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On 26th May, 2025, LightCastle Partners hosted a high-level roundtable titled “Catalysing Carbon Finance in Bangladesh: Private Sector Pathways and Policy Readiness” today at Crowne Plaza Dhaka. The event convened senior leaders from the financial sector, large corporates, development agencies, and regulatory bodies to chart a path for scaling carbon finance and building a functional carbon market in Bangladesh.
This timely gathering took place against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s nascent carbon market, where private sector participation remains limited and regulatory frameworks are still evolving. As global demand for high-integrity credits grows, Bangladesh faces a critical opportunity but also a challenge to build the infrastructure, policy clarity, and financial mechanisms needed to support credible carbon credit-generating investments.
The roundtable centred on identifying gaps in market readiness such as project bankability, MRV systems, and the absence of standardized regulations and explored how public and private actors can work together to lay the foundation for a transparent and investable carbon market.
The event featured a keynote speech by Mr. Lincoln Teo, Managing Director of ZERO13, a global climate fintech company using AI and blockchain to strengthen trust, transparency, and scalability in carbon markets. Mr. Teo is a COP29 delegate, advisor to central banks, and consultant to the UN ESCAP, with deep expertise in carbon trading systems and digital governance.
Mr. Teo emphasized, “By integrating advanced technologies, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and creating supportive policy frameworks, Bangladesh can transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities.”
Representing the central bank, Ahmed Zubaer Mahmud, Additional Director of the Sustainable Finance Department at Bangladesh Bank, noted that Bangladesh has already taken key steps in green financing. He stated, “We’ve set green finance targets, offered refinance schemes, and introduced mandatory climate disclosures. Now the challenge is scaling up—with practical tools and global cooperation—to help banks support a low-carbon economy more confidently.”
Bijon Islam, CEO of LightCastle Partners, highlighted the broader economic opportunity embedded in sustainable finance. He remarked, “Innovative and sustainable finance can unlock new sources of capital while aligning incentives with social and environmental impact. For Bangladesh, this is not just about growth—it’s about building an inclusive and resilient economy.”
The roundtable covered issues ranging from MRV standardisation and registry development to the bankability of mitigation projects, project aggregation models, and the need for regulatory clarity. Stakeholders also discussed potential quick-win partnerships that can catalyse early-stage momentum for carbon finance in Bangladesh.
Key participants included representatives from commercial banks, impact investors, large industrial players in the energy and manufacturing sectors, and development partners supporting Bangladesh’s climate finance ecosystem.
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