Ethical AI and Sustainable Reporting Shape South Asia’s Accounting Future
An international conference titled “The Profession of the Next Generation: Integrating Ethical Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Reporting” was held at Le Méridien, adjacent to Hotel Nikunja in the capital, bringing together South Asia’s chartered accountants under the banner of SAFA (South Asian Federation of Accountants).
The day-long conference, held on Saturday, January 17, focused on how Ethical Artificial Intelligence (Ethical AI) has ushered in a new chapter for the global accounting profession and how Sustainability Reporting is increasingly redefining frameworks of business risk management, investor expectations, and public trust.
Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), the keynote paper was presented by Adeeb Hossain Khan, Senior Partner of Rahman Rahman Huq, Chartered Accountants, and former President of ICAB.
He said the use of artificial intelligence in sustainability reporting is no longer a distant concept; it has already brought fundamental changes to how economic value is created, measured, and disclosed.
For the first time, the head of the world’s leading accounting body—the President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Jean Bouquot—participated in a conference in Dhaka at ICAB’s invitation.
Jean Bouquot said Ethical AI will play a decisive role in shaping sustainability reporting and the future trajectory of professional practice, making the discussions at the conference globally significant. He also stressed the importance of transparency in financial reporting.
Calling for coordinated efforts among professionals, regulators, and standard-setters, the IFAC President said that by governing AI with integrity and public interest at its core, accountants can turn uncertainty into opportunity and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient economy.
The conference featured strategic dialogues and knowledge-based discussions involving national leaders, accountants, and international experts. Delegates from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka took part. Three technical sessions and a concluding session focused on the future of the profession, AI, and sustainability reporting.
Bangladesh Government’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Md Touhid Hossain, inaugurated the conference as the chief guest. Special guests included AHM Ahsan, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, and Dr Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). According to the organisers, their presence reflected the government’s strong support for professional excellence, ethical standards, and international cooperation in the accounting and financial sectors.
Speaking at the event, Adviser Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh remains engaged with multilateral institutions to promote stability, trust, and cooperative solutions. He noted that the integration of Ethical AI and sustainability reporting is becoming increasingly relevant as technological innovation transforms professions worldwide, alongside a growing global emphasis on transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
He added that aligning technology with sustainable development is crucial for Bangladesh to maintain economic growth and strengthen global integration. Professionals must not only be technologically competent but also ethically strong and accountable.
ICAB President NKA Mobin, FCA, delivered the welcome address, while Muhammad Farhad Hossain, FCA, former ICAB President and Chair of the Conference Organising Committee, also spoke. Ashfaq Yusuf Tola, Adviser to SAFA, attended as a guest speaker.
ICAB President NKA Mobin said the journey ahead is about leading change, guided by the timeless values of integrity, objectivity, and public service. He noted that the world now needs ethical, competent, and forward-looking accountants more than ever, and that ICAB has undertaken various professional initiatives to uphold global best practices.
In the technical sessions, keynote presenters noted that modern sustainability reporting now directly influences capital allocation, regulatory approvals, and market credibility, as climate and governance issues have become central to financial discourse. The scope of the accounting profession has expanded beyond bookkeeping to include risk modelling, valuation, auditing, investigation, and policy engagement.
Speakers also cautioned that while AI can enhance transparency and predictive analysis, it carries no ethical or fiduciary responsibility—this responsibility always lies with humans, making ethical governance essential.
Adeeb Hossain Khan highlighted emerging AI applications such as climate scenario analysis, carbon measurement across supply chains, and real-time ESG performance monitoring. However, he warned that without robust ethical frameworks, risks such as lack of algorithmic transparency, fragmented ESG data, and bias could undermine public trust.
He emphasised that Ethical AI is not merely about automating reporting but about improving the quality of decision-making. Advanced technology does not reduce responsibility; it increases it.
Bangladesh Competition Commission Chairperson AHM Ahsan said technological progress brings both opportunities and challenges. While AI-driven systems can enhance efficiency and compliance, without strong ethical safeguards they may lead to risks such as algorithmic collusion, opacity, and exclusionary practices.
DBTech/BSK/EK/OR
