DHAKA, June 8, 2026 (BSS) - The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) today hosted the "Women in Leadership and Governance Conference 2026" in the capital, bringing together policymakers, corporate leaders, regulators, development partners and representatives of professional bodies to advance leadership, governance and board diversity.

Organized by ICAB through its Gender Inclusion and Leadership Committee (GILC), the conference was held at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, according to a press release.

Member of Parliament Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan inaugurated the conference as the chief guest, while former adviser to the caretaker government Rasheda K. Chowdhury and Member of Parliament Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury attended as guests of honour.

Addressing the event, Dr. Moyeen Khan highlighted the significant contribution of women to Bangladesh's economic and social development and stressed the need to increase women's representation in corporate leadership and boardrooms.

GILC Chair and ICAB Council Member Zareen Mahmud Hosein said stronger leadership is built through partnership and noted that the conference demonstrated the potential of collaboration among institutions pursuing common goals.

ICAB President N K A Mobin FCA and Vice-President Suraiya Zannath FCA reiterated the institute's commitment to promoting gender inclusion and creating greater opportunities for women in leadership and governance roles.

The keynote address was delivered by Akhtar Sanjida Kasem FCA, FCMA, the country's first woman chartered accountant in practice. She presented findings from the ICAB Gender Dashboard and Women on Boards Survey, highlighting progress in women's leadership while identifying remaining challenges.

The conference featured three panel discussions focusing on professional leadership, women's advancement in service and professional practice, and women's participation in corporate boardrooms.

Representatives from ICAB, ICMAB, ACCA, ICSB and IIAB participated in a session titled "Professional Bodies United", while senior executives from banks, multinational companies and professional firms joined discussions on leadership in service and professional practice.

A separate panel discussion on women in boardrooms included representatives from IFC, Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC, United Commercial Bank PLC and Green Delta Insurance PLC.

The programme also featured "Inspire to Aspire" sessions conducted by Berger Paints Bangladesh Managing Director Rupali Chowdhury, the first woman managing director of a multinational company in Bangladesh, and Everest summiteer Nishat Mazumdar.

The conference further recognized mentors and mentees of the ICAB Ascend Mentorship Programme for their contributions to professional development and leadership growth.