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Small efforts, big impact

Citi awards three microentrepreneurs, one institution for their achievements

Star Business Report
Razia Begum from Comilla became the Best Microentrepreneur of the Year for creating a business from scratches that not only pulled her out of poverty but also gave jobs to many women.
She was honoured as Citi, the leading global financial services company, awarded three microentrepreneurs and a microfinance institution at the seventh Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital yesterday.
Razia set up a business to produce nakshikantha.atypeofembroidered quilt.
"Initially, my husband was annoyed
at my initiative. I do not have money and even space to sew quilts. I even sewed the quilts beside railtracks," she said while giving an emotional speech.
Razia now employs 120 women. She earns net Tk 15,000 to 25,000 a month by selling nakshi kantha.
Khaleda Begum from Chittagong became the Best Woman Microentrepreneur of the Year for building a mop-making business from garment wastages.
"Nobody can stop an individual from becoming successful if one tries hard and is honest," she said in her immediate reaction.
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About 18 people work for her factory. Their number goes up when the workloads increase, she said.
Anowara Begum from Nilphamari won the Best Microentrepreneur of the Year in Agriculture award for launching a mushroom producing business that has given her family a fortune and the local youth a model to follow.
She urged the government to take the initiatives like her forward.
Village Education Resource Centre, a non-government microfinance organisation in Savar, became the Best Microfinance Institution of the Year.
Alongside microcredit, the organisation provides water, sanitation, education and health services to the people of 14 districts.
Sheikh Abdul Halim, executive director of the organisation, who received the award, said microcredit has an impact on the gross domestic product of the country. " It has empowered women."
He urged the government to formulate flexible rules to help flourish operations and widen outreach of the microcredit institutions.
Gowher Rizvi, international affairs adviser to the prime minister, handed over the awards to the winners.
He said these examples are the ultimate success of human endeavours.
He also termed the award-winners' journey to success very touchy.
Michael Zink, head of Citi for the Asean region, said they are proud to be a sponsor of the annual award, which is now in its seventh year.
He said microentrepreneurship is
helping develop business around the world. Bangladesh is not an exception as this type of entrepreneurship has developed tremendously in the country.
Zink also said these microentrepreneurs have overcome various social and financial challenges to become successful. "We acknowledge their efforts and struggles. Their stories are very inspiring. It takes a lot of courage to do that."
Wahiduddin Mahmud, chairman of Institute of Microfinance, who presided over the ceremony, said there is no way to deny the importance of microcredit in Bangladesh's economy.
He said, of the two crore families taking microcredit in Bangladesh, 8-10 percent families are increasingly taking larger loans.
"Today's award is for them who have not only pulled them out of poverty, but also created jobs for many others," he said.
"We like it or not, it is the reality of Bangladesh."
Referring to various research and studies, Mahmud said microcredit creates an extra income opportunity for the rural poor and is being invested directly in the business.
Each award winner received prize money worth Tk 3.5 lakh, a crest and a certificate.
Abdul Awal, chairperson of Credit Development Forum, and Rashed Maqsood, Citi country officer for Bangladesh, were also present.
Citibank NA has launched the award in association with the CDF, while The Daily Star and Channel i are the media partners.