CSR is an increasingly important tool to maximize the positive development impact of
corporations and commercial activity in the developing world. In Bangladesh, companies, civil
society organizations (CSOs)/NGOs, and development partners have adapted international
practices of CSR to the local context and are working in partnership to improve employment
opportunities and healthcare for excluded groups.
CSR, defined as a set of business practices based on ethical norms and transparency that
contributes to the sustainable development of internal and external stakeholders in the best
interest of business society and environment. A socially-responsible firm holds a holistic view of
itself in relation to its stakeholders and measures its performance via a triple bottom-line:
economic/financial, environmental, and social. CSR seeks a path which advances all the three
measures, none at the cost of the others.
Core business activities that can contribute to social and global development:
 Producing safe and affordable products and services
 Generating income and investment
 Creating jobs
 Developing human resources
 Building local businesses
 Spreading responsible international business standards and practices
 Supporting technology development and transfer
 Establishing physical and institutional infrastructure