DHAKA, Dec 11, 2025 (BSS) - The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) jointly hosted a high-level roundtable titled “Advancing Inclusive Governance – Independent Directorship” at CA Bhaban in the capital today.

The event brought together regulators, corporate leaders, governance experts, and development partners to advance gender inclusion and strengthen Bangladesh’s independent director pipeline.

Speaking at the event as special guest, BSEC Commissioner Farzana Lalarukh noted that although the regulatory deadline for appointing women independent directors has been extended to December 31, 2025, only 138 out of 360 listed companies have complied till date. 

She reaffirmed BSEC’s commitment to supporting companies in meeting governance standards and stressed the need for dedicated director training, particularly in family-led listed companies.

The session was chaired by ICAB President NKA Mobin and moderated by Zareen Mahmud Hosein, Chair of ICAB’s Gender Inclusion & Leadership Committee, said a press release.

“ICAB is committed to strengthening governance by ensuring boards have access to skilled and diverse talent. Our growing pipeline of women Chartered Accountants is well-prepared to serve as effective independent directors,” said ICAB President NKA Mobin.

Moderator Zareen Mahmud Hosein added, “ICAB will begin structured Independent Director training with IFC in 2026. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to take this agenda forward and strengthen governance across Bangladesh.”

Sharing global evidence, Lopa Rahman, ESG Officer at IFC, highlighted the strong correlation between gender-diverse boards, enhanced governance practices, and improved business performance.

Presenting ICAB’s latest survey, Sanjida Kasem, Managing Partner of A Qasem & Co., reported that 21 female Chartered Accountants currently serve on boards, while 134 additional women CAs are fully board-ready, with 75% holding postgraduate degrees—reflecting a strong talent pool ready for board roles.

Corporate leaders in the event emphasized key governance priorities.

Syed Mahbub Rahman, CEO of Mutual Trust Bank PLC, highlighted the need for improved alignment and clarity in the director approval process.

Syed Nasim Manzur, MD of Apex Footwear stressed merit-based appointments and broader eligibility criteria.

Kamran T. Rahman, President of MCCI, underscored the importance of streamlined documentation and stronger director training.

Farzana Chowdhury, MD & CEO of Green Delta Insurance noted the value of experiential leadership within family enterprises.

Hossain Sadat, President of ICSB, emphasized strengthening the voice and visibility of independent directors.

Both ICAB and IFC reaffirmed their commitment to building a transparent, merit-based national pipeline of Independent Directors—for both women and men—to support more inclusive and effective corporate governance in Bangladesh.