Takeaways

• DIU and Swisscontact have launched Bangladesh’s first structured ESG academic pathway to strengthen sustainability skills in the RMG sector.
• The new programs aim to build a qualified ESG workforce to meet growing global buyer expectations in responsible sourcing and compliance.
• The initiative supports national goals for sustainable manufacturing and contributes to multiple UN SDGs.

Bangladesh has taken a major step toward ESG-centred industrial transformation as Daffodil International University (DIU) and Swisscontact jointly launch a new academic pathway aimed at strengthening sustainability leadership, especially in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector. The move is expected to support the country’s long-term transition toward responsible and globally competitive manufacturing.

As part of the collaboration, DIU will roll out a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business and ESG Management and an online ESG Foundations certificate course, both scheduled to begin in January 2026. These programs have been designed to address skill needs in export-oriented industries, with a strong focus on the RMG sector, where global buyers increasingly demand transparency in compliance, climate responsibility, and social governance practices.

The formal agreement was signed at the DIU Green Campus in Dhaka by Mohammed Nadir bin Ali, Registrar of DIU, and Farzana Amin, Team Leader of PROGRESS at Swisscontact. The initiative is part of Swisscontact’s PROGRESS project, funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland, which aims to build a nationally structured ESG talent pipeline.

Read More: Steps For Earning An ESG Certificate | Exams, Courses & Process

Speaking at the event, Professor Mohammed Masum Iqbal, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of DIU, said the partnership reinforces Bangladesh’s ambition to lead in ESG-focused academic innovation. Registrar Mohammed Nadir bin Ali added that the programmes will help professionals and students acquire essential skills for responsible business transformation. Swisscontact’s Farzana Amin noted that the collaboration will complement ongoing work to support green transitions within RMG factories by developing a qualified sustainability workforce.

The new academic pathway also aligns closely with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals. By linking industry needs with global sustainability priorities, the initiative aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s credibility as a sustainable manufacturing hub.

During the ceremony, Assistant Professor Khalid Md Bahauddin presented an overview of the programme. The event was attended by senior DIU representatives, including Professor Mostafa Kamal, A F M Mafizul Islam, Dr Mahfuza Parveen, Mohammad Monir Hossan, Obayed Chowdhury, and Ibrahim Hossain. Swisscontact delegates included Sayedul Arefin, Tanzeel Rashid, and Tasmim Sinha.

Also Read: How to Get Into ESG: What Qualifications Do You Need?

This initiative marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s capacity-building landscape. By introducing a structured ESG academic pathway, DIU and Swisscontact are helping the RMG sector prepare for rising global expectations, ensuring that Bangladesh’s apparel industry remains competitive, resilient, and committed to sustainability.

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Source: Textile Today