Citibank N. A. Bangladesh supports 'Future of Business Leadership'

FE DESK

Citibank, N.A.; Bangladesh has recently supported the Future of Business Leadership program at Chattogram in partnership with The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI), the oldest trade body of Bangladesh, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka and Bangladesh Center of Excellence (BCE).

The objective of the program is to prepare the next generation business leaders of Chattogram with knowledge to sustainably grow their business in the changing global context. The program marked its beginning on February 5th with a two-day long custom designed workshop by Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka titled 'Visionary Leadership for Growth, Strategy & Governance' hosted in Chattogram. In continuation to this effort, CCCI, BCE and Citibank plan to host virtual dialogues later this month under the program.

The workshop saw participations from 17 renowned business leaders of Chattogram from 14 different organizations. Export, local & public listed industries ranging from sectors like real estate & construction materials to RMG, pharmaceuticals and large conglomerates were represented in the workshop. Collectively these organizations contribute to more than 60,000 in direct employment.

Mr. Salman F Rahman, MP, Private Industry & Investment Adviser to Prime Minister virtually joined the closing ceremony of the workshop as the Chief Guest along with Mr. Mahbubul Alam, President, CCCI and Mr. N. Rajashekaran (Shekar), Citi Country Officer and Managing Director, Citibank, N.A. Bangladesh.

Prof. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Director, IBA, University of Dhaka was the lead facilitator of the workshop. In addition, Mr. Tapan Chowdhury, Managing Director, Square Pharmaceuticals shared insights on Generational Transition of Leadership and Dr. Hillol Bala, Indiana University spoke on Disruptive Technology & Digitalization during the workshop.

The Chief Guest Mr. Salman F Rahman MP, said "Bangladeshis are very enterprising and our government will work as the enabler to facilitate our entrepreneurs and new generation leaders to adapt to the 4th and also 5th industrial revolution and take our country forward".

Mr. N. Rajashekaran (Shekar), Citi Country Officer and Managing Director, Citi Bangladesh said, "Citibank, N. A. Bangladesh is very happy to be able to support this unique workshop on 'Visionary Leadership for Growth, Strategy and Governance' organized for the business leaders based in the port city Chattogram for the first time.We hope, this initiative would catapult the participants' leadership journey forward."

Mr. Mahbubul Alam, President, CCCI said, "CCCI in continuation to its commitment to complement the government efforts to realize the national vision of becoming a developed country by 2041, has taken this step to strengthen the business leadership at Chattogram. To truly leverage the potential of Chattogram as an attractive investment and trade destination, the next generation business leaders of Chattogram must be well prepared and aware of the changing global economic context and their role in achieving the national vision and only then their respective organizations can become sustainable in the long run."

Prof. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Director, IBA, University of Dhaka said, "Leaders are the brain of an organization that guides other functions to operate efficiently and therefore if the leaders aren't maximizing their ability, the long term sustainability of an organization is under imminent threat. They must stay ahead of the changes that are taking place but at the same time link themselves with the human values".

Mr. Tapan Chowdhury, CEO & Managing Director of Square Group said, "One of the key component in successful transition of leadership in family business is to ensure all the stakeholders e.g. the employees, partners are in sync on a long term perspective".

Mr. Shams Zaman, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking of Citi Bangladesh joined the workshop virtually on the opening day and said " Citibank, N.A. Bangladesh is pleased to be a part of this impressive initiative. We are honored to support this idea and play our part in the development of next generation and having them future-ready".

The workshop saw participations from Directors of CCCI namely Mr. S.M. Abu Tayyab, Mr. Shahriar Jahan & Mr. Salman Habib and industry leaders such as Engr. Monower Shahadat, Vice- Chairman, Base Textile Ltd., Engr. Iftekhar Hosen, MD, CPDL, Mr. Zahir Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director, Confidence Cement, Mr. Salauddin Yousuf, Director, Lub-rref Bangladesh, Mr. Azeezur Rahman Khan, Director, Thianis Apparel Ltd., Mr. Sarwar Jahan, Director, KSRM Steel Plants Ltd., Meheruba Mahbub, Director, M. Alam Group, Mr. Tanvir Shahriar, CEO, Ranks FC Properties Ltd. and among others.