In recent years, the word "sustainability" has become one of the most frequently used terms in Bangladesh. It appears in government speeches, university programmes, business meetings, and even social campaigns. Everyone seems to be talking about sustainability but is it really working?
The growing popularity of the term began after the United Nations introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Bangladesh officially adopted these goals in 2016, aiming to achieve development that protects the environment while improving people's lives.
Since then, most government offices, NGOs, and businesses have tried to link their work with these global goals. Universities have also included sustainability topics in their courses and research, making it a familiar concept among students and professionals.
At the same time, Bangladesh faces severe climate risks such as floods, cyclones and rising sea levels. These threats make environmental sustainability not just a policy priority but a national necessity. Projects promoting renewable energy, sustainable farming, and climate-resilient housing have gained importance, reflecting the urgent need to protect both people and Nature.
In recent years, banks and corporations have begun publishing sustainability and ESG reports, while universities such as North South and BRAC have launched research and training initiatives on green development.
This shift shows that the idea of sustainability is gradually spreading across sectors.
However, the practical results remain mixed. While some factories have become globally recognised as green leaders and renewable energy use is expanding, many projects are short-term or exist only on paper. Industrial pollution, poor waste management, and weak law enforcement still hold back real progress. In many cases, sustainability has become more of a buzzword than a genuine commitment to long-term change.
Bangladesh now needs stronger policy enforcement, greater public involvement and better education on sustainable living. The focus must shift from slogans to real action.
Sangida Jahan Ripa
Department of Accounting and Finance
North South University
sangida.ripa@northsouth.com
