BM Desk:

A conference on the current state of Bangladesh’s economy and the path to a trillion dollar economy was recently held in Chittagong. The conference, organized by the Chittagong Branch of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The keynote speaker was Atiur Rahman, former governor of the Bangladesh Bank and emeritus professor of Dhaka University.

Special guests included Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and President of ICMAB Mohammad Abdur Rahman Khan FCA, Chairman of Union Bank Professor Dr. Mohammad Selim Uddin FCA, Managing Director of Pacific Jeans Syed Mohammad Tanvir, and Chairman of Island Securities Mohammad Mohiuddin FCA.

Dr. Atiur said, “Smart Bangladesh is a strategic goal to ensure sustainable economic prosperity through education, healthcare, business facilitation and decentralization, human resource development and promotion of technical skills and creativity, while conserving the environment.”

The conference was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammad Selim Uddin FCA, FCA, Chairman of Union Bank. The main paper of the conference was presented by Arif Khan FCA, Vice Chairman of Shanta Asset Management.

At the time, Mohammad Abdur Rahman Khan FCA said, “It is very important to diversify products and services through IT, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy to achieve the trillion-dollar economy goal.” Syed Mohammad Tanvir emphasized the technological development of the ready-made garments and textile sector, as these sectors contribute significantly to economic growth and employment. Mohammad Mohiuddin FCA said in his speech, “The conditions for the trillion-dollar goal are inherent in achieving credibility through the administrative strength of the capital market and education of investors.”

In the conference, Mohammad Mahatab Uddin Ahmed FCA presented a paper on “Tech-enabled financing for becoming a trillion dollar economy.” The session was moderated by Mohammad Imtiaz Alam FCA; the discussant was Mohammad Kausar Alam FCA. Mohammad Elias Ahmed FCA and Dr. Aditi Haldar presented a paper titled “Integrated report for a smart economy.” The session was conducted by Professor M. Momtaz Uddin Ahmed FCA, treasurer of Dhaka University, moderator Mohammad Selim FCA, and discussant M. Jahangir Alam FCA.

The conference was attended by discussions by Mohammad Mojammel Hossain FCA, Chairman of Chittagong Branch Council (CBC), with the participation of ICMAB Fellow and Associate Member students, government and semi-government officials, officials of financial institutions, and academics.

Key takeaways from the conference: Bangladesh has made significant progress in economic growth and development in recent years. To achieve the goal of becoming a trillion dollar economy, Bangladesh needs to continue to focus on diversification of its economy, technological development, and human resource development.

The government needs to create a conducive environment for investment and business growth.

The conference was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Bangladesh’s economy as it strives to become a trillion dollar economy.