Corporate governance changes on the way in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's government leaders must ensure transparency in their own operations before attempting to improve corporate governance standards.

This is according to an editorial in the country's Financial Express, which claimed a number of "changes in corporate culture" are expected across Bangladesh in light of recent developments on the world stage.

The publication suggested that government figures should "give a positive signal to the private sector" by first establishing a transparent and accountable administrative regime themselves.

"Reforms need to be carried out in such a manner that the very environment encourages companies to follow good corporate governance practices," the newspaper commented.

In an article published by the Financial Express last year, Professor Baqui Khalily of Dhaka University claimed Bangladesh suffers from a "poor understanding" of governance among many of its business owners and entrepreneurs.

He said problems such as insider trading, family ownership, non-compliance and inadequate financial information continue to challenge the nation's corporate governance agenda.