‘We Selima’ campaign launched in memory of industrialist Selima Ahmad

Leaders of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the vision of its founding president and former Member of Parliament, the late Selima Ahmad, who believed that women’s economic empowerment is the true path to freedom.

BWCCI officially launched the ‘We Selima’ campaign—Women Entrepreneurs, Skills, Employment, Leadership, ICT through Mentorship and Acceleration—as part of the organisation’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

The announcement was made at a prayer meeting, remembrance ceremony, and tribute held at Gulshan Club in the capital on Tuesday afternoon to mark Selima Ahmad’s birthday.

The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by prayers seeking eternal peace for her departed soul. A documentary titled Journey of Selima Ahmad, highlighting her life, achievements, and contributions to the development of women entrepreneurs, was screened. A digital commemorative crest was also unveiled in her honour.

BWCCI President Sangeeta Ahmed said, Selima Ahmad’s visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and lifelong contributions to the advancement of women entrepreneurs would continue to inspire the organisation. She pledged that BWCCI would remain committed to fulfilling Selima Ahmad’s vision and carrying forward her mission.

The year-long 'We Selima’ campaign was formally inaugurated by Matlub Ahmad, Chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group, alongside members of the BWCCI Board of Directors, through a candle-lighting ceremony. Organisers said the initiative will focus on promoting women’s entrepreneurship, employment generation, leadership development, ICT skills, business capacity building, mentorship, innovation, and market access.

The event, moderated by BWCCI Director Rhidma Khan, also featured tributes from development partners at home and abroad, who joined both in person and virtually. Video and written messages were sent by Andrew Wilson, Executive Director of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE); Michael Miller, Head of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh; Chitranjali Dissanayake of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka; and Mary-Catherine Oglivy, Chair of the ICC World Chambers Federation.

BWCCI Board members Tania Karim, Selina Kader, Priti Chakraborty, Lipi Khandaker, and Shahana Jafrin, among others, shared their memories of the late entrepreneur and business leader.

In an emotional address, Matlub Ahmad, Chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group and husband of the late Selima Ahmad, reflected on her remarkable life, dedication, and outstanding contribution to nurturing women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.

BWCCI Director Nusrat Amin Mirza delivered the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with participants joining in a rendition of the patriotic song Dhan Dhanya Pushpa Bhara. Guests also signed a book of remembrance, paid floral tributes, and exchanged greetings.

Selima Ahmad passed away on June 21 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bangkok.