Promoting Responsible Business Practice for Sustainable LDC Graduation

It is recommended that BHR should be incorporated in the university curriculum; that the local issues should be understood through a BHR lens by the academics; that BHR discourse should be mainstreamed; that policy reform research and advocacy should be conducted; and that there should be industry-academia collaboration to pioneer BHR agenda in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Country Session at 3rd UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights was held on 28 March, 2022 under the theme 'Promoting Responsible Business Practice for Ensuring Sustainable LDC Graduation of Bangladesh' in a hybrid format. The seminar encouraged a lively and enlightening debate about the role of various stakeholders in establishing a responsible business environment conducive to sustainable LDC graduation of Bangladesh. It discussed the successes, challenges, and possibilities of Bangladesh for strengthening its partnership and multi-stakeholder approaches to just, resilient, and sustainable development.

The session was moderated by Mehruna Chowdhury from UNDP Bangladesh and the discussants were Kazi Arfan Ashik, National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh; Mohammad Golam Sarwar, Assistant Professor of Law, University of Dhaka; Shawkat Alam, Professor, Macquarie University; Khondaker Golam, Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue; Ariful Haque, Director, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Mohammed Hatem, Vice President, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association; Miran Ali, Vice President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association; and Selina Akhter, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of Bangladesh.

Shawkat Alam emphasised the difficulties Bangladesh would face in both the domestic and global markets as a result of its LDC graduation. He noted that businesses in Bangladesh are wreaking havoc on the environment. Particularly, the shrimp industry which accounts for 90% of total seafood exports, is responsible for the gradual destruction of mangrove forests. He emphasised that facing these difficulties require increased coordination and collaboration; policies and institutional structure.

Mohammad Golam Sarwar underscored the critical role of youth and academics in promoting business and human rights. He emphasised the important role of Business and Human Rights (BHR) in the remittance and RMG sectors for ensuring a safe and dignified working environment while making the concerned industries and agencies accountable.

Mr. Sarwar noted that BHR should be incorporated in the university curriculum; that the local issues should be understood through a BHR lens by the academics; that BHR discourse should be mainstreamed; that policy reform research and advocacy should be conducted; and that there should be industry-academia collaboration to pioneer BHR agenda in Bangladesh.

According to Khondaker Golam, the execution of UNGPs is critical. He underlined that the UNGPA's principles must be conceptualised; policy commitment must be established; due diligence must be exercised; and remedial measures must be put in place. Kazi Arfan Ashik emphasised the UNGPs' three guiding pillars which are to protect, respect and remedy. He added that the NHRC's business and human rights thematic group is conducting research and advocating with key stakeholders to enhance the state of human rights in business.

Dr Selina Akter emphasised the necessity of current labour laws being consistent with international conventions, noting that Bangladesh has already signed the majority of the ILO's core treaties. Md Hatem concentrated on the buyer responsibilities in terms of human rights compliance. He stated that buyers should consider long-term contracts to ensure permanent employment of the workers. Miran Ali asserted that Bangladesh's garment industry is somewhat more transparent, and that the EU rule will benefit the country's businesses in the longer run. Ariful Islam emphasised the BIDA's importance in facilitating business and guaranteeing investment rights, among other things. The event ended with an open discussion session.

Event Report by Sadman Rizwan Apurbo, Student of Law, University of Dhaka.