How Nations Succeed by Dr Murat Yulek

COAST Trust, a non-government organisation, was awarded as the ‘Best Innovative NGO 2018’ at the 14th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards held at the InterContinental Dhaka hotel.

The Citi Foundation -- a New York based global financial institution that promotes innovative interventions in microfinance -- and the Shakti Foundation jointly organised the event. The Daily Star and Channel i were the media partners.

COAST Trust received the prestigious award for the integration of ‘Right Based Approach’ (RBA) in microfinance in the coastal area of Bangladesh, according to a press release.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Abdur Razzaque handed over the award as chief guest to the Chairperson of COAST Trust, Begum Shamsun Nahar, and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of the same organisation.

In his speech, the agriculture minister said, “Microfinance institutions are playing a vital role in poverty alleviation in the country. I urge them to contribute to the social development of poor through innovation.”

Presided over by noted entrepreneur Rokia Afzal Rahman, N Raja Shekaran, managing director and country officer of Citibank NA in Bangladesh, and Humaira Islam, executive director of Shakti Foundation, also attended the programme as special guests.

Citi Foundation of New York has been giving the award since 2005 to recognise innovation in microfinance, women and young entrepreneurs.