Kathmandu: Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman has emphasized the importance of cultivating young entrepreneurs in technology, tourism, and other creative sectors to leverage Asia's burgeoning economic potential. He made these remarks during his address at the 7th edition of the Asian Professional Excellence Award 2026, held at a local hotel in Kathmandu on Sunday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the event was attended by former Nepali President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav as the chief guest, and was hosted by Season Media. It gathered distinguished personalities from Nepal and several Asian countries, including Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, who have made significant contributions to fields such as industrial development, leadership, youth entrepreneurship, journalism, photography, banking, broadcasting, and governance.
Ambassador Rahman highlighted the increasing role of Asia in the global economic landscape and called for enhanced collaboration among peoples, businesses, institutions, and journalists from both print and television media, as well as young entrepreneurs from Asian countries. He stressed the need to harness the region's vast potential in various sectors, including business, trade, energy, education, technology, tourism, and other creative industries.
He also spoke about the longstanding and robust relationship between Bangladesh and Nepal, emphasizing the necessity for both nations to capitalize on existing opportunities for mutual prosperity. Moreover, he addressed the common development challenges and the democratic journeys of both countries under the visionary leadership of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
The Asian Professional Excellence Award is regarded as a prestigious accolade within the Nepali media sector. During the event, renowned industrialist Prem Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of the Panchakanya Group, received a lifetime achievement award for his long-standing dedication and contribution to industry leadership.
In the sectoral award segment, three Bangladeshis were honored for their lifelong contributions to their respective fields. The awardees included Alhaj Md. Sohag, Founder and Chairman of Mim Sharat Group (Outstanding Business Leadership and Social Responsibility Award), Indrajit Kumer Ghosh, Chief Photojournalist at The Daily Khoborer Kagoj (Excellence in Photojournalism Award), and Sharif Sarwar, an Underwater Photographer (Ocean and Underwater Photography Excellence Award).
Pradeep Raj Anto, President of the Nepal Photography Association and Chairman of Season Media, was also present at the award ceremony.