The Centre for Policy Research on Business and Development (CPRBD) at the University of Dhaka and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh have completed the inaugural International Certification in Inclusive Insurance programme.

A certification and closing ceremony for the four-month programme was held at the University of Dhaka on Saturday (8 August), according to a press release.

The programme brought together 10 national trainers and 35 industry participants from insurance companies, banks, microfinance institutions, development organisations, and research and consulting institutions.

It aimed to strengthen 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 institutional capacity to provide inclusive insurance.

It also included a training-of-trainers component designed to create a sustainable pool of national trainers and support continued capacity development in Bangladesh.

Professor Dr Suborna Barua of the University of Dhaka’s Department of International Business delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on the completion of the inaugural programme and the importance of strengthening professional capacity in inclusive insurance.

Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority Member (Non-Life) Mohammad Abu Bakar Siddique attended the ceremony as chief guest.

He emphasised the need to expand inclusive insurance and microinsurance, strengthen awareness and public trust, and build capacity across the insurance ecosystem to reach underserved communities.

University of Dhaka Faculty of Business Studies Dean Professor Dr Mahmood Osman Imam highlighted the value of greater academic engagement in future cohorts.

He said the participation of academics alongside industry professionals could bring additional perspectives to the national trainer pool and enrich the learning process.

UNDP Bangladesh Assistant Resident Representative Sarder M Asaduzzaman highlighted the role of inclusive insurance in strengthening financial resilience among vulnerable and climate-exposed communities.

He particularly stressed the importance of insurance against climate and disaster risks, as well as agricultural insurance.

Sarder M Asaduzzaman also called for stronger collaboration among academia, the government, regulators, development partners and industry.

University of Dhaka Department of Banking and Insurance Chairman Professor Dr Md Shahidul Islam Zahid and Department of International Business Chairman Dr Abul Khayer also attended the ceremony.

They shared their perspectives on strengthening professional capacity, developing insurance solutions tailored to Bangladesh, fostering academic-industry collaboration and ensuring that knowledge gained through the programme creates wider professional and social impact.

University of Dhaka Department of International Business Associate Professor and initiative Co-lead Dr Aditi Shams delivered the closing remarks.

She reflected on the programme’s learning journey and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the training within their organisations and professional practice.

Certificates were presented to the 10 national trainers and 35 industry participants, marking the completion of the inaugural cohort.

The organisers said the programme represented the beginning of continued efforts to strengthen knowledge, professional capacity and the practical application of inclusive insurance in Bangladesh.