Technology-driven digital financial services have earned bKash the Gold Award in the ‘Excellence in Sustainable Product Innovation’ category at the ESG Excellence Awards 2026, recognising its initiatives linking environmental sustainability with financial inclusion and socioeconomic empowerment.
The information was disclosed in a press release on Thursday, 17 September.
Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (Retd.), Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash, received the award at a city hotel. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo attended the event as the chief guest. Senior government officials, diplomats and business leaders also attended, including heads of missions from the European Union, Denmark, Sweden and Australia.
The awards were jointly organised by the ESG Institute Bangladesh and the UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh to recognise organisations demonstrating excellence in environmental, social and governance practices. bKash was recognised for integrating environmental responsibility and social empowerment into its core digital financial ecosystem.
Through its 1.5 billion digital transactions, bKash saves approximately 1,200 metric tonnes of paper annually. The shift towards mobile financial services has also significantly reduced customer travel to physical outlets, contributing to lower transport-related carbon emissions.
Beyond environmental benefits, the bKash digital financial ecosystem supports broader socioeconomic development through financial inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, digital salary disbursements, government-to-person payments, humanitarian assistance, remittances and access to formal financial products.
According to information submitted for the award, 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.), Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash, 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. 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.”
Looking ahead, bKash is exploring technology-enabled afforestation initiatives that would connect customer transaction milestones with tree planting and nurturing.
The inaugural edition of the ESG Excellence 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.
//DBTech/MSR/SME/MIST//
