DHAKA, Dec 17, 2025 (BSS) - The Institute of Chartered Secretaries of 
Bangladesh (ICSB) organised the 12th "ICSB National Award for Corporate 
Governance Excellence, 2024", recognizing listed companies for their 
outstanding commitment to corporate governance, transparency and 
accountability. 

The theme of the award was "Promoting Governing Excellence".

The award recognised companies that demonstrated excellence in governance 
practices during 2024 in compliance with the Corporate Governance Codes of 
the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and relevant 
regulatory frameworks.

SK. Bashir Uddin, adviser of the Ministry of Commerce, graced the event on 
December 15 at a hotel in the capital as the chief guest. Lutfey Siddiqi, 
special envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, attended the 
event as the guest of honour.

The programme was further honoured by the presence of Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, 
governor of Bangladesh Bank (BB), its Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, 
Commissioner of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Md. 
Saifuddin, and Chairman of Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Dr. Md Sajjad 
Hossain Bhuiyan as special guests.

The ceremony was presided over by Hossain Sadat, president of ICSB, Md. 
Abdullah Al Mamun, chairman of Corporate Governance Committee, ICSB, 
presented the overview of the Corporate Governance Awarding Charter, said a 
press release here today.

Some 43 winning companies listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC and 
Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC were recognised under 14 different categories 
and were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze trophies. 

Chief guest, guest of honour and special guests handed over the trophies and 
certificates among the winning companies.

Speaking as the chief guest, SK. Bashir Uddin said, "Corporate Governance 
Excellence Award stands not merely as a symbol of recognition, but as a 
benchmark for exemplary corporate governance practices in our country. I am 
confident that the Institute will continue to nurture a new generation of 
competent, ethical, and forward-thinking governance professionals who will 
play a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh's corporate future."

Addressing the programme as the guest of honour, Lutfey Siddiqi said,
"ICSB has played a vital role in strengthening corporate governance across 
sectors by promoting ethical leadership and professional excellence. Strong 
governance must remain central to building a prosperous, democratic, and 
resilient Bangladesh."

Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, said: "This initiative by 
ICSB to recognize those who are performing well and are engaged in advancing 
their organizations through professionalism while safeguarding institutional 
interests is truly commendable. Such events inspire organizations to maintain 
excellence in corporate governance and ensure internal good governance."

Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, BB's deputy governor, said, "Strong corporate 
governance is the foundation of sustainable business growth, fostering 
transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. It is not merely about 
regulatory compliance, but a strategic advantage that builds stakeholder 
trust and drives long-term economic success."

Md. Saifuddin, commissioner of BSEC, said: "By promoting compliance and 
ethical management, strong governance not only enhances stakeholder 
confidence but also strengthens Bangladesh's competitiveness and 
attractiveness to global investors."

Dr. Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, chairman of Financial Reporting Council (FRC), 
said: "Corporate governance is the foundation of trust, transparency, and 
accountability in any organization. Recognitions like the ICSB Corporate 
Governance Excellence Award not only honor best practices but also inspire 
institutions to strengthen ethical conduct, investor confidence, and long-
term sustainability."

In his welcome address, Hossain Sadat, president of ICSB, called for shared 
commitment for advancing corporate governance towards national development. 
He emphasised on incorporating ICSB submitted reform proposals into the 
existing Company's Act making it progressive and forward leaning.

Earlier, Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, chairman of the Corporate Governance 
Committee, highlighted the evaluation process and emphasized alignment with 
regulatory requirements and best global practices.

At the ending speech of the ceremony, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, 
council member of the ICSB thanked everyone on behalf of ICSB.

The event was attended by dignitaries, government officials, eminent 
professionals, chairpersons, managing directors, directors, and senior 
officials from the country's leading corporate houses, along with members of 
the institute and journalists. 

The guests commended ICSB's role in establishing governance in the corporate 
sector of Bangladesh and ensuring sustainable development.