Doulot Akter Mala, president of the Economic Reporters Forum and special correspondent at The Financial Express, receives an award in recognition of her excellence in economic journalism at the World Women Conference in the capital on Tuesday. — FE Photo Twenty-five women were honoured for their outstanding contributions across business, leadership, academia, media, and social development at the World Women Conference 2026 and Award Ceremony held in the capital on Tuesday.
Among the recipients were Zahida Ispahani for her role in institutional and social development, Rupali Chowdhury, Managing Director of Berger Paint Bangladesh Limited; Humaira Azam, Managing Director and CEO of LankaBangla Finance PLC; and acclaimed actress Joya Ahsan, who was recognised for her global cultural influence.
Legal professional Barrister Rashna Imam received recognition for excellence in public interest advocacy, while Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, founder of "Surovi", and Shafia Sobhan Chowdhury, director of several leading companies, were honoured for their contributions to corporate governance and business expansion.
Other notable awardees included Priti Chakraborty for healthcare leadership, Nahreen Asghar for creative fashion leadership, and Rubaba Dowla, country managing director of Oracle for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, for innovation and technology advancement.
In the field of social welfare and rights advocacy, Nusrat Akter (Eka) and Shireen Pervin Huq were recognised, while business leader Nargis Akter and entrepreneur Mehtaz Kamal Khan were honoured for leadership and social commitment.
Awards were also presented to BTL Medical Devices BD Ltd, Halen Akter Nasrin, and Hosna Ferdous Sumi of the World Bank for their contributions to inclusive economic development and financial innovation.
In academia and intellectual leadership, Dr. Firdous Azim and Meherun (Kanka) N. Islam were acknowledged, while Doulot Akter Mala, president of the Economic Reporters Forum and special correspondent at The Financial Express, received recognition for excellence in economic journalism.
Further honours went to Dr. Zareen Delawar Hussain, Tasnova Mahbub Salam, Rebeka Sultana Binti, Rehana Akter, and Shireen Akhter Ruby for their contributions to media leadership, climate advocacy, craftsmanship, education, and community service.
Speaking as the chief guest, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said women are inherently creative and play an unparalleled role in sustaining generational continuity.
However, he noted that entrenched patriarchal mindsets in society continue to hinder women from fully realising their natural talents and entrepreneurial potential.
He said such initiatives help expose existing inequalities and ambiguities in society while encouraging women entrepreneurs to move forward. The minister emphasised that recognising successful women is crucial to accelerating positive social change.
Reflecting on his political experience, he highlighted the leadership of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, noting that she set an example by overcoming numerous adversities as a woman leader.
The minister also assured participants that the aspirations and expectations expressed by women at the conference would be conveyed to policymakers at the highest level.
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