Implementation of SDGs: Role of the private sector and accounting profession

 
The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) organized a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on 18 May 2023 on “Implementation of SDGs: Role of the private sector and accounting profession” at its Ruhul Kuddus Auditorium of ICMA Bhaban, Nilkhet Dhaka. Md. Akhter Hossain, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs), Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest in the program. Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) was present as Special Guest.  Professor Dr. Ataur Rahman Belal FCMA, Professor of Accounting and Sustainability, Department of Accounting, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK) presented the keynote paper in the program.

Dr. Ataur Rahman Belal FCMA, presented a well-developed and thoughtful keynote paper. In his presentation Mr. Belal introduced SDG framework to examine the role of accounting in SDG implementation. He explained the levels of SDG implementation also. Lastly, he illustrated SDG accounting at the organizational level particularly in private sector companies.

 President of Mr. Md. Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA of ICMAB in his presidential speech told that ICMAB’s Vision is to help Bangladesh become an industrialized nation by promoting and regulating Cost and Management Accounting profession to enhance economic competitiveness and quality of life. This vision is fully aligned with the vision of the father of the nation and his very much competent daughter Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hassina to become a developed and smart country by 2041. To meet the SDG targets by 2030 and become developed and SMART Bangladesh by 2041, the Cost and Management Accountants’ professional knowledge and skill will definitely be required for Bangladesh to achieve the goals he added that.

Special Guest Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) said that Usually, the private sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating jobs. Now It is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the implementation of the SDGs.

Chief Guest of the Program Mr. Md. Akhter Hossain, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs), Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in his speech told that “Digital Bangladesh’ vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister was declared in 2008 and by 2021, the Government has already created the digital backbone and infrastructure across the country to realize that vision. The beauty is that Government’s vision has positive linkages with the global agenda. Our latest SDGs Progress Reports 2022 reveals that, we are early birds in 16 indicators, and are on-track in 42 indicators even facing the trying time of Covid-19 pandemic. The average GDP growth in the last fourteen years has been 6.7 per cent.

 

Mr. Mohammed Salim FCMA, Past President & Chairman, Seminar and Conference Committee of ICMAB delivered the welcome statement and Mr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman FCMA, Treasurer of ICMAB offered vote of thanks. Mr. Md. Kausar Alam FCMA shared various information on SDG besides moderating the event.

A good number of ICMA members and students participated in the program.

 

Muhammad Abdullah

(Former Senior Secretary)

Executive Director, ICMAB