Award
Power Division receives 'Digital Bangladesh Award 2022'
Power Division has obtained the 'Digital Bangladesh Award 2022' for its implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
In presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a function at Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Monday, secretary Habibur Rahman received the awards from State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
Read: Drinkwell Bangladesh receives US Award for Corporate Excellence 2022
According to the Power Division, it was selected for the award for ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability in the power sector and as well as improving the quality of customer service.
Minister of State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on this occasion said the Power Division has been increasing the use of technology to provide services to the doorsteps of the people.
Because of the ERP implementation, it was possible to make quick decisions, reduce costs, ensure transparency and accountability in the power sector, he said, adding that the review of the performance, free exchange of information, and ensuring the security of information was its obvious result.
He noted that the ERP has been successfully implemented for the first time in the power sector at the government level which will encourage other sectors to follow the path.
Read: FY22: Walton Plaza scoops up highest VAT payer award in business category
He also said that this technology will play an effective role to face future challenges in the power sector.
Earlier the Power Division had received the 'Independence Award-2022' in recognition of its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country and also for successful completion of cent percent electrification in the Mujib year.
The Power Division undertook the initiative in October 2018 to implement the ERP in the division as well as in its 15 subordinate bodies for improving efficiency, expediting the automation process, and bringing pace in budget and cost management.
Ensuring accountability and reaching reliable power supply to the people and achieving customer satisfaction were among the other goal of the ERP initiative, said the Power Division.
Drinkwell Bangladesh receives US Award for Corporate Excellence 2022
Drinkwell Bangladesh, a US company providing safe and affordable water directly to residents of densely packed neighbourhoods in Dhaka, has received the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) 2022 in the climate resilience category.
"Drinkwell is building resilience to climate change in Bangladesh, where only about a third of the population has access to safe drinking water. That's critical for avoiding serious waterborne illnesses like cholera and typhoid fever," Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W Fernandez said at the award ceremony in Washington DC early Saturday.
"As climate change warms our planet, droughts and rising sea levels are making clean water even scarcer, drying up some sources and contaminating other sources with seawater. So one of Drinkwell's founders developed a water purification system that's cheaper and that's more efficient. And it's easier to operate than other models."
Read: Drinkwell, Bangladesh among winners of 2022 US Award for Corporate Excellence
"The company has also created a new delivery method, ATM – ATM-style machines – that sell and dispense clean water in Bangladesh and are more accessible for people whose homes aren't connected to water pipes," the under secretary of state said.
"For about eight years, since 2015, Drinkwell has created hundreds of jobs for people in Bangladesh and brought almost 200 million gallons of clean water to low-income communities in Dhaka, enough drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people a year."
"Drinkwell is also a testament to the power of international exchanges. And one of the company's founders is a Bangladeshi American whose grandfather died of a waterborne illness," Fernandez said.
Read More: BAT Bangladesh scoops up ‘ICMAB Best Corporate Award’ for sixth time
"He – so he got a Fulbright – he got a Fulbright to study the problem and potential solutions to Bangladesh, and there he met a chemical engineering professor from an American university, and together the two of them went on to found Drinkwell."
Earlier, the US Department of State's Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs announced four winners for this year's edition of the ACE award in the responsible business operations, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth categories. The other winners of the award are Anova Indonesia, Gap India, and Intel Costa Rica.
Established in 1999, the ACE recognises the crucial role US companies are playing in elevating higher standards of business conduct. Together, these companies are leading the way in addressing some of the greatest global challenges.
Read more: Walton wins ICMAB Best Corporate Award
Walton wins ICMAB Best Corporate Award
Walton has won the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) Best Corporate Award 2021 for its contribution to electronic product manufacturing.
Also, the company received the honour for fulfilling special criteria, including market capitalisation, good corporate governance, acceptance of information, and credibility as a listed company in the stock market.
Sixty-four other companies also achieved bronze, silver, and gold awards under 17 categories in 28 criteria.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi handed over the award to the representatives of those companies listed in the share market Thursday.
Golam Murshed, managing director and chief executive officer of Walton, received the gold award.
The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Professor Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries President Md Jasim Uddin were also present.
Read more: Islami Bank scoops up ICMAB Best Corporate Award
BAT Bangladesh scoops up ‘ICMAB Best Corporate Award’ for sixth time
BAT Bangladesh secured the ICMAB Best Corporate Award-2021 (gold) under MNC Manufacturing Category for the sixth consecutive time.
The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) awarded the prize for their outstanding performance at a function at InterContinental Dhaka in the capital on Thursday (December 01, 2022).
Minister for Commerce Tipu Munshi handed over the award to its Chairperson Golam Mainuddin and Managing Director Shehzad Munim at the programme where Senior Secretary to the ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh was also present.
Read more: BAT wins Bangladesh Innovation Award for SDG Inclusion
Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, chairman of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and Md Jashim Uddin, president of FBCCI were also present as special guests there.
Along with the government officials, many entrepreneurs, business elites of the country and top executives of different companies were present in the ceremony as honourable guests.
The ICMAB National Award is given every year to recognize the invaluable contribution made by the corporate entities in different sectors of the national economy and to encourage increased competitiveness for efficiency.
Read more: PM to provide prize money for all SAFF Champion footballers, houses based on need
Islami Bank scoops up ICMAB Best Corporate Award
Islami Bank Bangladesh has won the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) Best Corporate Award 2021 in the private commercial bank (Islamic operation) category.
Muhammad Qaisar Ali, additional managing director of the bank, received the award from Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi at a hotel in the capital Thursday (December 01, 2022), according to a media statement.
JQM Habibullah, additional managing director and company secretary of Islami Bank, was also present.
Read more: Islami Bank opens Islampur branch in Jamalpur
Professor Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam, chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Md Jashim Uddin, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Md Mamunur Rashid, president of ICMAB, and Md Abdul Aziz, chairman of Corporate Award Committee of ICMAB, also joined the event.
Islami Bank is a joint venture public limited company engaged in commercial banking business based on Islamic shariah.
Established in 1983 as the first Islamic bank in Southeast Asia, it is listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange.
Read More: BAT Bangladesh scoops up ‘ICMAB Best Corporate Award’ for sixth time
10 promising, successful women receive Anannya Award 2021
Leading women's magazine Anannya has conferred the "Ananya Top Ten Award 2021' on Saturday (November 19, 2022), to recognise the noble work and achievements of 10 successful and distinguished women.
The award ceremony was held at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad (AKSB) auditorium of the Bangla Academy in the capital on Saturday at 4 pm.
Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury joined the event as the chief guest. Anannya and The Daily Ittefaq Editor Tasmima Hossain presided over the ceremony.
Read more: Icons of women's empowerment recognised in Anannya's Top 10 Awards 2019
This year, Nazneen Ahmed (economist), Bitpi Das Chowdhury (corporate personality), Tropa Majumdar (actor, director), Shahinur Akhter (indomitable courage), Salma Sultana (scientist), Rudmeela Nawsheen (tech entrepreneur), Shahriar Farzana (photographer), Santana Rani Roy (martial art instructor), Ichhmat Ara (women entrepreneur) and Jaya Chakma (first woman FIFA referee from Bangladesh) received the prestigious award, a flagship venture of the popular fortnightly magazine.
"Women empowerment in Bangladesh has reached a new height because of the relentless hardships of our women, and today we are celebrating 10 of those successful women in the society," Shirin Sharmin said.
Tasmima said: "Bangladesh is only 51 years old, while our Anannya's age is just 35. Within this short period, Anannya has honoured 270 successful and influential women. Many of the honourees from Ananya are now continuing their contribution to many important sectors of the country. Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury herself received this award in 2013."
Read more: Nadira Majumdar conferred with Anannya Literature Award 1426
This year, the Anannya Lifetime Achievement award was conferred to Sarat Mala Chakma, an eminent indigenous craft artist from Rangamati's Tabalchari Master Colony. The 90-year-old artist has received many awards at home and abroad.
6 photographers honored with Made in Bangladesh Photography Award
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has honored six photographers with the first-ever Made in Bangladesh Photography Award for capturing the captivating beauty of Bangladesh through their creative eyes and lens.
Sultan Ahmed Niloy, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Md. Asker Ibne Firoz won the Photography Award while S M Yousuf Sharif, Sajib Karmakar and Muhammad Amdad Hossain have become runners up.
The awards were handed over to the winners at a grand ceremony organized by BGMEA at International Convention City Bashudhara in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Salman Fazlur Rahman, MP, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, graced the ceremony as the chief guest.
Nasrul Hamid, MP, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, attended the ceremony as special guest while Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA, chaired the grand event
The Made in Bangladesh Photography Award has been launched by BGMEA to bring the captivating beauty of Bangladesh to the local and global audience through the lens of photographers and recognize the contribution of photographers in branding Bangladesh, said a media release on Thursday.
Read more: 2 Bangladesh projects win 2022 Aga Khan Award for Architecture
The photography contest was an exclusive event under the umbrella of "Made in Bangladesh Week", organized by BGMEA from 12 to 18 November.
Chosen from hundreds of submissions from all photographers in three categories – 1. Culture and heritage, 2. Industry and the economy and 3. People and landscape, the winning shots depict the beauty of Bangladesh and highlight the diversity of its culture, heritage, people and landscapes.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh is gifted with immense natural beauty, glorious history, rich culture and heritage.
Read more: 'Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2022' underway at Drik Gallery
"From the Sundarbans to Bandarban, from rivers to forests, from hills to plains – wherever you go, this beautiful country has a lot to amaze you. With this photography contest, we want to encourage photographers to capture those moments, scenes and images that will testify to why we are proud of our Bangladesh and what makes “Made in Bangladesh” a prestigious brand in the world," he said.
BGMEA honors non-resident Bangladeshis with NRB Award
Omar Ishrak, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Intel, Mohammed Mahtabur Rahman (Nasir), Chairman and Managing Director of Al Haramain Perfumes Group of Companies and the Chairman of NRB Bank Limited, and Kiswar Chowdhury, one of the grand finalists of MasterChef Australia, have been honoured with NRB Award.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has honored them in recognition of their contribution to brightening the image of Bangladesh abroad.
The awards were handed over to them at a grand ceremony organized by BGMEA as a part of the Made in Bangladesh Week at International Convention City Bashudhara in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Read more: BGMEA seeks uninterrupted energy supply by special arrangements
Mohammed Mahtabur Rahman was present at the award ceremony while Omar Ishrak and Kiswar Chowdhury joined the event virtually and received the awards through their representatives.
Salman Fazlur Rahman, MP, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, graced the ceremony as the chief guest.
Nasrul Hamid, MP, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, attended the ceremony as special guest while Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA, chaired the award giving ceremony.
BGMEA has launched the first-ever NRB Award to recognize the role of non-resident Bangladeshis in the development of Bangladesh.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, “It gives me great pleasure to honor the non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) who are upholding the good name of Bangladesh abroad and relentlessly striving to build a better Bangladesh although they are many borders away.
Read more: Bangladesh's RMG bracing for next phase of growth: BGMEA
They have selflessly contributed immensely to the development of their motherland by sending their hard-earned remittances, promoting Bangladesh abroad and bringing home knowledge and technology. Bangladesh thanks you.”
Armeen Musa, Nashid Kamal get 2023 Grammy nomination
Bangladeshi singer-songwriter Armeen Musa and her mother and eminent Nazrul exponent Dr Nashid Kamal have been nominated for the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in the category of Best Global Music Album on Wednesday.
The mother-daughter duo's song "Jaago Piya," which was featured on the Berklee Indian Ensemble's debut album "Shuruaat," enabled them as the first Bangladeshis to be nominated for the world's most famous musical awards.
Read more: 15 receive Aga Khan Music Awards 2022
Confirming the news to UNB on Tuesday night, Armeen Musa said she is overwhelmed by this achievement. “Still in disbelief,” she said although the official website of Grammy also confirmed the nomination on Wednesday.
The first in a series of original compositions from the Berklee Indian Ensemble, "Jaago Piya" was originally written and voiced by Armeen Musa, while Dr Nashid Kamal penned the Bengali version of the lyrics.
Legendary Asian musicians including Ustaad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal, to name a few, are also featured on the Berklee Indian Ensemble's (BIE) debut album ‘Shuruaat’, alongside Armeen Musa.
Read more: List of Grammy winners in top categories
One of the most popular music artists in present Bangladesh and the first-ever the first Bangladeshi student in the Berklee Indian Ensemble and a Visva-Bharati trainee in Indian Classical music, Armeen Musa garnered critical acclaim for songs including “Bhromor Koiyo Giya,” “Lona Deyal” and more. She is the founder of the music troop ‘Ghaashphoring Choir’.
Bangladesh wins COP27 award for community-led initiative
Bangladesh and four other countries have been awarded the Local Adaptation Champions Awards at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt.
“Our winners show that community-centric and locally led solutions to the climate crisis exist, but they require support and recognition to be scaled up and to achieve the most impact,” said Professor Patrick Verkooijen, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Center on Adaptation, explaining what the award signifies.
The award was given to the Rangamati Hill District Council initiative, where it collaborated with five villages in Juraichari Upazila where the residents were combatting worsening droughts, landslides and flash floods.
With support from the United Nations Development Programme and Danida, the community worked to set up solar power-based safe water supply facilities and the provision of safe drinking water during crises.
Former UN Secretary-General and GCA Co-Chair Ban Ki Moon said the initiative is a combination of local and traditional techniques and it has been done for climate adaptation in marginalised areas.
“The initiative is not only sustainable, others can also emulate it and efficiently and appropriately negate the adverse impacts of climate change,” he added.
Read: COP27: Developed countries keen to fund vulnerable countries, says Hasan Mahmud
“Now communities have clean drinking water, and they can water their dragon fruit, mango and lychee orchards and cultivate their land for food and income,” said Arunendu Tripura, Public Relations Officer for Rangamati Hill District Council.
The Council has also established a climate resilience committee and supported local communities in conducting climate vulnerability assessments, which have fed into the creation of local resilience plans.
“Also, half of our members are women. I asked them why they chose to install this water facility, and they said as soon as they were able decide a solution, they chose to end the misery they face in fetching water, to curb their suffering. This gave me great satisfaction,” said Tripura.
Jona Chakma, a resident of the remote Choumohani Village of Jurachharhi Upazila, talks about her suffering before the initiative: “I would walk an hour to fetch water from Bonjogi Chhorha [stream]. That water would be used for drinking, cooking, washing and showering needs.”
“During summer, we needed more water. But the stream would shrink. I spent the whole day just to collect drinking water, bathing was a luxury. I cannot even express the suffering I went through,” she added.
Read: Adapting to climate change is the main focus of COP27: Info Minister
An earthquake in 2017 hiked the woes by restricting the flow of the stream.
It became harder to collect water. The villages of Choumohani, Badalpara, Lokkhi Member Para, NK Para and Chairman Para, all roughly 12 kilometres from Juraichari Sadar, were hit the hardest.
The deep tube-well run by solar power was established in Badalpara and has a 5000-litre water storage facility. The water is piped to the other villages.
Badalpara village’s Jharna Chakma explains the impact: “Our life has become easier. The time we spent to get water, we can now spend that in taking care of our children or income-generating activities like weaving cloth.”
UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Prasenjit Chakma points out that a women-led committee handle the management of the pump. “The local people, both men and women are part of this committee. The women lead the process. They have developed a fund with which they can do the maintenance and repairs of the facility.”
The GCA awards recognize locally led efforts to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change across four categories: financial governance, inclusive leadership, capacity and knowledge, and local innovation.
The other three countries to receive the award among 170 countries are India, Nepal and Kenya.
Read: COP27: Bangladesh wants developed countries to deliver on $100 billion promise
Each winner will receive €15,000 in funds to further the work they are doing in the spirit of the locally-led adaptation principles. They will also have access to a global network of changemakers.