University of Dhaka and UNDP Conclude International Certification in Inclusive Insurance Programme
45 professionals complete four-month programme to strengthen capacity for inclusive insurance in Bangladesh
August 8, 2026
The Centre for Policy Research on Business and Development (CPRBD), University of Dhaka, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, successfully concluded the inaugural International Certification in Inclusive Insurance programme with a Certification and Closing Ceremony held at the University of Dhaka on 8 August 2026. The four-month programme brought together 10 National Trainers and 35 industry participants from insurance companies, banks, microfinance institutions, development organizations, research and consulting institutions, and other relevant organizations, with the aim of strengthening professional capacity to develop and deliver accessible, affordable and customer-centric insurance solutions for underserved communities. The programme covered four key areas: inclusive insurance and customer-centric product design; partnerships and distribution; customer-centric marketing, education, servicing and claims management; and building internal capacity to provide inclusive insurance, with a Training of Trainers component designed to establish a sustainable pool of national trainers and strengthen continued capacity development in Bangladesh.
Professor Dr. Suborna Barua, Department of International Business, University of Dhaka, delivered the opening remarks and reflected on the completion of the inaugural programme and the importance of strengthening professional capacity in inclusive insurance. Chief Guest Mohammad Abu Bakar Siddique, Member (Non-Life), Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA), emphasized the need to expand inclusive and microinsurance, strengthen awareness and trust, and build capacity across the insurance ecosystem to reach underserved populations. Professor Dr. Mahmood Osman Imam, Dean, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, highlighted the value of stronger academic engagement in future cohorts, noting that participation of academicians alongside industry professionals could bring additional perspectives to the National Trainer pool and enrich the learning process. Sarder M. Asaduzzaman, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the role of inclusive insurance in strengthening financial resilience among vulnerable and climate-exposed communities, particularly in relation to climate and disaster risks and agricultural insurance, while emphasizing stronger collaboration among academia, government, regulators, development partners and industry. Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam Zahid, Chairman, Department of Banking and Insurance, University of Dhaka, and Dr. Abul Khayer, Chairman, Department of International Business, University of Dhaka, also joined the ceremony and shared perspectives on strengthening professional capacity, developing Bangladesh-specific insurance solutions, academic–industry collaboration and ensuring that the knowledge gained through the programme creates wider professional and social impact. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Dr. Aditi Shams, Associate Professor, Department of International Business, University of Dhaka and Co-lead of the initiative, who reflected on the programme's learning journey and encouraged participants to carry the knowledge and skills gained through the training into their respective organizations and professional practice. Certificates were presented to the 10 National Trainers and 35 industry participants, marking the successful completion of the inaugural cohort and the beginning of continued efforts to strengthen knowledge, professional capacity and practical application of inclusive insurance in Bangladesh.
