Report of an international joint collaborative research between Dhaka University and Birmingham University, UK has been published recently. A team of researchers from both universities conducted a research study examining the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Bangladeshi private sector companies and accounting thereof.

Prof. Ataur Belal of the University of Birmingham, UK and Prof. Dr. Md. Saiful Alam & Associate Prof. Dr. Md. Jamil Sharif of DU Accounting Department jointly conducted this research project as part of a joint international collaboration between the University of Birmingham, UK and the University of Dhaka.

Key findings of the report show that there is no strong evidence of systematic SDG implementation. The accounts of SDG implementation provided via corporate reports show that only 17% of the companies listed on Dhaka Stock Exchange referred to SDGs within the corporate reports. Most of these references are at the broader goal level instead of making specific reference to individual SDG targets and indicators. There is no link between national level SDG implementation and accounting and private-sector-level SDG implementation and accounting.

The report shows that most of the drivers of SDG implementation and accounting are related to various international sources. The report concludes by highlighting the role of accounting and the accounting profession in effective SDGs implementation and accounting.

Full research report can be found here: https://icmab.gov.bd/sdg-implementation-and-accounting-at-the-corporate-level-evidence-from-bangladesh/

02/09/2025

(Md. Rafiqul Islam)

Director (Acting)

Public Relations Office

University of Dhaka