The 16th edition of Bangladesh Business Awards will be held in the capital today.

Two companies and three individuals will be felicitated at a ceremony at Radisson hotel

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in recognition of their financial success and contributions to the economy.

This year's awards will be handed out in five categories - the Best Financial Institution, Enterprise of the Year, Outstanding Woman in Business, Business Person of the Year, and Lifetime achievement.

Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud is expected to hand over the trophies to the winners, while Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, founder and CEO of Bandhan Bank in India, is the keynote speaker of the award ceremony. Chandra Shekhar was a former Dhaka University student.

DHL Express, the world's leading logistics company, and The Daily Star, the leading English-language newspaper of Bangladesh, initiated the awards in 2000.

The awards were created to recognise and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of businesses and individuals, who have not only grown but have expanded the economy with them.

The awards also aim to create an environment of excellence and com-

petitiveness that would drive the members of the business community to achieve greater heights of productivity, efficiency, financial discipline and modern management.

Over the years, the awards shaped up into the most prestigious event in Bangladesh's business community.

The past winners include business leaders Samson H Chowdhury of Square Group, Amjad Khan Chowdhury of Pran-RFL Group, and Muhammed Aziz Khan of Summit Group.

Enterprises such as ACI, BSRM, MM Ispahani and Bengal Plastic Industries, and financial institutions like EBL, Mutual Trust Bank, Pubali Bank, Brae Bank and IDLC were also awarded.

Lifetime achievement awards were also bestowed on those who have made a difference through their service. The previous winners in the category' include the country's first finance secretary M Matiul Islam, late MA Samad of Bangladesh General Insurance Company and Laila Rahman Kabir of Kedarpur Tea Company.