THE Bangladesh Business Awards (BBA) is a ceremony that is jointly organised by The Daily Star and DHL every year to recognise the immense contributions of two companies and two individuals to the economy. BBA stepped into its 18th year and is widely recognised as the most distinguished event in the country by the business community at large. It is given every year to institutions and individuals as a mark of appreciation for exemplary ventures.

Ilie business community, no doubt, has made significant contributions to the country's development and the BBA has tried to identify and recognise those who stand out in these endeavours. The BBA recognises, among other things, women entrepreneurs, innovative enterprises, outstandingly successful industrialists, and financial institutions that reach out to small and medium enterprises. These businesses, apart from putting Bangladesh on the global map, have also contributed to the economy by providing employment to thousands of people. Thus in order to reap the benefits of our demographic dividend, it is important to create a conducive environment for these businesses to thrive in and provide employment opportunities to our young people. There is, moreover, also a need for more favourable policies and simplification of rules of business and a synergy between industries, entrepreneurs and policymakers to make sure businesses continue to prosper.

While we laud our business sector for its role in the country's economic growth, we would also like to point out that businesses, no matter how successful, must also be protective of the environment. We are living at a time when many of our rivers are being killed because of pollution caused by industry and, therefore, it is the business community that must end, with assistance from the government, this degradation.

The BBA was introduced to be the standard to aspire to for upcoming members of the business community in the fields of productivity, financial discipline and efficiency. In honouring this year’s winners, it is our hope that they will stand out as examples for others to follow in the years to come.