An honorary event titled “Legendary Contributors to the Industrialisation of Bangladesh” recognised the pioneering figures behind the country’s industrial, economic, and social development on Wednesday evening at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka.
The programme, organised by the international business magazine Business America and NRB World with sponsorship from FOBANA, carried the theme “Tribute to the Pioneers.”
The Managing Editor of The New Nation, Arshad Hosein, received an award on behalf of the family of legendary journalist and founding editor of The Daily Ittefaq, Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia.
Arshad Hosein said, “My late grandfather, Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia, dedicated his entire life to fearless journalism. During a very important period in our country’s history, he played an extraordinary role in awakening the political consciousness of the people. His courage and dedication continue to inspire us to this day.”
He added, “I would also like to sincerely thank Mr Enamul Haque Enam, Managing Editor of Business America Magazine, and the entire FOBANA team for this meaningful recognition. It is truly a great honour for our entire family.”
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque Nur attended as the chief guest, while Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Rais Uddin was present as an honorary guest. The opening speech was delivered by Sanjida Afrin, Country Director of Business America, and Sumaiya Jamal, Executive Editor of Business America Magazine, spoke on the topic “Legendary Contributors to the Industrialization of Bangladesh.”
Closing remarks were delivered by Moazzem H Chowdhury, Chairman of the 40th FOBANA Convention.
Special honours were awarded to 11 late industrialists, institution builders, media personalities, and national contributors for their exceptional contributions to Bangladesh’s industry, economy, society, media, education, healthcare, and institutional development.
The honoured figures included Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia; Abul Kashem Khan of A K Khan & Company Limited; Nurul Islam Babul of Jamuna Group; Abdur Rouf Chowdhury of Rangs Group Limited; Alhaj Abdul Monem of Abdul Monem Limited; A C Abdur Rahim of Rahimafrooz; M A Hashem, MP of Partex Group; Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury of Gonoshasthaya Kendra; S M Nazrul Islam of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC; Dr Anwarul Abedin of American International University-Bangladesh; Engineer Rashed Maksud Khan of Bengal Fine Ceramics Limited; Rokeya Afzal Rahman of Mediaworld Limited; Anisul Huq of Mohammadi Group; Mostafa Golam Quddus of Dragon Group; Mir Zahir Hossain of Mir Group of Companies; Md Abu Tayyab of T K Group; Samson H Chowdhury of Square Group; former minister Maulana M A Mannan of The Daily Inqilab; and Alhaj Abdur Rahim of Rahim Group.
These pioneering personalities played key roles in strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial foundation, generating employment, building national institutions, developing entrepreneurship, advancing social progress, and boosting confidence in the country’s economic potential.
On behalf of Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia, the award was received by his grandson, Arshad Hosein, marking a tribute to one of the most influential figures in Bangladesh’s newspaper industry.
