The New Nation - Internet Edition

NATION BUSINESS REPORT

Finance and Planning Adviser Dr AB Mirza M Azizul Islam yesterday said the micro credit programme has gained recognition across the globe and many developed countries are following the Bangladesh's model of micro credit activities.

Besides contributing to poverty alleviation by creating employment opportunities in Bangladesh, micro finance has been playing vital role in general education, primary and health education, and family welfare education in the country, he said.

He was addressing as the chief guest at an award distribution ceremony of 'Citi Micro Entrepreneurship Award (CMA)- 2008" at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center in the city.

Citibank Na, Bangladesh and Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women (SFDW) jointly organized Citi Micro Entrepreneurship Awards (CMA)-2008.

Former adviser to the caretaker government and chairperson of the CMA and eminent economist Professor Dr Wahiuddin Mahmud, chairperson of CMS screening committee and founder executive director of SFDW Dr Humaira Islam, managing director and Citi country officer Mamun Rashid were present. The Adviser distributed awards in four categories--'Best Innovative Micro Business of the Year', 'Best Woman Micro Entrepreneur of the Year', 'Best Micro Entrepreneur of the Year' and 'Best Micro finance Institution (MFI) of the Year'.

The Adviser said the government is providing cooperation to the micro credit financiers through Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and NGO Bureau and this cooperation would continue in the future.

Besides, initiatives would be taken so that the Bangladesh Bank provides further assistance through other banks to the micro credit financing institutes in line to eradicate poverty and create employment in the country, he added.

He expected that the award winners would continue their efforts to contribute more to the society and the country through their merits, innovations and skills.

The award winners are Salma Akter from Pabna as "Best Innovative Micro Business of the Year", Baby Chakma of Rangamati as "Best Woman Microentrepreneur of the Year," Sabina Begum from Gazipur as 'Best Microentrepreneur of the Year' and Society for Social Service (SSS) as 'Best Microfinance Institution (MFI) of the Year'.