On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the “Sahoshika 4.0 Women Entrepreneur Award 2026” ceremony was held on 8 March 2026 at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka, recognising successful and emerging women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.

Organised under the slogan “Break the Barriers,” the event brought together more than 150 women entrepreneurs from across the country. This year, eight entrepreneurs were honoured in eight categories: Agriculture and Safe Food, Information Technology, Skill Development, Social Enterprise, Tourism, Fashion and Apparel, Fitness, and Wellness. The awards recognised their excellence in business leadership, innovation, employment generation and contributions to the national economy.

In addition, Nazmun Nahar, widely known as the “Bangladeshi Flag Girl” for travelling to 184 countries, received the Sahoshika Special Award.

The event was attended by Professor Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain, MP, Minister of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, as the chief guest. Bobby Hajjaj, MP, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, delivered the keynote address.

Distinguished guests included Nurun Nahar, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Md Rezaul Karim, Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police; and Mahidur Rahman, Adviser to the Chairperson of BNP, who emphasised the importance of women’s entrepreneurship in their speeches.

The programme was chaired by Md Amjad Hossain Khan, Executive Director (Grade-1) of Bangladesh Bank and Adviser to the Sahoshika initiative. The welcome address was delivered by Nazmul Huda, inspirational speaker, writer and Chief Coordinator of Sahoshika.

Earlier, a panel discussion titled “Stories Behind the Business: Strategies and Skills for Sustainable Growth” focused on entrepreneurship development and sustainable business practices. Speakers included Dr Suchita Sharmin, Professor of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka; Dr Afroja Parvin, Executive Director of Nari Unnayan Shakti; Zeeshan Kingshuk Haque, Chief Communication Officer of United Commercial Bank PLC; and Md Shouvikur Rahman, Founder of ICT Care and Business Coach. The session was moderated by Subah Afrin, Local President of JCI Dhaka West and Vice President of Citibank N.A.

Sahoshika, an entrepreneurship development initiative of Shopnoshilon, is being implemented by Women and E-Commerce Trust, JCI Dhaka West, E-Club Women’s Forum, Career Care and ICT Care. The Business Standard Graduate served as the media and broadcasting partner of the event.