Written by The Banking Post
Dhaka is set to host the SAFA International Conference 2026 on Saturday, with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) bringing together leading voices of the global accounting profession.
The conference, themed “Next Generation Profession: Converging Ethical AI and Sustainability Reporting,” is expected to attract more than 500 participants, including regulators, corporate leaders, policymakers, academics and professional accountants from Bangladesh, South Asia and beyond.
The event will be inaugurated by Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur and Nazma Mobarek, secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, will attend as special guests.
A key highlight will be the presence of Jean Bouquot, president of the International Federation of Accountants, who will join as guest of honour on his first visit to Dhaka at the invitation of ICAB.
ICAB President NKA Mobin said the conference would address how the accounting profession is evolving amid rapid technological change and growing demand for sustainability-focused reporting.
During the conference, leadership of the South Asian Federation of Accountants will formally pass to Mohammed Humayun Kabir, past president of ICAB, who will assume office as SAFA president for 2026. ICAB Chief Operating Officer Mahbub Ahmed Siddique will take over as SAFA executive secretary.
Delegations are expected from SAARC countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Afghanistan, reflecting the regional importance of the event.
The valedictory session will be attended by BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun as chief guest, with Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Financial Reporting Council Chairman Dr Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan joining as special guests.
