Moyeen Khan urges women to take up leadership role in greater number

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday said that while women's participation in Bangladesh's economy and productive sectors has increased significantly over the years, greater efforts are needed to expand their rights, leadership opportunities and representation in decision-making positions.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the "Women in Leadership and Governance Conference 2026" in the capital, he said women at the grassroots level are playing a critical role in advancing the country's economy.
"Millions of women working in the ready-made garment sector are making a substantial contribution to export earnings and economic growth," he said, noting that around four million women are employed in the industry, one of the country's key economic pillars.
Despite their significant contribution to economic activities, women remain deprived of many of the rights and opportunities they deserve, he observed. He stressed the need to strengthen women's participation in leadership, administration and decision-making processes.
The conference, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) through its Gender Inclusion and Leadership Committee (GILC), was held at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. Former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury and Member of Parliament Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury were present as guests of honour.
Speaking at the event, ICAB President N K A Mobin reaffirmed the institute's commitment to promoting gender inclusion and expanding opportunities for women in governance and leadership roles. Addressing structural challenges, he pointed to social, religious and family barriers that continue to affect women's professional progression.
Mobin also called for broader governance reforms, suggesting that the Financial Reporting Council introduce corporate governance requirements for more than 7,000 non-listed publicly interested entities, similar to those applicable to listed companies.
He stressed the importance of finance professionals serving as independent directors to strengthen financial oversight and accountability.
Reflecting on leadership qualities, he remarked that women often demonstrate stronger ethical standards and concluded by expressing hope for a future where leaders are judged by competence rather than gender.
GILC Chair and ICAB Council Member Zareen Mahmud Hosein said stronger leadership is built through partnership and collaboration. She noted that the conference demonstrated the power of institutions working together towards common goals and creating pathways for future leaders.
ICAB Vice-President Suraiya Zannath said the objective of the conference was not merely to discuss women's leadership but to create a holistic framework through cooperation among professional bodies. She emphasised the need to build a stronger pipeline of future chief executives, chief financial officers and policymakers while addressing systemic barriers that continue to impede women's advancement.
The keynote address was delivered by Akhtar Sanjida Kasem FCA, FCMA, the country's first woman chartered accountant in practice. Presenting findings from the ICAB Gender Dashboard and Women on Boards Survey, she highlighted both the progress achieved in women's leadership and the challenges that continue to limit greater representation at senior levels.
During a session titled "Professional Bodies United", representatives from ICAB, ICMAB, ACCA, ICSB and IIAB discussed the role of professional institutions in creating leadership opportunities for women.
ICSB President Hossain Sadat underscored the importance of collaboration among professional bodies, describing the gathering as evidence of a shared commitment to advancing governance and leadership standards.
Representing the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Lopa Rahman argued that gender diversity should be viewed not only as a development priority but also as a source of business value.
Referring to IFC research, she noted that women currently occupy around 20 per cent of board positions in Bangladesh, a figure close to the global average.
United Commercial Bank (UCB) Chairman Sharif Zahir emphasised that women should advance to leadership positions based on merit, competence and professional achievement.
He noted that women account for approximately 19 per cent of board positions in listed companies in Bangladesh, one of the highest rates in South Asia. However, he observed that much of this representation is linked to family ownership structures, while women hold only about 6 per cent of independent director positions.
"People reach board level through ability, performance and years of professional service," he said, stressing that boards require individuals who can contribute meaningfully to strategy and governance.
ICMAB President Kausar Alam highlighted the need for both greater participation and stronger professional development among women.
He noted that women account for less than 5 per cent of professional accountants in Bangladesh, describing the figure as a major concern for the profession. To address the gap, he called for greater efforts to attract female students, provide mentorship and career support, and create opportunities for women returning to work after career interruptions.
The conference also featured panel discussions on women's advancement in professional practice, leadership in service sectors and female participation in corporate boardrooms. Representatives from banks, multinational companies, professional firms and development organisations shared experiences and recommendations for strengthening women's leadership across industries.
The programme included "Inspire to Aspire" sessions led by Berger Paints Bangladesh Managing Director Rupali Chowdhury, and Everest summiteer Nishat Mazumdar. ICAB also recognised mentors and mentees of its Ascend Mentorship Programme for their contributions to professional development and leadership growth.
United Commercial Bank PLC served as the title sponsor of the conference, while ACCA, ICMAB, ICSB and IIAB participated as strategic partners. The International Finance Corporation provided technical support.

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