TBT REPORT

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel i celebrated the remarkable achievements and pioneering spirit of individuals and organisations shaping the future of the nation’s agriculture sector at the Standard Chartered–Channel i Agrow Award 2025, marking its landmark 10th season.

Hosted at the Ruposhi Bangla Grand Ballroom, Intercontinental Dhaka, the gala honoured 11 extraordinary winners whose work reflects innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to advancing climate-smart and sustainable agriculture.

The event was graced by Dr Ahsan H. Mansur, Honourable Governor, Bangladesh Bank, as Chief Guest. The distinguished gathering also included Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and Faridur Reza Sagar, Managing Director, Impress Telefilm Ltd. – Channel i, alongside agricultural leaders, policymakers, researchers, and development partners.

Honouring the Heroes of the Sector

This milestone season welcomed 11 new champions to the Agrow Award family, bringing the total number of honourees to 88 — each representing a unique contribution to Bangladesh’s agricultural progress.

The 2025 awardees demonstrated exceptional breakthroughs across research, farming practices, climate adaptation, community development, and emerging areas such as urban gardening.

The winners are:

• Lifetime Achievement: Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim
• Farmer of the Year – Female: Anwara Khan Dolly
• Farmer of the Year – Male: Akkas Khan
• Heroes for Change: Abdus Salam
• Resilient Talent Farmer of the Year – Female: Parveen Akter
• Resilient Talent Farmer of the Year – Male: Abdul Gofur
• Journalist of the Year (Agriculture): Riaz Ahmed
• Climate Adaptation-Related Farmer of the Year: BARCIK
• Rooftop Gardener of the Year (New Category): Hosne Ara
• Best Agricultural Organisation in Research, Innovation and Technology: NEMLAB
• Best Agricultural Organisation in Support and Execution: Krishi Bazar Ltd.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "This year is special as it marks both the 10th edition of the Agrow Award and celebrates 120 years of Standard Chartered in Bangladesh. Agriculture is not merely a sector of the economy; it is the resilient foundation of our nation's progress, constantly innovating to meet the evolving challenges of climate change and food security. The inspiring stories we've celebrated tonight, exemplify how a shared vision and collective action can transform small steps into giant leaps for sustainable development. Based on the changing landscape of relevance, we have introduced a new category in 2025 - Rooftop Gardener of the Year. We are profoundly proud of our long-standing partnership with Channel i and commend all our awardees, whose dedication and innovative approaches are ensuring a secure and thriving future for Bangladesh."

Shykh Seraj, Director and Head of News, Channel i, said, "Even amid the stagnation of the Covid period and the subsequent global instability, it is our farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and agricultural researchers who have kept our food system steady. We feel honoured to recognise and celebrate those remarkable individuals whose extraordinary efforts have made this possible. In the uncertain days ahead, marked by the multifaceted crises of climate change and global volatility, agriculture may well be our only path to resilience. We are delighted to have Standard Chartered Bank by our side in this noble initiative."

Launched in 2014, the Standard Chartered–Channel i Agrow Award has become the country’s most respected platform for celebrating agricultural excellence.

This landmark 10th season — coinciding with Standard Chartered’s 120 years of uninterrupted presence in Bangladesh — underscores a long-standing commitment to driving commerce, championing inclusive development, and supporting initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact across the agricultural value chain.