The Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) has organised a memorial and tribute programme at Gulshan Club, Dhaka, in honour of its founder and president Selima Ahmad.
The event, coinciding with her birthday (7 July) and memorial observance, combined prayers, remembrance, and reflections on her legacy of advancing women’s entrepreneurship and leadership in Bangladesh.
She passed away on 21 June in Bangkok while undergoing medical treatment.
The programme began with Qur’an recitation and a special Dua‑Munajat seeking eternal peace for her soul. BWCCI President Sangita Ahmed, in her welcome address, praised Selima’s visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, pledging to carry forward her ideals and vision.
A commemorative video titled “Journey of Selima Ahmad” showcased her achievements and the 25‑year journey of building BWCCI. A Digital Commemorative Crest was unveiled, alongside presentations highlighting her national and international contributions to entrepreneurship, women’s leadership, and development.
A major highlight was the launch of the “WE SELIMA” campaign (Women Entrepreneurs, Skills, Employment, Leadership, ICT through Mentorship and Acceleration), marking BWCCI’s 25th anniversary.
The year‑long initiative, inaugurated with a candle‑lighting ceremony led by BWCCI directors and Nitol‑Niloy Group Chairman Matlub Ahmad, aims to promote entrepreneurship, employment, ICT skills, mentorship, innovation, and expanded opportunities for women nationwide.
Nearly 200 distinguished guests attended, including government and private sector representatives, development partners, diplomats, international organisations, journalists, BWCCI members, family, friends, and women entrepreneur leaders from across Bangladesh. The programme was anchored by BWCCI Director Ridma Khan.
Tributes were shared by national and international partners, including Andrew Wilson of CIPE, Michael Miller of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, Chitranjali Dissanayake of the Sri Lanka Women Chamber of Commerce, and ICC World Chambers Federation Chair Marie‑Christine Oghly.
Video tributes from BWCCI divisional leaders and reflections from board members such as Tanya Karim, Selina Quader, Priti Chakraborty, Lipi Khandaker, Shahana Jefreen, and Sangita Ahmed were also presented.
Her husband, Matlub Ahmad, delivered an emotional remembrance and prayers.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by BWCCI Director Nusrat Amin Mirza, followed by the collective singing of “Dhan Dhanya Pushpa Bhora”, floral tributes, signing of a condolence book, and a networking reception.
