Citing the framework of UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human rights, speakers said that government and business entities should work together to protect human rights and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

They were speaking at a national dialogue titled “UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights,” organised jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on 20 February, 2019 in Dhaka.

The programme discussed the right way to integrate human rights into private sector businesses within the framework of UN Guiding Principles that provide a global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse human rights impacts linked to business activity.

In his keynote presentation, UNDP’s Team Leader of Business and Human Rights in Asia, Livio Sarandrea, outlined how human rights are linked with business. "Violating people's rights for profit leaves a negative impact," he said.

Chairperson of UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights Professor Surya Deva, in a video message, said that if we want to leave no one behind, we need to make sure human rights are protected by corporates and others.

Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, said in his speech, “We must harness the positive powers of both brands and buyers to completely integrate human rights into business leaving no one behind.”

Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, said, “Bangladesh is well-prepared for the future. Agenda 2030 provides the country with an opportunity to integrate human rights into business, especially since more than 70% of SDGs are related to human rights.”

“SDGs provide businesses with a unique opportunity. The private sector can be the main engine of development - it generates jobs, brings in new technology, and generates wealth,” he further added.

“The government and the private sector must seize the opportunities of SDGs together, with the help of UN Guiding Principles. This is absolutely imperative.”

Addressing the dialogue as the chief guest, Planning Minister MA Mannan said, “Government is eager to learn the best practices from other nations, and implement them here in our unique way. Human rights is a top priority for us because this is what our countrymen fought for in 1971.”

Kazi Reazul Hoque, Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh, stressed on creating a social safety net for all citizens. “Above all, every human deserves respect,” he said.

UN Guiding Principles are meant to provide private enterprises with a set of guidelines that will help them conform to human rights across their business. These principles aim to create a better world for workers and companies, so that every business remains sustainable.