Finance Minister AMA Muhith has said the public and private sectors have played a key role in Bangladesh's progress.
Recognising the role of the private sector that comprises 80 per cent of the country's economic activities, he said the pursuit of excellence itself is a reward.
"Nothing can be more pleasant than pursuing excellence. If you have that excellence, you will be rewarded one day," Muhith said.
The minister said the country has done well in the last 40 years, although 16 years of the four decades were ruled by military adventurism, which left the country's growth stagnant pushing the country backward.
Muhith made the remarks while handing over the 15th Bangladesh Business Award to the recipients at a colourful event in the city on Friday night.
DHL Express and The Daily Star have honoured two individuals and two enterprises with in recognition of their corporate achievements last year.
Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) was recognised as the Best Financial Institution of the Year 2014, while Walton Group as the Enterprise of the Year 2014, Managing Director of Mohammadi Group Rubana Huq as the Outstanding Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2014, and Chairman of Summit Group Muhammaed Aziz Khan as the Business Person of the Year 2014.
The awards were received by Managing Director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank Anis A Khan, Director of Walton Group SM Mahbubul Alam, Rubana Huq and Muhammed Aziz Khan.
Senior vice president for DHL Express for Southeast Asia and South Asia Yasmin Aladad Khan said Bangladesh's graduation to the status of a lower-middle-income country would give a boost to the SME sector in the country.
She also said investment in education was important for any country as it laid the foundation for creating future business leaders.
Editor and publisher of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam said the awards celebrate the greatest achievements of the businesses for their contribution to the economic growth and taking Bangladeshi brands to the international level.
He said the awards honour the success of the enterprises and individuals who made the country successful.
He urged the government to create a congenial environment, where creative businessmen of the country can flourish on the world stage.
Country Manager of DHL Worldwide Express (Bangladesh) Pvt Ltd Desmond Quliah also spoke on the occasion.
International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman, DNCC mayor Annisul Huq, former president of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka Rokia Afzal Rahman, chairman and chief executive officer of Transcom Group Latifur Rahman were, among others, present.
DHL Express and the Daily Star have been providing the Bangladesh Business Award in the four categories since 2000.
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