The burgeoning business sector of Bangladesh can play a significant role in poverty alleviation and protection of human rights, said speakers at a roundtable discussion in the capital on Monday.
Members of the business community, government and local and international NGOs participated in the discussion organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Justice M Imman Ali, judge of Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, highlighted the positive role that businesses can play in empowering women economically.
He emphasised the need to invest in social safety nets that protect vulnerable people, particularly women and children.
The speakers applauded progressive initiatives undertaken so far by the business sector, but acknowledged that there is still much to do particularly in terms of providing better working conditions for women engaged in high-risk industries, reducing the wage gap between men and women, implementing existing legislation and ensuring maternity benefits and childcare facilities.