DHAKA, 25 June 2026: The ‘Feminist Green Action Award 2026’ was presented for the second consecutive year in Bangladesh, recognising outstanding contributions to feminist green climate transition and sustainable economic development. ActionAid Bangladesh honoured three organisations and two grassroots entrepreneurs for advancing environmentally sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive business practices.
The awards were presented at a gala ceremony held at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday night, 24 June. This year, awards were conferred in two categories: Youth-led Green Entrepreneurship’ and ‘SMEs’ (Small and Medium Enterprises). In the Youth-led Green Entrepreneurship category, two organisations received awards: ‘Swaccha’ and ‘World Linkup’. In the SME category, ‘Classical Handmade Products BD Ltd’ was recognised for its contribution to a sustainable economy.
Among the awardees, Swaccha was recognised for its eco-friendly waste management and recycling initiatives. World Linkup received the award for engaging youth in climate awareness and promoting green technology. Classical Handmade Products BD Ltd was honoured for manufacturing international-standard eco-friendly handicrafts using local raw materials, thereby driving sustainable economic growth.
In addition to the organizational awards, two individuals received special recognition for their contributions to sustainable environments and employment. The recipients were Sharmin Akhter, a woman entrepreneur from Bogura, and Soleman Ali, a solar energy entrepreneur from Thakurgaon. Sharmin Akhter has created employment for over 200 people, mostly women and persons with disabilities, by producing ropes from discarded fabric and leftover yarn. Soleman Ali, widely known as the 'Solar Man', developed an innovative, low-cost solar-powered irrigation model for farmers. His 'mobile solar irrigation pump' model has brought significant relief to local farmers during the current power crisis.
The event was moderated by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, who also delivered the welcome address.
She said, “This is part of our continued effort to recognise SMEs and young entrepreneurs who are contributing to a just and feminist transition. We believe this initiative can play an important role in building a sustainable, inclusive and greener world."
Linking the sustainable transition with human mindset and culture, Farah Kabir expressed deep concern over a growing culture of compromise regarding violence against women and children, as well as challenges to the rule of law.
Distinguished Ekushey Padak-winning actor, media personality and social activist Afzal Hossain joined the programme as a Spotlight Speaker, focusing on nature, women and human responsibility.
He said, "Whether I consider myself a feminist or not is secondary. I believe this world is essentially a school of perception learned from women. I learned how to love and respect this world from the three women in my life: my mother, sister and wife. Nature nurtures everything, and women protect society and life in the same way."
Referencing a dialogue from a play by Natyacharya Selim Al Deen, Afzal Hossain added, "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. Life is not like oil that proudly floats on water. We must be like water, whose glory lies in holding and floating others."
Another Spotlight Speaker, prominent corporate lawyer and business leader Barrister Nihad Kabir, spoke on law, the corporate environment and social values. She emphasised that having extensive laws on sustainability, climate change or the rule of law in the corporate sector on paper does not change society unless there is a transformation in human thoughts and values. Highlighting that genuine sensitivity begins at home, she noted that addressing violence against women and children requires family values more than institutional laws. She added that to involve youth in the environmental fight for a sustainable economy, inspiring them through stories and informal conversations is far more effective than strict legal enforcement.
A total of 27 applications were submitted online for this year's award, and the final winners were selected through a rigorous assessment process conducted by an independent jury panel. The jury members were 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, which commenced with moderation by Maryam Nesa, concluded with a cultural performance by singer and cultural activist Warda Ashraf. She presented a selection of songs reflecting themes of climate change, women's rights, justice and collective struggle. The evening ended with closing remarks and a dinner.
The Feminist Green Action Award was launched by ActionAid Bangladesh in 2025 to encourage SMEs and corporate entities contributing to a feminist green transition. Continuing that effort, this year's programme recognised grassroots entrepreneurs, individuals and organisations for their contributions to sustainable and inclusive development.
