State minister for finance and planning M Abdul Mannan has urged microfinance institutions to focus on the wellbeing of common people.
He said the government has some 140 poverty alleviation programmes, but it alone cannot alleviate poverty.
His call came at the 10th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards 2015 held on Saturday.
The award honoured leadership, entrepreneurial skills and best practices of successful microentrepreneurs, who help lift the economic fortunes of their communities in the country.
The Citi Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citigroup N A, in collaboration with Credit and Development Forum (CDF), organised the function at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city to hand over the awards.
The state minister and invited guests presented a crest, dummy cheque and certificate to each of the eight winners in five categories.
Rokia Afzal Rahman, former advisor to the caretaker government, Regina SEOW, managing director of Corporate Affairs and Corporate Citizenship, Asia Pacific Sajedul Islam, director and acting Citi country officer for Bangladesh attended the ceremony.
Md. Abdul Awal, chairperson of the 10th award screening committee and executive director of Credit and Development Forum (CDF), presented the address of welcome.
The award intends to promote microenterprises and increase awareness of the financial service needs of microentrepreneurs. Microentrepreneurs from different districts, representatives from microfinance institutions as well as officials from the ministries and the central bank, diplomats, and members from the advisory council and screening committee of the award programme were also present.
Md. Ole Ullah from Shahapur of Chuadanga district received 'Best Microentrepreneur of the Year' award a cash prize of Tk 450,000 while Md. Nur Islam Shekh from Devkhondo of Bogra district won Runner-up in 'Best Microentreproneur of the Year and a cash of Tk 100,000.
Fatema Khatun from West Kadirhut of Thakurgao won 'Best Women Microentrepreneur of the Year with Tk 350,000 in cash, while Momen Akter from Mela Deshipara of Gazipur district won Runner-up in 'Best Woman Microentrepreneur of the Year along with a cash prize of Tk100, 000.
Prahallad Borman from Chachra of Jessore district won 'Best Microentrepreneur of the Year in Agriculture' and Tk 350,000 in cash while Md. Usman Goni from Laxmipur of Chuadanga won runner-up in 'Best Microentrepreneur of the Year in Agriculture' and a cash prize of Tk 100,000.
Sajida Foundation achieved 'Best Microfinance Institution of the Year' and a cash of Tk 300,000 while Center for Development Innovation and Practices (CDIP) won 'Most Innovative Microfinance Institution of the Year' along with Tk 400,000 in cash.
Ms Rahman said hundreds of small entrepreneurs were created in rural areas over last few years. "These people will change the scenario of poverty in our country," she said.
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