Eight women entrepreneurs receive Sahasika Award 2026

Eight women entrepreneurs were honoured with the Sahasika 4.0 Women Entrepreneur Award 2026 on the occasion of International Women’s Day in recognition of their contributions to business and the national economy.

The award ceremony was held at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in the capital on Sunday, with more than 150 women entrepreneurs from across the country taking part under the slogan “Break the Barriers”.

This year, eight entrepreneurs were honoured in eight different categories -- agriculture and safe food, information technology, skill development, social enterprise, tourism, fashion and apparel, fitness and wellness -- for successfully running businesses, introducing innovation, creating employment and contributing to the national economy.

Nazmun Nahar, widely known as the “Bangladeshi Flag Girl” who has travelled to 184 countries, received a special Sahasika award.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain attended the programme as the chief guest, while State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj spoke as the keynote speaker.

Among the special guests were Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar, Bangladesh Police Additional Inspector General Rezaul Karim and BNP Chairman’s Adviser Mahidur Rahman.

The programme was presided over by Bangladesh Bank Executive Director (Grade-1) and Sahasika adviser Md Amjad Hossain Khan. Author and consultant Nazmul Huda, chief coordinator of the Sahasika initiative, delivered the welcome speech.

Earlier, a panel discussion titled “Stories Behind the Business: Strategy and Skills for Sustainable Growth” was held, where Dhaka University Development Studies Professor Dr Suchita Sharmin, Narir Unnayan Shakti Executive Director Dr Afroza Parvin, United Commercial Bank PLC Chief Communication Officer Zeeshan Kingshuk Haque and ICT Care founder and business coach Md Shouvikur Rahman spoke.

The session was moderated by Subah Afrin, Local President of JCI Dhaka West and Vice-President of Citibank NA.

An open discussion on entrepreneurship development and women’s empowerment was also held, featuring Oracle Bangladesh Country Managing Director and Bangladesh Cricket Board Director Rubaba Doula and Sahasika 2026 keynote speaker Barrister Zaima Rahman.

The organisers expressed hope that such initiatives would help accelerate women’s entrepreneurship and employment generation in the country.

The event was organised by Swapnoshilon Society Development Organisation, with support from Women and e-Commerce Trust, JCI Dhaka West, e-Club Women’s Forum and ICT Care.