Sampurna honours women achievers

The third edition of the Green-E Sampurna Awards took place yesterday, recognising women from various sectors for their valuable contributions.

Launched in 2022 under the slogan "Ami nari, ami sampurna" (I am woman, I am whole), the initiative aims to honour women whose work propels the country forward. In this year's ceremony, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam attended as the chief guest.

Veteran actor Dolly Zahur received the lifetime achievement award, while Apu Biswas, Mehazabien Chowdhury and her sister Malaika Chowdhury were recognised for their contributions to film and television. Singer Somnur Monir Konal was awarded for her vocal talent, and Peya Jannatul was honoured for her dual achievements as both lawyer and model.

The Daily Star's Senior Investigative Reporter Zyma Islam was awarded in the journalism category, while Mousumi Mou was recognised as best master of ceremony. Sharmin Supta received an award for her inspiring comeback in the world of cricket.

Awardees also included Hosne Ara Begum, retired secretary and managing director of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and Dr Kanij Fatema, paediatric neurologist.

Sampurna Bangladesh Founder Subrata Dey said, "Through their outstanding achievements, these women are setting extraordinary examples and leading our society towards progress. They have excelled in diverse sectors -- politics, military, entrepreneurship, medicine, engineering, science, journalism and administration, among others."

Sharna Lata Debnath, president of Sampurna Bangladesh, said, "Sampurna was founded in 2022 with 80 women entrepreneurs. Our aim was to help marginalised, small-scale women entrepreneurs establish themselves successfully in society.

"This year, we are honouring around 30 accomplished women from various sectors with this award."

General Secretary of Sampurna Bangladesh Tahmina Amin Rosy also spoke.

In last year's edition, writer and novelist Selina Hossain, then president of Bangla Academy, attended as chief guest. Mili Basher was presented with the lifetime achievement award, while actor Shabnam Faria and cricketer Jahanara Alam, among others, were recognised for their contributions.