, May 19 -- Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said responsible business conduct is no longer optional but has become a critical prerequisite for maintaining trade competitiveness, attracting investment, and securing market access in the global economy.

"Bangladesh is entering a new phase amid rapidly shifting global trade and investment dynamics," the minister said while speaking as the chief guest at a national dialogue titled "Responsible Business Conduct for Resilient Supply Chains and Trade Competitiveness," jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce and United Nations Development Programme at a hotel in Dhaka.

He said the country has made notable economic strides through strong export growth, industrialisatio...