The Berger Paints 44th National Women’s ‘B’ Chess Championship 2026 officially commenced on Saturday, October 3, at the Bangladesh Chess Federation.
Sponsored by Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited and organized by the Bangladesh Chess Federation, the event brings together 73 players from 22 districts.
Salahuddin Ahmed, chief marketing officer of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, inaugurated the tournament as chief guest.
Grandmaster Niaz Murshed, general secretary of the Bangladesh Chess Federation, expressed his gratitude to Berger Paints for supporting women's chess and welcomed the participants.
Key federation officials present at the opening included joint secretary Fide Master Mehdi Hasan Parag, treasurer Mohammad Farhadur Rahman Shabab, international arbiter Md Haroon Or Rashid, and ad hoc committee member Md Monjur Alam.
This year's championship features top players from across the country, including three Women International Masters (WIMs), three Women FIDE Masters (WFMs), and six Women Candidate Masters (WCMs).
The top 12 players from this event will advance to the final stage of the 44th National Women’s Chess Championship.