ICAB Launches Public Interest Forum to Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) has launched the ICAB Public Interest Forum (PIF), a high-level advisory platform aimed at strengthening stakeholder engagement and providing strategic insights on issues related to the accountancy profession, corporate governance, financial reporting, sustainability, public financial management, and national economic development.
The 15-member Forum held its inaugural meeting at CA Bhaban in the city on Sunday, marking a new chapter in ICAB’s engagement with policymakers, regulators, business leaders, academics, development partners, and civil society representatives, said a press release. According to ICAB, the initiative reflects its commitment to serving the public interest and promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance across Bangladesh’s financial reporting and business ecosystem.
Participants at the meeting welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that the Forum would strengthen ICAB’s public-interest and self-regulatory role, enhance confidence in the accountancy profession, and help the Institute better address growing expectations regarding corporate governance, transparency, and accountability. Members emphasized that stronger governance and credible financial reporting are essential for restoring trust, attracting local and foreign investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The establishment of the Forum was also viewed as a key component of ICAB’s Reform Strategy 2025–2030. Members noted that the structured stakeholder engagement mechanism would generate valuable perspectives, strengthen policy dialogue, and contribute to effective institutional reforms and national development outcomes. The Forum brings together prominent business leaders, economists, academics, and professionals, including Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Kamran T. Rahman, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed, Apex Footwear Limited Managing Director Syed Nasim Manzur, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited Managing Director and Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Rupali Chowdhury, CPD Distinguished Fellow Professor Mustafizur Rahman, CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Policy Research Institute Chairman Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and CEO Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, FICCI Executive Director T.I.M. Nurul Kabir, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Commissioner Tanwir Habib Rahman CPA, and DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) President Saiful Islam.
Former Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, along with senior representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance, also joined the Forum. Speaking at the event, ICAB President NKA Mobin FCA said the Public Interest Forum would serve as a valuable platform for informed dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders. “It will enable ICAB to better anticipate emerging challenges, contribute meaningfully to national policy discussions, and further strengthen its public-interest mandate in support of Bangladesh’s development aspirations,” he said.
ICAB Vice President (Reform Strategy) Suraiya Zannath FCA presented an overview of the Institute’s Reform Strategy 2025–2030, highlighting stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, policy development, and institutional reform as key priorities to support Bangladesh’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth. ICAB Vice Presidents Md. Rokonuzzaman FCA and Md. Moniruzzaman FCA, along with Council Member Sabbir Ahmed FCA, also attended the meeting.
