Suraiya Zannath holds the unique distinction ofbeing the first-ever woman in Bangladesh toqualify as a Chartered Accountant (CA) from ICAB. Starting her career with the world-renowned Non-Government OrganizationBRAC, Suraiyasoonbecame the Chief Financial Officer forSave the Children (USA) Dhaka Office. Shehas been working as Lead FinancialManagement Specialist with the World Bank, South Asia Region, based in Dhaka. She is currently on a specialassignment with Governance Global Unit in Washington DC.Suraiya has worked extensively to support multiple South& ast Asiancountries in strengthening country systemin the areas corporate governance,Public Financial Management system, fiscal accountability and transparencyand legislative oversight. She was instrumental in promoting Donors’ harmonization, public-private partisanshipfor improved aid delivery and in developing professional accountancy education to international standards. She played a pivotal role for bringing development partners under a joint agreement for supporting Bangladesh
Government’s largest Public Financial Management reform program that includes support to the Ministry ofFinance, Auditor General and Public Accounts Committee of the Bangladesh Parliament.
She led several projects to support the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) which resultedin a structured framework for mutual collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England andWales (ICEAW). Her initiatives for harnessing and connecting global knowledge also led to many partnershipagreements between institutions/organizations in Bangladesh and other countries.Suraiya presents technical papers and appears in various international seminars, talk shows and global forums.Key areas of her discussion include Governance in public and private sector, Information technology & Finance professionals, women empowerment, gender budgeting and role of Accountability Institutions.Suraiya acts as amotivational speaker in various events and participates in global knowledge platform & courses that includesprestigious institutions such as Harvard University.Suraiya is actively involved with many social organizations in various capacities. She is founding member oftheKhan Foundation that works for the underprivileged people with special focus on education and health. She alsoa trusty member of Badiul Alam & Jebunnessa Begum Memorial Foundation. She acts as advisor for South AsiaVoice for Children (SAVC) and Shamsul Hoque Foundation. Her entrepreneurial initiatives promote business inhotel and restaurant industry. She is also director of Sajna Hotel and Restaurant in Dhaka and Canada.
She received numerous awards. Noteworthy recognitions include Gold Medal by the Honorable President of Bangladesh, Shining Personality Award, Appreciation Award, and Outstanding Student Award-100 years.She was featured in “Who’s who” magazine as one of the 200 prominent female personalities in Bangladesh. She has been recently nominated as a member of the Global Women Economic Forum.