International Conference on Financial Literacy and Economic Wellbeing

On June 26th, Brac Business School (BBS) hosted the International Conference on Financial Literacy and Economic Wellbeing (ICFLEW). The event discussed financial literacy and  its significance to SMEs, especially those without formal education.

Professor Dr. Mohamad Fazli Bin Sabri, (Dean, Universiti Putra Malaysia) joined online to deliver the keynote speech, followed by the insights of the chief guest, Ms. Nazma Mobarek. A panel was quickly set up afterwards with Dr. Mohammed Helal Uddin (Professor, University of Dhaka), Mr. Md Mushfiqur Rahman (Chairperson, SME Foundation) and Mr. Arinjoy Dhar (Senior Director, BRAC Microfinance). The second session commenced with many proficient individuals sharing their research on “Financial Literacy, Competency, and Inclusion.” Parveen Sultana Huda, one of the speakers, accentuated the importance of financial competence among Gen-Z professionals, stating, “Gen-Zs should be educated about credit at an early age, and they should be encouraged to make wise investment decisions.” Reflecting on the event, Sabrina Nasrin (Research Associate, WaterAid Bangladesh), claimed, “To address financial disparities in Bangladesh, financial literacy should be accessible to everybody, and financial stability should become compulsory, particularly among women.”    

The conference then shifted to fintech research, covering gamification and the economic impact of digital finance in Bangladesh. One of the researchers such as Himadri Shekhar Sarder’s team found a positive correlation using ARDL regression. Dhruba Sarker, one of the participants, highlighted risks of digital exclusion from overlooked issues like literacy and connectivity, suggesting an inclusive, ethical AI-based framework. The entire event finally concluded with Sabrina Kabir and Md Abdullah Al Mamun’s presentations on mobile microcredit use in urban Bangladesh and integrating local credit into global digital payment systems for international travellers.