Eight women have been recognised by The Business Standard for their outstanding role in business across Bangladesh at a programme organised to mark this year’s International Women’s Day today. They have lit the path of success for other women to follow, with extraordinary courage and perseverance. The tales of their journey are hoped to spread the message that women are able to overcome all barriers in any endeavour -- be it setting up of an agricultural firm, a hospital or running a shop of motor parts.  

The women were awarded at the event at Oasis, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, sponsored by AB Bank, Bkash, Agrani Bank, Islami Bank, Rupali Bank, Pubali Bank and Janata Bank. Shahoshika, a women entrepreneur platform of Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN) supported this event. 

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni graced the event as the chef guest while Selima Ahmad, MP and president of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Dilshad Nahar Aziz, patron of Soldiers’ Family Welfare Association and Proyash were present as special guests.   

Of the awardees, Farida Easmin set up a startup, “Nari” of jute-made merchandise in Kurigram of Rangpur, creating employment for oppressed women in the locality.   

Abida Sultana expanded her husband’s business in motor parts after his death and became one of the leading businesswomen in Jessore. Sharnalata Roy’s parlour Women’s Fashion World in Sylhet became a brand name. 

Dr Farzana Rahman made healthcare affordable and accessible in Natore by setting up a hospital.

Another courageous woman Taslima Fedous in her sixties is giving shelter to helpless women in Naogaon and running a restaurant to bear the expenditure of the charitable work. Marium Akter owns an electronics servicing shop in Narayanganj, which also manufactures LED bulbs and sound system.  

Razia Sultana of Savar is a farmer while Taslima Sultana Khanam Nishat, of Brahmanbaria, opened a sale centre for locally-made handcrafted items