Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 at its Head Office in Dhaka, honoring the achievements, leadership, and invaluable contributions of women in the workplace and society, a press release said.
The vibrant event brought together female colleagues from across departments, creating a dynamic platform to celebrate empowerment, leadership, and collaboration.
The celebration was enriched by the presence of four distinguished guests who shared their inspiring journeys and perspectives: Yasmin Rahman, Chairman of Paragon Group; Captain Shumeila Hussain of Biman Bangladesh Airlines; Uzma Chowdhury, Director of PRAN-RFL Group; and Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Yasmin Rahman, Chairman of Paragon Group, lauded EBL’s initiative, saying, “I deeply appreciate EBL’s commitment to entrusting key leadership roles to capable female professionals and applaud the senior management for fostering a truly level playing field where women bankers can excel. This progressive approach will serve as a trendsetter in the industry, helping to reverse the declining participation of women in the corporate workforce.”
Captain Shumeila Hussain of Biman Bangladesh Airlines emphasized 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, Director of PRAN-RFL Group, 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.”
Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of CPD, 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.
Their powerful messages of resilience, leadership, and empowerment inspired participants to continue striving for excellence and breaking barriers in both professional and personal spheres.
Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director of EBL, 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 organization. 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.”
Female colleagues acknowledged EBL’s progressive culture that encourages women to take on leadership roles and demonstrate their capabilities with dedication and professionalism.
The celebration concluded with an engaging interactive discussion and a heartfelt acknowledgment of the contributions of women colleagues who continue to drive the Bank forward with excellence, resilience, and professionalism.
