International Symposium on Women Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities

We are thrilled to share the highlights from our International Symposium on “Women Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities.” Organized jointly by the Entrepreneurship Development Research Centre of ZNRF University of Management Sciences and the Entrepreneurial Creatives (SFCP) on November 26-27, 2022. It brought together a diverse and influential group of stakeholders committed to empowering women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.

Collaboration & Sponsorship

The symposium secured generous sponsorship from Central Queensland University and was collaboratively hosted with the Entrepreneurship Development Research Centre (EDRC). It further benefited from valuable support and collaboration with a2i (Aspire to Innovate), a flagship project of the ICT Division of the Ministry of ICT, and UNDP Bangladesh.

Key figures from the External Resources Division of the Ministry of Finance, including Secretary Ms. Sharifa Khan, inaugurated the symposium as the Chief Guest. The then Additional Secretary, Mr. Shahriar Kader Siddiqi (currently Secretary, ERD), participated as a panelist. Other public sector leaders, such as Mr. Ekhlesur Rahman, Managing Director of the National Human Resource Development Fund (a company of the Ministry of Finance),Mr. Muhammad Alauddin, Rector of the Power Management Institute of the Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources and Dr. Dewan Humayun Kabir, Project Director of a2i, provided their expertise and support. From INGOs, Ms. Nazeen Ahmed, Country Economist of UNDP Bangladesh, and Mr. Iqbal Karim, former Country Representative, IDB-Bangladesh joined as a Special Guests.

Global Academic Perspective

Esteemed academics from international institutions provided a comprehensive global outlook on women entrepreneurship, including Prof. Quamrul Alam of Central Queensland University, Australia; Prof. Kosmas X. Smyrrios, Adjunct Professor at the University of the South Pacific; Prof. Firoz Alam of RMIT, Australia; and Dr. Olav Murrlink, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Social Innovation at CQ University, Australia.

Industry Leaders and Private Sector Involvement

Leading Bangladeshi private sector entities, such as bKash, Daraz, and e-Courier, played an active role. Additionally, prominent women entrepreneurs from various sectors enriched the discussions.

Influencers as Panelists

Renowned industry leaders, including Mr. Kamal Quadir (CEO of bKash), Mr. Naeem Anis (Director of Daraz), Mr. Biplob Rahul (eCourier), Secretary-General of b-Scan, Ms. Salma Mahbub, and transgender community leader Lineea Shammi of Jivan Gathan Sangtha, contributed as panelists and discussants.

Networking with Banking and SME Experts

The symposium featured senior executives from Bank Asia and BRAC Bank, along with Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed (former Secretary General of the Bangladesh Economic Association and former Board Member of Bangladesh Bank), Mr. Iqbal Karim (former Country Representative of the Islamic Development Bank), Mr. Sazzad Hossain (former Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank), and Sheikh Selim (former Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank) as session chairs and panelists.

Active Participation of Women Entrepreneurs

Notable participants included Ms. Rehana Akhter (Bangladesh Tanners Association), Ms. Rezwana Khan (CEO of Star Computer Systems), Ms. Tahmina Shaily (CEO of Entrepreneurial Creatives and SHOILEE), and Ms. Shormy Roy (Ahana Randhanshala).

The International Symposium on Women Entrepreneurship was a resounding success, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and empowerment within the vibrant landscape of women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.