---

Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC has organized a financial literacy program for CMSME (Cottage, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) women entrepreneurs in Chattogram as part of its ongoing initiative to promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurial development.

The event, titled “Financial Literacy for the Development and Empowerment of CMSME Women Entrepreneurs,” was held on October 18, 2025, at a local hotel in Chattogram. It was arranged by the bank’s SME and Agricultural Investment Division at its corporate head office.

Mrs. Abida Mostafa, President of the Chattogram Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended the event as the chief guest.

The program aimed to strengthen women’s participation in the CMSME sector by expanding access to banking services, improving financial knowledge, and encouraging employment-oriented industrial growth.

Among others, the event was attended by Jasmine Akter, Director of the Chattogram Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Md Arifuzzaman and Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman, Directors of Bangladesh Bank (Chattogram Office); Imtiaz U. Ahmed, Additional Managing Director and CBO of Shahjalal Islami Bank; M. M. Saiful Islam, Deputy Managing Director and CRO; Rashed Sarwar, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Chattogram Zone; and Md Abdur Rahim, Head of SME and Agricultural Investment Division. Managers from ten regional branches and senior officials from the corporate head office were also present.

At the event, Shahjalal Islami Bank reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and strengthening their role in the CMSME sector. Senior bank officials emphasized the importance of financial independence, dedication, and professionalism in achieving sustainable success.

Participating women entrepreneurs shared their business experiences, challenges, and future plans, while receiving guidance and practical advice from bank officials.

The initiative was recognized as a significant step toward inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial development in the Chattogram region.