19th Bangladesh Business Awards ceremony today
The 19th edition of Bangladesh Business Awards, an initiative of DHL Express and The Daily Star, will take place today.
The global logistics provider and the country's leading English newspaper have been giving the awards every year since 2000.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi is scheduled to attend the virtual event as chief guest.
Binod Chaudhary, the most successful industrialist in Nepal, will deliver a keynote speech at the annual event.
Two individuals and two companies will be awarded in the categories of Outstanding Woman in Business, Business Person of the Year, Best Financial Institution and Enterprise of the Year.
DHL Express and The Daily Star introduced the awards to recognise the achievements and positive contributions of business organisations and individuals who have not only grown but contributed to the economic development of the country.
It is now considered as one of the most prestigious events in business circles.
Some notable awardees include business leaders Samson H Chowdhury of Square Group, Syed Manzur Elahi of Apex Group, Amjad Khan Chowdhury of Pran-RFL Group, M Anis Ud Dowla of ACI, Sufi Mohammad Mizanur Rahman of PHP Family, and Azam J Chowdhury of East Coast Group.
Enterprises such as BSRM, MM Ispahani, Bengal Plastic Industries, Concord, Meghna Group of Industries, Rahimafrooz, Runner Group as well as financial institutions like Eastern Bank, Mutual Trust Bank, Brac Bank, City Bank, IDLC Finance and IPDC Finance were also awarded.
Lifetime achievement awards were also bestowed on those who have made a difference through their work.
Previous winners include M Matiul Islam, the country's first finance secretary, Nasir A Choudhury, founding managing director of Green Delta Insurance, late MA Samad of Bangladesh General Insurance Company, Laila Rahman Kabir of Kedarpur Tea Company, and Mahbubur Rahman, president of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh.
Binod Chaudhary, an entrepreneur, politician and philanthropist, is the chairman of CG Corp Global, a Nepalese conglomerate with a portfolio that comprises more than 169 companies and 79 brands in 24 countries.
He is the first businessperson from the Himalayan nation to be named in the Forbes billionaire list. Currently, his net worth is $1.5 billion, according to the business magazine.