Dhaka, 31 March, 2015:

Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh has officially announced the commencement of the second AGROW AWARD at a press conference held on March 31, 2015 at a city hotel. Standard Chartered Bangladesh initiated AGROW AWARD last year and Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) was the implementation partner to recognize the best practices and performance in the agricultural sector of Bangladesh through a competitive nomination and selection process. Ms. Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Mr. Shariful Islam, Editor and
Founder, Bangladesh Brand Forum addressed the press. During the press conference, Ms. Bitopi Das Chowdhury handed over a cheque of BDT 5,00,000 each to both the Male and Female Farmer of the Year 2014, winners: Mr. Khan Asaduzzaman, a farmer from Barisal and Alia Begum, inspiring female farmer from Faridpur to facilitate their agricultural activities and help them grow even more. Ms. Bitopi Das Chowdhury mentioned, “This initiative of Standard Chartered is a testament to our commitment to this country. Through these awards, we hope to spur innovation and modernisation amongst the thousands of farmers across the country toiling away to meet the nation’s demands. I hope this initiative of ours will motivate thousands of farmers around the country to come up with exemplary contribution in the agricultural sector.”  Mr. Khan Asaduzzaman and Ms. Alia Begum also shared their year-long (2014-2015) experience with the journalists at the press conference. Mr. Khan Asaduzzaman mentioned, “The award added phenomenal value to his dignity as a farmer and boosted his motivation to strive for sustainable agricultural practices.” Alia Begum credited Standard Chartered AGROW AWARD for supporting her to increase the production by twofold in her quail business and other agricultural activities. This year, AGROW AWARD 2015 will be bigger and better and cover more sub sectors related to agriculture, adding new award categories. The winner selection process will be more rigid and wide ranged. Speaking at the press conference Mr. Shariful Islam emphasized, “Agricultural sector is a vast arena to tap into. We will extensively collaborate with the industry experts merging their knowledge and expertise with our efforts to execute the AGROW AWARD in a grand and sustainable manner attaining the core objectives of the award.”  In 2014, the contribution to the agricultural sector was recognized under five categories: Farmer of the Year (Male) – Khan Asaduzzaman, Farmer of the Year (Female) – Alia Begum, Best Associated Organization in Innovation & Research – BARI, Best Associated Organization in Support & Execution – Alim Industries Ltd. and Best Agriculture Export – Creations Private Ltd.  Honourable Minister of Agriculture Matia Chowdhury handed over the awards as the Chief Guest.

Standard Chartered
We are a leading international banking group, with more than 90,000 employees and a 150-year history in some of the world’s most dynamic markets. We bank the people and companies driving investment, trade and the creation of wealth across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where we earn around 90 per cent of our income and profits. Our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, Here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges as well as the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges in India.

For more information please visit www.sc.com. Explore our insights and comment on our blog, BeyondBorders. Follow Standard Chartered on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.