ESG Disclosure Based on Regulatory Landscape: An Enquiry Into the Stock Exchange Enlisted Banks in a Fastest Growing Economy

This research aims to reveal the extent, modes, and trend of ESG disclosure by the banks in Bangladesh. Analyses involve annual reports of 28 banks from 2016 to 2022 through the content analysis method using a 'checklist' comprised of 143 ESG disclosure items compiled from several policy guidelines regarding environmental and social performance disclosure circulated by the central bank, Bangladesh Bank. The study finds a spontaneously increasing tendency for ESG disclosure during the study period. Banks disclose information in both financial and non-financial modes, along with necessary details. However, information non-disclosure results in 75.18%, 63.38%, and 67.40% of environmental, social, and governance information, including many important ESG aspects that should not be ignored. The study result represents an optimistic scenario of ESG disclosure; nonetheless, Bangladeshi banks are yet to develop ESG disclosure practices.