Chief financial officers (CFO) will play an increasingly strategic role in helping businesses navigate economic uncertainty and sustain growth as Bangladesh works to strengthen its business environment and competitiveness, speakers at a professional forum said on Tuesday.
The discussion came at a continuing professional development programme organised by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) in Dhaka, bringing together corporate executives, economists and finance professionals to assess the country’s economic outlook and the evolving responsibilities of CFOs.
HSBC Bangladesh Managing Director and CEO Mahbubur Rahman said creating an enabling business environment, strengthening financial institutions and enhancing professional leadership would be critical to sustaining economic growth and improving Bangladesh’s global competitiveness.
The event took place as businesses continue to navigate a challenging economic landscape marked by inflationary pressures, external financing constraints and the need for greater productivity and investment.
World Bank Senior Economist Dhruv Sharma presented an assessment of Bangladesh’s macroeconomic outlook, highlighting factors shaping the business environment and the growing importance of financial leadership in supporting sustainable corporate and economic development.
The discussion reflected a broader shift in the role of CFOs, whose responsibilities increasingly extend beyond financial reporting and compliance to strategic decision-making, risk management and long-term value creation.
Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh President Md Kausar Alam said CFOs are playing a critical role in helping organisations respond to changing economic conditions, strengthen resilience and pursue sustainable growth.
A panel discussion featuring bKash CFO Moin A Rahghir, Bata Shoe Bangladesh CFO Elias Ahmed and Marico Bangladesh CFO Shafiq Musharrof explored the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Bangladesh.
The panellists highlighted the growing importance of financial resilience, corporate governance and data-driven decision-making as companies adapt to a more complex operating environment.
The programme was chaired by Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh Council Member and Professional Female Empowerment Committee Chairperson Zinnia Tanzina Huq.
The panel discussion was moderated by Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh Council Member and Placement Committee Chairman Syed Abdulla Al Mamun.
ICMAB Secretary Monjur Md Shaiful Azam delivered the closing remarks.
