Maria Howlader, managing partner and founder of Howlader Maria and Co, Chartered Accountants, has been elected as president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB).

Maria will replace Mohammed Forkan Uddin, who has completed his tenure as the ICAB president.

Md Johirul Islam, partner of A Qasem and Co, Chartered Accountants, was elected as vice-president of the institute.

They will take over the charges from today.

Maria is also serving as the secretary general to the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) and as a board director of the chamber for two consecutive terms, covering 2022-2024 and 2024-2026.

She was the vice-president (operations and members' services) of ICAB in 2021 and 2024, and was also the chairperson of a number of automation projects of ICAB in 2021.

Before founding her own professional practice and consultancy work, she was a partner of A Qasem and Co, Chartered Accountants, and practiced there for many years.

Maria previously worked for Hoda Vasi Chowdhury and Co, Chartered Accountants.

She became the chairperson of SAFA Women Leadership Committee for 2021-22.

However, Islam was a vice-president of ICAB in 2024.

Johir obtained his bachelor's degree in law from Chittagong Law College under The University of Chittagong and practiced tax and corporate law for more than 30 years.