Dhaka: The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), in collaboration with the ICT Division (EDGE Project), Government of Bangladesh, organized an International Conference titled “Building Trust and Sustainability Through Data Governance” at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), Dhaka. The conference brought together policymakers, global development partners, professional accountants, legal experts, and technology leaders to discuss the future of data protection, governance, and accountability in an increasingly digital economy.
The conference was graced by Mr. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Hon’ble Chief Adviser and Hon’ble Adviser to the Information and Communication Technology Division, as the Chief Guest. Mr. Shish Haider Chowdhury, ndc, MCIPS, Secretary, Information and Communication Division; Mr. Jean Bouquot, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC); and Mr. Jean Pesme, Division Director of Bangladesh and Bhutan at the World Bank, attended the event as Special Guests.
In his address, Mr. Mahtab Uddin Ahmed FCMA, President of ICMAB, emphasized the critical role of sound data governance in sustaining trust across institutions and markets. He stated, “Data has become one of the most valuable assets of our time, and with that value comes immense responsibility. Professional accountants must play a leading role in ensuring data integrity, transparency, and compliance so that trust is not only built but sustained across public and private sectors.”
The Chief Guest, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb , highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening data governance frameworks in Bangladesh. He noted, “As Bangladesh advances towards a smart and inclusive digital future, robust data governance is no longer optional – it is foundational. Policies must translate into practice, ensuring citizens’ data is protected while innovation and economic growth continue to thrive.”
Mr. Shish Haider Chowdhury, ndc, MCIPS, Secretary, Information and Communication Division, emphasized the importance of institutional readiness in data governance. He stated, “Effective data governance requires more than policy formulation – it demands strong institutional capacity, cross-sector coordination, and a clear accountability framework. As digital services expand across government and industry, ensuring responsible data use, security, and compliance will be critical to building public trust and enabling sustainable digital transformation.”
The conference featured three technical sessions focusing on translating data protection policies into practice, benchmarking national data governance frameworks against global standards, and empowering professional accountants in data stewardship and compliance. Experts from government bodies, international organizations such as the World Bank and UNDP, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and the legal and technology sectors participated as paper presenters, discussants, and moderators.
The conference concluded with a strong consensus on the need for coordinated efforts among government, regulators, professional bodies, and the private sector to build resilient data governance ecosystems that promote trust, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
