The government is sincere in maintaining the continuity of projects related to increasing women’s technological skills, inclusion in economic activities, and women’s development and empowerment, said Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division, Sheesh Haider Chowdhury, while being prudent and frugal in formulating the budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
He made this statement as the chief guest at the seminar titled ‘Women in Technology’ organized by FBCCI in Motijheel, the capital, on Thursday (May 08, 2025). FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman presided over the seminar.
The Information and Communication Technology Secretary said that 21 projects related to women’s development are currently underway under his ministry. Under these projects, women are getting opportunities to develop knowledge and skills based on information and communication technology.
He appreciated the apex trade body FBCCI for organizing a seminar on women’s participation in information technology, keeping in mind the fourth industrial revolution and the challenges of the future.
Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Department, Sheesh Haider Chowdhury, ndc, also said that there is an opportunity for the Information and Communication Technology Department and FBCCI to work together in technology, innovation, research and development activities.
Speaking as a special guest at the seminar, Additional Secretary (Development) of the Energy and Mineral Resources Department, Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury said that women face various obstacles in their families and communities. To include women in digital transformation, we have to change our mindset.
A business delegation visiting Bangladesh led by Dr. Selwa Al-Hajja, CEO of SDM, a Saudi Arabia-based health technology service provider, participated in the seminar. At this time, Dr. Selwa Al-Hajja shared her experience in applying technology in the healthcare sector and empowering women in her country. He said that work on health technology and services will soon start in Bangladesh as well.
In his welcome speech, FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman said that with the rise of the digital economy, the number of women joining the workforce and taking up challenging jobs is increasing. He suggested that Bangladeshi women should increase international communication and networking along with technological advancement to survive in competition with other countries of the world.
Rubaba Daula, Country Managing Director (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan) of technology company Oracle, presented the keynote speech at the seminar. She emphasized on technology training programs for women, innovation and research, and public-private partnerships to create women entrepreneurs. Rubaba Daula also suggested increasing investment in women development activities.
The seminar was also addressed by Mehreen Nasir, Director of Mir Telecom, Sumaiya Tabassum Ahmed, Head of Sustainability (Marketing) of PRAN-RFL Group, Sadia Haque, CEO of ShareTrip.com, and Md. Aminul Islam, Assistant Professor of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences.
In the closing speech of the seminar, Md. Zakir Hossain Nayan, President of Bangladesh CNG Machinery Importers Association, thanked the guests and participants. Also present at the time were FBCCI Supporting Committee Member Abdul Haque, Md. Giasuddin Chowdhury (Khokon), Md. Belayet Hossain Bhuiyan, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir, FBCCI General Council Member Zakir Hossain, Atiqur Rahman, Saida Akhter and other business leaders and women entrepreneurs.
