN Security Council mandates, including Resolutions 47, 91, and 122, which strictly require a free and impartial plebiscite to determine the region’s final disposition.

Education reform must prioritise ethics, skills and equity, Speakers urges in seminar

MM Rahmatullah: Speakers at a seminar on the future of Bangladesh's education system called for comprehensive reforms aimed at building an education framework that is modern, equitable, skills-oriented and rooted in ethical values.They also stressed the need to end political influence in educational institutions, increase investment in research, ensure merit-based recruitment and strengthen moral and religious education.The seminar, titled "Post-July Uprising Education Reform and Future Roadmap," was organised by the Bangladesh Ideal Teachers' Federation at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club on Saturday. The event was presided over by Prof. Mujibur Rahman, adviser to the federation and president of the central education department of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.Addressing the seminar as chief guest, former adviser to the interim government AFM Khalid Hossain alleged that the country's education system between 2009 and 2024 had undermined national identity. He also claimed that a section of the administration had developed a secular outlook and emphasised the need for far-reaching reforms incorporating religious, moral and ideological education from the primary to the tertiary level.Delivering the keynote address, Amar Desh Editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman said the existing education system had failed to produce a skilled workforce capable of competing internationally. He called for a discrimination-free education system, greater diversity in textbooks and subject-based publications, and urged teachers to remain free from partisan politics. Political involvement of teachers, he said, had encouraged partisan recruitment and administrative appointments, depriving qualified candidates of opportunities. He also remarked that the July movement had strengthened the confidence of the country's younger generation and stressed the importance of nurturing them with ethical and moral values.Former Chairman of the Department of Chemistry at Jahangirnagar University, Elias Molla, MP, said the country's education system had become directionless. He called for a new education policy with clearly defined objectives to promote justice-based leadership and national development.Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, MP, a member of the central executive council of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and secretary of its Dhaka South unit, said meaningful state reform could be achieved through education reform, provided the government demonstrated genuine commitment. He alleged that the lack of merit-based evaluation, along with partisan and nepotistic practices, had contributed to the growing brain drain from the country. He also made political remarks regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.Reserved-seat lawmaker Rokeya Begum, mother of martyred Jaber Ibrahim, said genuine education reform would not be possible without broader state reforms. She called for constitutional reforms and implementation of any public mandate on the issue through a referendum.Former Senior Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division Dr Kh M Kabirul Islam said Bangladesh's education system had suffered extensive setbacks and required a complete overhaul. He cited the growing trend of highly educated graduates applying for low-ranking jobs as evidence of the system's shortcomings.DUCSU Vice-President Sadik Kayem criticised the lack of emphasis on research in Bangladesh, noting that developed countries place education and research at the centre of national progress. He expressed concern over the absence of a dedicated research allocation in the University of Dhaka's budget and urged the government and university authorities to adopt a more supportive approach towards students and academic development.Islamic scholar and author Mufti Ali Hasan Usama advocated for a discrimination-free education policy and proposed making Qur'an and Hadith education compulsory from the primary level. He also called for eliminating social discrimination against madrasa students.The seminar began with the presentation of a keynote paper by Prof. Zubair Muhammad Ehsanul Haque of the University of Dhaka. The programme was moderated by Prof. Rabiul Islam, president of the Dhaka South unit of the Bangladesh Ideal Teachers' Federation.Among others, Prof. ABM Fazlul Karim, secretary general of the federation; Mufti Maulana Khalilur Rahman Madani, acting principal of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah; Prof. Dr Shamsul Alam of the University of Dhaka; and Dhaka Union of Journalists President Md Shahidul Islam also addressed the seminar.In his concluding remarks, Prof. Mujibur Rahman described education as a key instrument for developing moral character and promoting social welfare. Referring to the teachings of the Qur'an, he called for the appointment of Qur'an teachers at every level of education and proposed making Islamic Studies a compulsory subject instead of an optional one. He also urged the authorities to ensure teacher recruitment solely on the basis of merit, free from political considerations.Representatives from the Public University Teachers' Council, Private University Teachers' Council, College Teachers' Council, Madrasa Teachers' Council, Technical Teachers' Council, Secondary School Teachers' Council, Primary School Teachers' Council and Kindergarten Teachers' Council, along with educationists and organisational leaders, attended the seminar.

Muslim man forced to wear shoe garland over beef suspicion in India

Special Correspondent: An elderly Muslim man was forced to wear a garland made of shoes and slippers by a mob in India’s eastern state of Bihar after being accused, without publicly available evidence, of transporting beef, in the latest case of anti-Muslim vigilantism linked to the country’s politically charged cow protection movement.Videos circulating on social media show the man surrounded by a crowd in Pratapganj, a town in Bihar’s Supaul district near the border with Nepal. The footage appears to show members of the crowd humiliating him in public by placing a garland of shoes and slippers around his neck, a symbolic act of degradation in South Asia.According to accounts shared online, the incident took place on July 3 after locals accused the man of carrying beef. No evidence has been released publicly to support the allegation, and authorities had not confirmed the claim.The Bihar Police had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of reporting. It also remained unclear whether officers had registered a criminal case, or made any arrests.The incident triggered widespread condemnation online, with many users questioning how an unverified accusation could lead to public humiliation in another example of mob justice targeting Muslims.Several users urged police to investigate the incident and prosecute those responsible if the allegations in the videos are verified. Others expressed concern that self-styled cow protection groups and local mobs increasingly act outside the law while minorities bear the consequences.Rights groups have documented numerous cases in which Muslims have been assaulted or lynched by Hndu extremists over accusations related to cattle, often before any police investigation establishes the facts. Analysts say such attacks have increased in visibility during the rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, with activists accusing authorities in several cases of failing to act swiftly against perpetrators or prevent vigilante violence.

Spain Eliminate Portugal to Reach Quarter-Finals as Ronaldo Era Faces Another World Cup Setback

Sports Desk: Spain secured their place in the last eight of the FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought victory over Portugal in a high-voltage Round of 16 clash on Tuesday, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of lifting the trophy once again.The match, played with intense rivalry and tactical discipline from both sides, saw Spain edge past Portugal to book their quarter-final berth. The result marks a significant moment for Spain’s new generation, led by rising star Lamine Yamal, who played a key role in maintaining attacking pressure throughout the game.For Portugal, captained by veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, the defeat adds another emotional chapter to their World Cup journey, as they exit the tournament in the knockout stage despite high expectations and experienced leadership.Spain, represented by a dynamic young squad featuring Lamine Yamal, now move confidently into the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most promising teams in the competition.The result sends Spain into the last eight, while Portugal’s campaign comes to a disappointing end, leaving fans reflecting on what could have been in a tightly contested European showdown between two football powerhouses.