Prime Bank publishes sustainability and climate action reports

Prime Bank PLC has reinforced its pledge to responsible, climate-conscious banking with the formal release of its latest Sustainability Report and Climate Action Report, marking another significant milestone in the institution’s long-term environmental and social strategy. The reports were unveiled at a ceremony held at The Westin Dhaka, underscoring the growing importance of sustainability within Bangladesh’s financial sector.

The launch was officiated by Chowdhury Liakat Ali, Director of the Sustainable Finance Department at Bangladesh Bank, who attended the event as chief guest. In his keynote address, Ali offered an encouraging assessment of Prime Bank’s progress, while also providing strategic guidance on the evolving expectations of the central bank. He emphasised the pivotal role that commercial banks must play in steering the economy towards greener, more resilient pathways, noting that sustainable finance is no longer optional but an essential pillar of modern banking governance.

Ali further highlighted Bangladesh Bank’s policy direction, urging financial institutions to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their lending practices, risk management frameworks and internal operations. His remarks framed sustainability not merely as compliance, but as an opportunity for innovation and long-term value creation.

Prime Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Hassan O Rashid, reaffirmed the institution’s long-term sustainability ambitions and its alignment with global climate priorities, including international climate finance principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that the publication of the two reports reflects the bank’s ongoing journey to embed sustainability across its core operations—from credit appraisal and investment decisions to internal resource management. Rashid also stressed the bank’s shared responsibility to contribute meaningfully to a greener, more inclusive future.

The reports outline Prime Bank’s extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with a strong focus on climate resilience, community development and environmental stewardship. These initiatives range from supporting renewable energy financing to community-based adaptation programmes designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. Through transparent disclosure and measurable targets, the bank aims to demonstrate accountability and leadership in climate action, aligned with both national priorities and global sustainability agendas.

The event was attended by Additional Managing Director Faisal Rahman, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer Ziaur Rahman, senior officials from the Bangladesh Bank’s Sustainable Finance Department, as well as international partners and CSR collaborators, reflecting broad stakeholder engagement in Prime Bank’s sustainability journey.

Overview of the Reports

Together, the two reports position Prime Bank as a proactive participant in Bangladesh’s transition towards sustainable finance, signalling its intent to balance commercial growth with environmental and social responsibility.