Photo: ICAB

DHAKA, Nov 5, 2025 (BSS) - The Institute of Chartered Accountants of 
Bangladesh (ICAB) has hosted a grand reception to honor Parveen Mahmud, 
recipient of the SAFA Lifetime Woman Leadership Award 2025.

The event held on November 3 at CA Bhaban in the capital brought together 
ICAB former presidents, council members, and members, including women 
chartered accountants. Prominent civil society and business leaders also 
joined the celebration.

Speakers and attendees lauded Mahmud's lifelong contribution to the 
accounting profession, her pioneering leadership, and her commitment to 
advancing women's participation in finance and corporate governance, said an 
ICAB press release today.

ICAB President N K A Mobin commended Mahmud's outstanding service to the 
Institute and her pivotal role in drafting ICAB's upcoming Legacy Book, which 
chronicles the Institute's journey since its inception. "Its publication will 
stand as recognition of her dedication and contribution to the profession," 
he said.

Suraiya Zannath, vice president (Strategy and Stakeholder Collaboration & 
Coordination) of ICAB, described Mahmud as "a fearless and indomitable 
professional who continues to inspire us all". 

She added, "Her (Parveen Mahmud) commitment to the profession and to society 
is exemplary. This award is a well-deserved recognition, though each of her 
many roles could merit a celebration on its own."

Rasheda K. Chowdhury, educationist and former Adviser to the Caretaker 
Government, hailed Mahmud as "a bearer of her family's legacy of leadership," 
noting her continued inspiration to young generations.

Professor Lakshman R. Watawala, president of the Institute of Certified 
Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka) who joined the programme 
virtually, said that Parveen Mahmud has played a significant role in 
advancing the professional development of female Chartered Accountants in 
Bangladesh. 

He added that her contributions in the fields of accounting, business, NGOs, 
and other sectors are both remarkable and still much needed.

The programme was organised by the ICAB Gender Inclusion and Leadership 
Committee, chaired by Zareen Mahmud Hosein, council member of ICAB.