Corporate
bKash Grabs Prestigious ‘NRB Day Award 2023’ for Outstanding Financial Services
In recognition of its outstanding contribution to facilitating convenient, secure, and efficient digital transactions, bKash, the largest Mobile Financial Services (MFS) provider in Bangladesh, has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘NRB Day Award 2023’ in the Financial Services Provider sector. The award ceremony took place on the inaugural National Expatriate Day, where bKash was lauded for its role in ensuring seamless digital financial services for all.
Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd), Chief External & Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The ‘NRB Day Award’ acknowledged the achievements of seven entrepreneurs and enterprises, including bKash, for their significant contributions across diverse sectors such as education, health, industry, technology, financial services, agriculture, and culture. The recipients were recognized for their noteworthy impact upon returning from abroad.
The award presentation occurred during the National Expatriate Day event, with Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen as the chief guest. Dr Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment; Iwama Kiminori, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh; Dr Atiur Rahman, Professor Emeritus at the University of Dhaka; and ME Chowdhury Shamim, Founder and President of Scholars Bangladesh Foundation and Centre for NRB Foundation, were also present.
bKash, in addition to offering a range of financial services, has played a crucial role in catering to the remittance needs of expatriates worldwide. Presently, individuals can send money from 90 countries through 86 Money Transfer Organisations (MTO), with settlements processed in 22 commercial banks, ensuring instantaneous transfers to recipients’ bKash accounts.
The ‘NRB Day Award 2023’ stands as a testament to bKash’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the financial services sector, particularly in meeting the evolving needs of expatriates and contributing to the digital financial ecosystem in Bangladesh.
DHAKA, Nov 07, 2024 (BSS) – Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) has elected a 16-member Board of Directors for the term 2024-2026 with Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun) as its President.
The election was held on October 27 and November 6, said a press release today.
Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun) has been elected as the President of JBCCI. He is the Managing Director of New Vision Solutions Limited. He has been the Secretary General of JBCCI for three consecutive terms.
Maria Howlader FCA has been elected as the first female Secretary General of JBCCI. She has also been re-elected as a Board Member for two consecutive terms.
Kenji Kimura has been elected as the Treasurer of JBCCI. He is the Chief Representative of MUFG Bank Dhaka Office, which is the largest Bank in Japan and a member of Mitsubishi Group.
Out of a group of 313 members, including 71 Japanese member companies, the voting process saw a notable turnout of 61.98 percent.
Afsana Zarin has consistently demonstrated her strategic vision and dedication, developing and empowering women entrepreneurs through technology, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Recently, she was recognized for her efforts at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh Award in the Women in Innovation with Inclusion category. The award ceremony took place at Hotel Le Meridien in Dhaka on Friday, October 25, 2024.
The prestigious event was graced by notable guests, including Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Head of Anti-Corruption Reform Commission and Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh, who attended as the Chief Guest. Md Mukhlesur Rahman Sarker, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women & Children Affairs, attended as the Special Guest, and Rasheda K Chowdhury, Executive Director (CEO) of CAMPE, delivered the keynote speech.
“I am humbled and thrilled to be recognized as a woman of inspiration. Being able to work for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh is a privilege. Thanks to ShopUp for allowing me to work with thousands of entrepreneurs across Bangladesh. This award inspired me even more towards this north star, and I plan to drive more inclusion through technology in Bangladesh in the coming years,” Afsana said.
Afsana extended her gratitude to the board members of JCI Bangladesh, Imran Kadir, the 2024 National President of JCI Bangladesh, Fahim Ahmed, the event director and the event organizers for selecting her for this honor.
JCI Bangladesh is a nonprofit global organisation that empowers and encourages the youth of the nation to take an active part in helping fellow entrepreneurs and professionals of their own communities to thrive and be successful.
The ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of women leaders in various fields, highlighted Afsana’s contributions to driving women’s economic empowerment through innovative programs and technology.
Her work has set an example for aspiring entrepreneurs, and her commitment to fostering inclusion through technology and creating opportunities for women continues to inspire many in Bangladesh.
Correspondent To witness the deep and diverse historical culture and the latest achievements of high-quality development, the seven-day “International Insights into China” event was held with the theme of “Towards Openness and Integration of the New Era”. The event was held in various cities in China’s autonomous region of Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi Province between October 13 and 19. Media reporters and international students from different countries, including Bangladesh, participated in it.
This event is guided by the Cyberspace Administration of China’s Network Communication Bureau and jointly co-hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Cyberspace Administration of Shanxi Province, and China Daily Newspaper.
During the event, the delegation members visited the Inner Mongolia Museum, Yili Modern Smart Health Valley, Mengcao Seed Industry Center, Grassland Cloud Valley, Huawei Cloud Service Data Center, Qisumu Railway International Logistics Park, Huayan Temple, Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes, and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. They have immersed themselves in the profound and diverse historical and cultural charm of Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, and witnessed the latest achievements of high-quality development. During the activities, the delegation members used their unique “outside eyes” perspective, lenses, and pens to show the world the beautiful picture of cultural inheritance and innovative development in Inner Mongolia and Shanxi and tell the extraordinary story of the local practice of Chinese-style modernization.
The journey began on 13 Oct, and on Oct 14, they explored the Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot, where the city’s grassland culture and historical heritage. From Oct 15 to 16, the delegation visited Inner Mongolia’s Ulaanqab City, also known as the “Prairie Technology Valley”, where the Huawei Cloud Data Center, a core area of Inner Mongolia’s big data industry, left a lasting impression on the delegation. The second half of their journey was devoted to Shanxi province. From Oct 16 to 19, they visited iconic tourist sites, such as the Huayan Temple, Nine-Dragon Wall, Hanging Temple, Yungang Grottoes in Datong City, and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda in Shuozhou City.
Bayasgalan Lkhagvadulam from Mongolia, after climbing the Hanging Temple, said it is marvelling. It’s hard to imagine how people built this temple on the cliff 1,500 years ago. It’s awe-inspiring. If you are interested in ancient architecture, I highly recommend visiting Shanxi to see it yourself.
A group of 20 foreign media journalists, experts, and international students from different countries and regions, including Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, participated in this event.
