ICC-B expresses condolence on demise of Rokia Afzal Rahman

The executive board of the International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICC-B) expressed deep condolence on the demise of ICC-B Vice President Rokia Afzal Rahman.

Rokia, who had been in the ICC Bangladesh executive board as vice president since 2012, died at the Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore at 2am on April 5.

During her tenure as vice president, she extended her guidance and support for carrying out various activities, including organising a number of international conferences in Dhaka.

 She also attended various seminars and workshops of ICC Bangladesh both at home and abroad.

Rokia was a member of the business advisory council at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission Asia and Pacific and South Asia Women's Network.

She was a noted entrepreneur and former adviser to a caretaker government.

She was also the founder president of the first Women Entrepreneurs Association in Bangladesh formed in 1994 and Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (BFWE) formed in 2006.

In 1996, she formed Women in Small Enterprises for development of small enterprises.

She also served the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka as president, Bangladesh Bank as a board member and the Bangladesh Employers' Federation as president.

After graduating from college in 1962, Rokia began working in a commercial bank and became a branch manager within two years.

After spending a number of years in the banking sector, Rokia Afzal Rahman ventured into business in 1980.

Actively involved in several associations, she conducted surveys to identify constraints faced by women entrepreneurs and to explore potential areas of investment, subsequently launching various innovative programmes to develop the entrepreneurial spirit in women.

One of her most noteworthy accomplishments is the establishment of a 'mini mart' in 1996. It was a chain of shops owned and managed by a group of women entrepreneurs.

In 1991, she was recognised as one of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World in Monte Carlo.

In 2003, she was honoured with the Businessperson of the Year award given by the American chamber.

She also received the Priyadarshani Award in India.

Rokia left behind two daughters, one son and a number of grandsons and daughters.