BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday called for greater representation of women in corporate leadership and boardrooms, saying women’s contributions have been instrumental to Bangladesh’s economic and social progress.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Women in Leadership and Governance Conference 2026, veteran BNP leader stressed the need to create more opportunities for women to participate in decision-making processes and leadership positions across the corporate sector.
The conference, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) through its Gender Inclusion and Leadership Committee (GILC), was held at a city hotel, with a focus on strengthening corporate leadership and ensuring good governance through enhanced participation of women.
The event brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, regulators, development partners, and members of leading professional bodies to advance dialogue on leadership, governance, and board diversity, according to a press release.
Former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Choudhury, and Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, MP, were present as guests of honour.
ICAB Council Member and GILC Chairperson Zerin Mahmud Hossain said stronger partnerships among institutions are essential for building effective leadership and accelerating progress in gender inclusion.
ICAB President NKA Mobin and Vice President Suraiya Zannath reaffirmed the institute's commitment to gender inclusion and expanding pathways for women to take up leadership and governance roles.
The keynote address was delivered by Akhtar Sanjida Kasem, Bangladesh's first female Chartered Accountant in practice. She presented insights from the ICAB Gender Dashboard and the Women on Boards Survey, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the sector.
The conference featured three distinct panel discussions titled “Professional Bodies United,” “Women Leading in Service and Practice” and “Women in Boardrooms.”
It also featured inspirational talks by Berger Paints Bangladesh Managing Director Rupali Chowdhury, country's first female MD of a multinational company, and mountaineer Nishat Majumdar, the first Bangladeshi woman to summit Mount Everest.
Participants pledged to play a more active role in promoting women’s leadership in the corporate sector and strengthening their contribution to good governance.