The 'KANO–BSTQM Quality Award', an international recognition for excellence in quality and management, is being introduced in the country for the first time.
The award will be presented to the first winning organization at a gala ceremony on Sunday, April 5, at the Hotel InterContinental in the capital.
The Bangladesh Society for Total Quality Management (BSTQM) shared this information during a press conference held today, Thursday (April 2), at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU).
The organizers announced that the main attraction of the award ceremony will be the world-renowned legend of Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy, Professor Emeritus Dr. Noriaki Kano of the University of Tokyo. He is expected to personally hand over the award to the winner. Professor Dr. Muhammed Alamgir, former Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), is set to preside over the event.
The organizers further noted that this award has been introduced in Bangladesh following the models of Japan's prestigious ‘Deming Prize’ and the ‘Singapore Quality Award’.
During the press conference, BSTQM leaders stated that Bangladesh previously lacked a robust award system to effectively inspire organizations toward world-class excellence. The ‘KANO–BSTQM Quality Award’ aims to fill this gap and play a vital role in enhancing the international competitive capabilities of domestic organizations.
A.K.M. Shamsul Huda, President of BSTQM and Member-Secretary of the National Steering Committee, explained that there is no fixed timeframe or obligation to present this award every year. Winners are selected only through a rigorous and impartial evaluation process, subject to the satisfaction of professional experts. While several applications are currently under process, the name of the first winner will be officially announced on the evening of April 5 at the InterContinental Dhaka.
Other senior officials of BSTQM and members of the National Steering Committee were also present at the press conference.