BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday called for greater representation of women in corporate leadership and boardrooms, saying women’s contributions have been instrumental to Bangladesh’s economic and social progress.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Women in Leadership and Governance Conference 2026, veteran BNP leader stressed the need to create more opportunities for women to participate in decision-making processes and leadership positions across the corporate sector.

The conference, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) through its Gender Inclusion and Leadership Committee (GILC), was held at a city hotel in Banani, with a focus on strengthening corporate leadership and ensuring good governance through enhanced participation of women.

Former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Choudhury and MP Barrister Joharat Adib Chowdhury attended the event as special guests, while policymakers, corporate leaders, regulators, development partners and professionals from different sectors took part in the programme.

ICAB Council Member and GILC Chairperson Zerin Mahmud Hossain said stronger partnerships among institutions are essential for building effective leadership and accelerating progress in gender inclusion.

ICAB President NKA Mobin and Vice-President Suraiya Jannat reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to increasing women’s participation at different levels of leadership and governance and promoting a more inclusive professional environment.

The keynote paper was presented by Akhter Sanjida Kasem, Bangladesh’s first female practising chartered accountant, who shared findings from the ICAB Gender Dashboard and the ‘Women on Boards’ survey, highlighting both achievements and persistent challenges in advancing women’s leadership.

Three panel discussions were held during the conference, featuring leaders from professional bodies, corporate organisations, financial institutions and development agencies.

Representatives from IFC, Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC, United Commercial Bank PLC and Green Delta Insurance PLC joined a discussion on women’s participation in boardrooms.

The conference also featured inspirational talks by Berger Paints Bangladesh Managing Director Rupali Chowdhury and mountaineer Nishat Majumdar, the first Bangladeshi woman to summit Mount Everest.

Participants pledged to play a more active role in promoting women’s leadership in the corporate sector and strengthening their contribution to good governance.