13/03/2026
EBL and SME Foundation Celebrate Women Entrepreneurs
Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) Women Banking, in collaboration with SME Foundation, organized a special program at Parjatan Bhaban, Agargaon to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.” The event brought together women entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners and banking professionals to recognize the growing contribution of women-led enterprises to Bangladesh’s economy.
The program featured a vibrant product showcase by women entrepreneurs and honored three exceptional women for their remarkable achievements in business and social impact.
The event was graced by Nurun Nahar, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, as chief guest. Among the distinguished attendees were Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director of SME Foundation; Farzana Khan, Deputy Managing Director of SME Foundation; M. Khorshed Anowar, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Retail & SME at Eastern Bank PLC and Sarmin Atik, Head of Liability and Wealth Management at Eastern Bank PLC.
Also present were Tanzeri Hoque, Head of Priority & Women Banking; Marilyn Bristi Gomes, Senior Manager and Shakil Ahmed Himel, Associate Manager of Women Banking at Eastern Bank PLC, alongside representatives from SME Foundation, the World Bank and Winrock International.
During the program, special recognition was awarded to Ferdous Ara Begum, CEO of BUILD; Monira Imdad, Founder of Tangail Saree Kutir and Zinia Jesmin Karim, Founder of Rainbow Valley Daycare, for their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
Through this partnership initiative, EBL Women Banking reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and fostering greater inclusion, leadership and opportunity for women in Bangladesh.