In a display of regional talent and intellectual prowess, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) recently hosted the SAFA Quiz, Public Speaking and Essay Contests 2025 in Dhaka. This prestigious event brought together outstanding national-level winners from five South Asian countries for a regional competition focused on knowledge, communication, and written expression. Representatives from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal participated in the programme, showcasing their skills and dedication to the field of accounting.
Six professional accounting institutions took part in the Quiz and Public Speaking Contests: the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) and the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) from Bangladesh, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) from India, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) from Nepal, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) from Pakistan, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) from Sri Lanka. The Essay Contest featured seven institutions, including additional Indian and Sri Lankan bodies.
A total of 12 contestants participated in the Quiz Contest and 12 in the Public Speaking Contest, with two contestants representing each participating institution. The Essay Contest saw 21 contestants, with three participants from each institution. The event was graced by the presence of Mohammed Humayun Kabir, president of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA); Pravin Kumar Jha, SAFA vice president; (Dr.) Jai Kumar Batra, permanent secretary of SAFA; and Sabbir Ahmed, president of ICAB. Md. Kamruzzaman, chairman of the Dhaka Regional Committee (DRC), and Fahmida Khan, chairman of SAFA Quiz, Public Speaking and Essay Contests 2025, were also in attendance.
The competition results were impressive, with the ICAB of Bangladesh and the ICAN of Nepal declared joint winners in the SAFA Quiz Contest. ICMAB of Bangladesh secured the runner-up position. In the Public Speaking Contest, participants from ICAN of Nepal claimed the Champion and 1st Runner-up positions, while a participant representing ICAI of India secured the 2nd Runner-up position. The Essay Contest saw ICMAI of India emerge as Champion, with ICAI securing the first Runner-up position and ICMAI also securing the second Runner-up position.
These contests not only highlight the exceptional talent within the accounting profession across South Asia but also foster a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration among the participating institutions. The event underscores the importance of continuous learning and the exchange of knowledge in the field of accounting, paving the way for future excellence and innovation.
