In a world where women often hesitate to pursue traditionally male-dominated careers, Parveen Mahmud stands as a trailblazer who redefined what’s possible. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Parveen made history in 2011 as the first female President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) – a landmark moment that reshaped perceptions of women in finance and leadership.
Parveen began her career at BRAC, one of Bangladesh’s largest development organisations, where she developed a deep understanding of grassroots empowerment. Her leadership journey then took her to the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) as Deputy Managing Director – the apex body for microfinance and development funding in Bangladesh. She went on to become the Founding Managing Director of Grameen Telecom Trust, a pioneering initiative linking telecommunications with social progress.
Her career reflects a rare combination of financial acumen and social purpose. Beyond her executive roles, Parveen served as a partner at ACNABIN & Co., Chartered Accountants and the representative firm of Baker Tilly International in Bangladesh. She didn’t stop at national leadership. She became the first female board member and later President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA), amplifying Bangladesh’s presence in regional finance leadership.
Parveen has long been a champion of women’s empowerment within her profession. In 2017, she founded the CA Female Forum – Women in Leadership Committee at ICAB, which continues to inspire and mentor women in accounting. From 2018 to 2020, she also served as Vice-Chairperson of SAFA’s Women in Leadership Committee, reinforcing her dedication to gender equity across South Asia.
Her influence extends far beyond finance. She has held independent director roles at leading companies such as Marico Bangladesh, Berger Paints and Apex Footwear and has chaired Shasha Denims PLC and MIDAS (Micro Industries Development Assistance & Services) – empowering women entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country.
Currently, Parveen serves as Chairperson of the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), a leading organisation promoting human rights and good governance. She has previously chaired UCEP Bangladesh and the Acid Survivors Foundation and sits on the boards of respected institutions, including BRAC International, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Bishwo Shahitto Kendro.
Her list of accolades is as impressive as her impact. Parveen has received the SAFA Lifetime Woman Leadership Award 2025, the Top 50 Professional & Career Women Global Award in 2023 for Leadership in Finance & Accounting and the Begum Rokeya Shining Personality Award in 2006. She has also been honoured among Anannya’s Top Ten Women in 2018 and received multiple national awards for her contributions to women’s empowerment.
Parveen Mahmud’s career bridges the corporate and social sectors with remarkable grace. Through finance, she has championed inclusion, transparency, and social innovation proving that leadership is not just about numbers but about nurturing progress.
Her journey continues to inspire a new generation of women to dream boldly and lead with purpose. In every role she takes on, Parveen reminds us that true leadership lies in breaking barriers and building bridges for others to follow.
