The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and the National Advisory Board (NAB) collaboratively hosted a roundtable workshop titled “Impact Investment; Bridging the Gap” at the BSEC Building on November 12, 2023 (Sunday). Dr. Sheikh Shamsuddin Ahmed, BSEC Commissioner, moderated the event, with Forhadur Reza, CEO of NAB, leading the proceedings. The honorable Chairman of BSEC, Prof Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam, graced the program, alongside delegates from various national and global organizations. The workshop delved into the theoretical and global framework of impact investment, exploring its prospects, challenges, and opportunities for implementation in Bangladesh.
During the preliminary speech, Forhadur Reza, CEO of NAB, provided a conceptual overview of impact investment, stressing the necessity of collaborative efforts in Bangladesh. Prof Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam, Chairman of BSEC, highlighted BSEC’s initiatives to promote impact investment, citing the recent issuance of sustainable bonds. He emphasized BSEC’s commitment to prioritizing sustainability in fund-raising projects, with a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Prof Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam assured continued support from BSEC for impact investment and called for joint collaboration in this area.
Subsequent presentations were delivered by Arastoo Khan, Chairman of NAB, Fai Wechayachai from GSG, Rezaul Karim, ED of BSEC, Laura Browner, Manager of Social Financing from the Netherlands, and Erad Kawser, ED of Build Bangladesh. Topics ranged from the national strategy of impact investment to instruments, measuring and reporting impact, and BSEC’s ongoing initiatives. Presenters emphasized the need for a cohesive approach and the removal of policy limitations to make impact investment more accessible in Bangladesh.
Following the presentations, delegates shared their opinions, stressing the importance of a pragmatic approach, considering investor returns alongside social impact, and advocating for national and global collaborations to facilitate the process. In concluding remarks, Dr. Sheikh Shamsuddin Ahmed, the moderator, expressed gratitude for the shared insights. He highlighted BSEC’s commitment to impact investment, citing recent collaborations with IFC and UNDP on projects.
