B MirrorDesk: Although the budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is calculated and frugal, the government is sincere in maintaining the continuity of projects related to increasing women’s technological skills, inclusion in economic activities, and women’s development and empowerment, said Information and Communication Technology Department Secretary Sheesh Haider Chowdhury.
She made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Women in Technology’ organized by FBCCI in Motijheel, Dhaka on Thursday (May 8, 2025). The seminar was presided over by FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman.
The ICT Secretary said that 21 projects related to women’s development are currently underway under his ministry. Under these projects, women are getting opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills based on ICT.
He commended the apex trade body FBCCI for organizing a seminar on women’s participation in information technology, keeping in mind the fourth industrial revolution and future challenges.
Information and Communication Technology Department Secretary Sheesh Haider Chowdhury, ndc, also said that there is an opportunity for the Information and Communication Technology Department and FBCCI to work together in technology, innovation, research and development activities.
Speaking as a special guest at the seminar, Additional Secretary (Development) of the Energy and Mineral Resources Department, Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury said, “Women face various obstacles in their families and communities. To include women in digital transformation, we need to change our mindset.”
A business delegation visiting Bangladesh led by Dr. Selwa Al-Hajja, CEO of Saudi Arabia-based health technology service provider SDM, participated in the seminar. During the seminar, Dr. Selwa Al-Hajja shared her experience in applying technology in the healthcare sector and working on women’s empowerment in her country. She said that she will soon start working on health technology and services in Bangladesh as well.
In his welcome address, FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman said that with the rise of the digital economy, the number of women joining the workforce and taking up challenging jobs is increasing. He advised Bangladeshi women to increase international communication and networking along with technological advancements to stay competitive with other countries in the world.
Rubaba Daula, Country Managing Director (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan) of technology company Oracle, presented the keynote address at the seminar. She emphasized on technology training programs for women, innovation and research, and public-private partnerships to create women entrepreneurs. Rubaba Daula also suggested increasing investment in women development activities.
Mehreen Nasir, Director of Mir Telecom, Sumaiya Tabassum Ahmed, Head of Sustainability (Marketing) of PRAN-RFL Group, Sadia Haque, CEO of ShareTrip.com, and Md. Aminul Islam, Assistant Professor of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, also spoke at the seminar.
In the closing speech of the seminar, Bangladesh CNG Machinery Importers Association President Md. Zakir Hossain Nayan thanked the guests and participants. Also present at the time were FBCCI’s supporting committee members Abdul Haque, Md. Giasuddin Chowdhury (Khokon), Md. Belayet Hossain Bhuiyan, FBCCI’s Secretary General Md. Alamgir, FBCCI’s general council members Zakir Hossain, Atiqur Rahman, Saida Akhter and other business leaders and women entrepreneurs.
