bKash wins gold for sustainable product innovation at ESG Excellence Awards
bKash has won the gold award in the "Excellence in Sustainable Product Innovation" category at the ESG Excellence Awards 2026 for its green financial initiatives.
bKash Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd) received the award at a city hotel, according to a press release.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Senior government officials, business leaders and diplomats, including heads of missions from the EU, Denmark, Sweden and Australia, also attended.
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Jointly organised by the ESG Institute Bangladesh and the UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh, the awards recognise organisations demonstrating excellence in environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. bKash was recognised for integrating environmental responsibility and social empowerment into its digital financial services.
The company said the 1.5 billion digital transactions conducted through its platform help save approximately 1,200 metric tonnes of paper annually. It added that the shift towards mobile financial services has reduced customers' travel to physical outlets, helping cut transport-related carbon emissions.
Beyond environmental benefits, bKash said its services support financial inclusion, women's economic empowerment, digital salary disbursements, government-to-person payments, humanitarian assistance, remittances and access to formal financial products.
According to its award submission, bKash has facilitated financial assistance to approximately 14 million beneficiaries. Its digital financial services have also helped expand access to savings and formal credit.
Commenting on the recognition, Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd) said, "At bKash, we view ESG not as a separate agenda, but as an integral part of how we innovate, grow, and create value. This recognition is particularly meaningful as it acknowledges how digital financial innovation can create shared value – advancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment while contributing to environmental sustainability."
He added, "We appreciate the ESG Institute Bangladesh and the UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh for this recognition, which inspires us to keep innovating responsibly for a more inclusive, digitally connected, and sustainable Bangladesh."
bKash is also exploring technology-enabled afforestation initiatives that link customer transaction milestones with planting and nurturing trees.
The inaugural edition of the awards recognised the ESG contributions of 32 companies and three individuals.
Awards were presented across 20 categories, including energy transition, water stewardship, carbon emission control, occupational health and safety, worker wellbeing, skills development, gender equity, supply chain management, sustainability reporting, and product and digital innovation.
