15th edition of BD Business Awards today

Two companies and two individuals will be felicitated today at the 15th Bangladesh Business Awards in recognition of their financial success as well as contributions to the economy.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith is scheduled to hand out the awards to the winners at a hotel in Dhaka.

DHL Express, the world's leading logistics company, and The Daily Star, the leading English-language newspaper of Bangladesh, initiated the awards in 2000.

The awards were created to recognise and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of businesses and individuals, who have not only grown but have expanded the economy with them.

The awards also aim to create an environment of excellence and competitiveness that would drive the members of the business community to achieve greater heights of productivity, efficiency, financial discipline and modern management.

Over the years, the awards shaped up into the most prestigious event in Bangladesh's business community.

The entries for the awards are judged by a community of juries comprising regulators from the central bank and the National Board of Revenue as well as leading lawyers, entrepreneurs, accountants, bankers and economists, making it the true accolades of distinction.

In the last 14 editions, the organisers awarded 58 organisations and individuals. The main four categories are: Business Person of the Year; Outstanding Woman in Business; Enterprise of the Year; and Best Financial Institution of the Year.

The past winners include business leaders Samson H Chowdhury of Square Group and Amjad Khan Chowdhury of Pran-RFL Group; and enterprises such as ACI, BSRM, MM Ispahani and Bengal Plastic Industries.

Financial institutions such as EBL, Pubali Bank, Brac Bank and IDLC were also lauded.

Lifetime achievement awards were also bestowed on those who have made a difference through their service.  The past winners include the country's first finance secretary M Matiul Islam, the late MA Samad of Bangladesh General Insurance Company and Laila Rahman Kabir of Kedarpur Tea Company.