DHAKA, May 18, 2023 (BSS) - Speakers at a webinar today said that ensuring equality is a must to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 since Bangladesh is striving hard to achieve the goals.

They said accountancy like all professions, businesses and industries needs to embrace, utilize and engage women with all of their talents and capabilities. 

The speakers came up with the views at a webinar on "Gender issues in the public accountancy profession: a global perspective" organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) today.

Dr. Nahid Rashid, secretary to the government and former commercial counsellor to Bangladesh Mission in India, graced the occasion as the chief guest. 

Abdur Rahman Khan, president, the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) attended the event as special guest. ICAB President Md. Moniruzzaman delivered the address of welcome, said a press release.

The speakers said women are engaged in the practice of public accounting, which involves providing statutory audit, internal audit, taxation, forensic audit and consultancy services to the general public and also working in the governmental sector either at local or national level. 

Dr. Javed Siddiqui, professor of accounting, Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, UK presented the keynote paper.

Barrister Nihad Kabir, former president, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) participated as panel discussant while Parveen Mahmud, former president of ICAB and chairperson, general body, RDRS, Bangladesh conducted the session as session chairman. 

ICAB CEO Shubhashish Bose gave introductory speech while its vice president MBM Lutful Hadee delivered the closing remarks.

ICAB President Md Moniruzzaman said that women are an integral part of the population whose service to the GDP is pertinent. Now-a-days many women accountants are privately employed by small and large business entities and not-for-profit organisations. 

They work in areas of product costing and pricing, budgeting, and the examination of investment alternatives or they serve as internal auditors, who look at controls and procedures in use by their employer. They also serve as in-house tax accountants, financial managers, or numerous other occupations, he added. 

Describing the barriers of women for their career progression within the accountancy profession, keynote presenter Dr. Javed Siddiqui said that audit firms should be encouraged to provide a more conducive environment for female students. 

This may include incorporating more women in senior management level positions, allowing more flexible work hours, the provision for day care centres etc.

Citing a research, the keynote presenter said that from a policy level, the government can encourage more females in company management.

With the rising number of female members in the accountancy profession, ICAB should encourage and ensure more female members in leadership roles and key decision making positions, such as in the council, and in other important committees, Dr Javed further said.