ActionAid honours green entrepreneurs, organisations
ActionAid Bangladesh has recognised three organisations and two grassroots entrepreneurs with the Feminist Green Action Award 2026 for advancing a feminist green transition and driving sustainable economic development.
The awards were presented at a Dhaka hotel on Wednesday, 24 June, for the second consecutive year in Bangladesh.
The ceremony took place at a Dhaka hotel on Wednesday, 24 June, marking the second consecutive year the awards have been presented in Bangladesh.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
This year, awards were conferred in two categories: Youth-led Green Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Swaccha and World Linkup were recognised in the Youth-led Green Entrepreneurship category.
Classical Handmade Products BD Ltd received the Small and Medium Enterprises award for its commitment to a sustainable economy.
Swaccha was recognised for its eco-friendly waste management and recycling initiatives. World Linkup was recognised for mobilising youth in climate awareness and promoting green technology.
Classical Handmade Products BD Ltd was recognised for producing eco-friendly handicrafts of international standard using local raw materials, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Two grassroots entrepreneurs also received special recognition for their work in environmental sustainability and employment generation.
The honourees are Sharmin Akhter, an entrepreneur from Bogura, and Soleman Ali, a solar energy entrepreneur from Thakurgaon.
Sharmin Akhter has generated employment for more than 200 people—primarily women and persons with disabilities—by producing ropes from discarded fabric and leftover yarn, according to organisers.
Soleman Ali, known as the "Solar Man", developed an affordable solar-powered irrigation model for farmers. His mobile solar irrigation pump has supported local farmers amid the ongoing power crisis, organisers added.
Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, welcomed the event and moderated the programme.
She said the initiative is part of ActionAid Bangladesh's ongoing commitment to recognising small and medium enterprises and young entrepreneurs contributing to a just, feminist transition.
"This initiative can play an important role in building a sustainable, inclusive and greener world," she said.
Farah Kabir also expressed concern over a growing culture of compromise on violence against women and children, and challenges to the rule of law.
Afzal Hossain, Ekushey Padak-winning actor, media personality and social activist, served as a spotlight speaker.
Addressing the intersection of nature, women, and human responsibility, he emphasised the need to rethink lifestyles amid the climate crisis.
"To be alive is not the main point; how we live is what matters. In this climate fight, we cannot just think of surviving alone," he said, quoting a dialogue from a play by Natyacharya Selim Al Deen.
Barrister Nihad Kabir, corporate lawyer and business leader, also served as a spotlight speaker.
She said that laws on sustainability, climate change and the rule of law in the corporate sector will not deliver meaningful change unless human values and mindsets evolve.
She added that genuine sensitivity begins at home, and addressing violence against women and children requires stronger family values alongside institutional laws.
A total of 27 applications were submitted online for this year's awards, and winners were selected through an independent jury assessment process.
The jury comprised Suraya Akter, Country Manager of suPPPort; Sumaiya T Ahmed, Head of Sustainability at PRAN-RFL Group; Farhadur Reza, architect, urban planner and Founding President of Build Bangladesh; Tanjir Hossain, Global Resilience Adviser at IHART, ActionAid International; and Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh.
The event opened with moderation by Maryam Nesa and concluded with a cultural performance by singer and activist Warda Ashraf.
ActionAid Bangladesh launched the Feminist Green Action Award in 2025 to encourage small and medium enterprises and corporate entities driving a feminist green transition.
Continuing that effort, this year's programme recognised grassroots entrepreneurs, individuals and organisations for their roles in sustainable and inclusive development.
