Eastern Bank Ltd. (EBL) recently hosted the ‘Joyee Graduation Ceremony’ at its head office in the capital’s Gulshan area.

The first batch of Joyee graduates attended the exclusive six-month women entrepreneurs’ development program jointly organized by EBL and Prerona Foundation, said a press release.

Ali Reza Iftekhar, managing director & CEO of EBL, and Md. Azizur Rhman, CEO of Prerona Foundation, handed over the certificates to the graduates.

Joyee was launched in 2022 with a vision to develop entrepreneurial skills among women and enhance their creditworthiness.

At the graduation ceremony, Mr. Iftekhar said, “EBL Women Banking is committed to harnessing and developing skillsets among women entrepreneurs for their sustainable growth. Joyee program is designed to help women entrepreneurs access various schemes of finance, training, mentoring, networking, and business support services to overcome existential barriers in emerging markets.”

Md. Azizur Rahman FCS, CEO of Prerona Foundation, said “Along with the various initiatives and plans of the government to increase the participation of women entrepreneurs in the economy, we are happy to take this step jointly with Eastern Bank Ltd. as a part of non-governmental organizations and civil society. Prerona Foundation aims to ensure the involvement of women in the national economy and create a favorable environment for women entrepreneurs through this program.”

M. Korshed Anowar, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Retail and SME Banking; Syed Zulkar Nayen, Head of Business; Sarmin Atik, Head of Liability and Wealth Management; Tanzeri Hoque, Head of Priority and Women Banking of EBL; COO of Prerona Foundation Ahmed Raihan Ahsanullah; Strategic Consultant of MGM Consultancy Ltd. Melita Mehjabeen along with senior officials from concerned organizations were also present on occasion.