Eastern Bank celebrates ‘International Women’s Day’

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) celebrated “International Women’s Day 2026” at its head office in Dhaka, honouring the achievements, leadership, and invaluable contributions of women in the workplace and society.

The event brought together female colleagues from across departments, creating a dynamic platform to celebrate empowerment, leadership, and collaboration.

Ali Reza Iftekhar, managing director of Eastern Bank PLC, inaugurated the programme as the chief guest, according to a press release.

In his comment, Iftekhar reaffirmed the bank’s commitment, saying, “At EBL, we remain steadfast in our dedication to advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s leadership across the organisation.”

“Women are actively contributing in every department, and many hold key leadership positions that drive our success.”

“We will continue to nurture this inclusive culture, ensuring that women have the opportunity to grow, lead, and shape the future of the Bank,” he added.

Yasmin Rahman, chairman of Paragon Group; Captain Shumeila Hussain of Biman Bangladesh Airlines; Uzma Chowdhury, director of PRAN-RFL Group; and Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), attended the programme.

Yasmin lauded EBL’s initiative, saying, “This progressive approach will serve as a trendsetter in the industry, helping to reverse the declining participation of women in the corporate workforce."

Shumeila emphasised the importance of self-care, stating, “While you dedicate time to your family, your work, and others, it is equally important to dedicate time to yourself.”

Uzma Chowdhury highlighted the dedication of women in the workforce, “We are proud that 45 percent of our factory workforce is comprised of women. They approach their responsibilities with seriousness and commitment, demonstrating honesty, resilience, and a remarkable ability to focus on their work without unnecessary complaints.”

Fahmida stressed the importance of strengthening women’s participation at the mid-management level, “In Bangladesh, women’s representation at the mid-level remains significantly low.

“Greater engagement at this tier is essential, as more women joining and thriving in mid-level positions will play a vital role in driving economic growth and strengthening the nation’s workforce,” she said.