ICAB holds conference on women in leadership and governance

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) yesterday organised a conference, titled “Women in Leadership and Governance 2026”, at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

The conference brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, regulators, development partners and members of leading professional bodies to advance dialogue on leadership, governance and board diversity.

Abdul Moyeen Khan, a lawmaker and standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), inaugurated the conference as the chief guest, according to a press release.

In his remarks, Khan highlighted women’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economic and social progress and emphasised the need for greater representation of women in corporate leadership and boardrooms.

Rasheda K Chowdhury, former adviser to the caretaker government, and Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, a member of parliament, attended the programme as guests of honour.

Presented by Global Innovation & Leadership Centre (GILC), the conference reflected ICAB’s commitment to leadership development, governance readiness and inclusion.

Zareen Mahmud Hosein, chairperson of GILC and council member of ICAB, said, “Stronger leadership is built through partnership. This conference demonstrates what becomes possible when institutions come together with a shared purpose.”

Akhtar Sanjida Kasem, Bangladesh’s first woman chartered accountant in practice, presented insights from the ICAB Gender Dashboard and Women on Boards Survey, highlighting progress made and challenges that remain.

Three panel discussions -- Professional Bodies United, Women Leading in Service and Practice, and Women in Boardrooms -- anchored the programme.

Rupali Chowdhury, managing director of Berger Paints Bangladesh, Everest summiteer Nishat Mazumdar, ICAB president NKA Mobin, and vice-president Suraiya Zannath, among others, were also present.