The first edition of the Leather Industry Changemaker Award 2025 has recognised two individuals and three organisations for their contributions to Bangladesh’s leather and footwear sector.
The award, organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions and Footwear Exchange, also posthumously honoured former Apex Group chairman Syed Manzur Elahi for his lifelong work in the industry.
The ceremony was held on 5 December at the International Convention City Bashundhara. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended as chief guest.
Other guests included Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation chairman Mohammad Saiful Islam and Ministry of Labour and Employment secretary Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, as well as industry leaders, policymakers, young professionals and delegates from China, India and Pakistan.
Awards were presented across five categories. The Legacy of Excellence Award was given posthumously to Syed Manzur Elahi. Accenture Footwear & Leather Industries managing director AKM Moshphiqur Rahman received the Emerging Changemaker Award.
Among the organisational winners, MAF Shoes was recognised in the Process Efficiency category, SAF Industries was awarded for Sustainable Practice and Step Shoe Last & Accessories Co was honoured in the Support Services category.
The event also included a panel discussion titled Localization 360: Materials, Tech, Future, moderated by GIZ Head of Project Firoz Alam.
