IFIC Bank, Samakal to host business award

IFIC Bank and Bangla daily newspaper Samakal are set to host a business award in the near future, with the aim of encouraging local entrepreneurs.

Organizers said the IFIC Bank-Samakal Business Award will be in four categories: Biggest Entrepreneurial Initiative of the Year, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Rising Young Entrepreneur, and Best SME Initiative.

News of the award was disclosed at a press conference held at a Dhaka hotel on Wednesday.

Speaking as the chief guest, former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin said: “The economy and social progress of Bangladesh is better than ever before. Entrepreneurs have been playing a crucial role in this progress.”

He added the award would inspire the country’s entrepreneurs to do even better in the future.

In order to be eligible for the award, applicants have to be Bangladeshi citizens, and cannot be involved in illegal activities such as tax evasion or loan defaults. IFIC Bank and Samakal will be responsible for the verification of all necessary documents and papers. 

Applicants will be judged based on their performance from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018. In addition to the award, winners will get Tk2 lakh in prize money.

IFIC Bank Managing Director and CEO, Shah A Sarwar, said those who wished to apply for the award can do so by submitting the form on Samakal’s website. 

Although the last date of application is September 1, speakers at the conference said the deadline may be extended.

The jury for the award includes former Bangladesh Bank governor, Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, and ten other representatives of the people.

The award will be the first arranged by IFIC Bank and Samakal to encourage entrepreneurship.