Three organisations and two grassroots entrepreneurs have been recognised for their contributions to environmentally sustainable development and gender-responsive business practices at the Feminist Green Action Award 2026, organised by ActionAid Bangladesh.
The awards, now in their second year, were presented at a ceremony in the Bangladeshi capital on Wednesday evening, celebrating initiatives that combine climate action, economic inclusion and women’s empowerment.
This year’s awards were presented in two categories: Youth-led Green Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In the youth category, environmental organisation Swaccha and climate-focused platform World Linkup were honoured for their efforts to promote sustainable development and green innovation among young people.
Swaccha was recognised for its waste management and recycling initiatives aimed at reducing environmental pollution, while World Linkup received an award for engaging young people in climate awareness campaigns and promoting the adoption of green technologies.
In the SME category, Classical Handmade Products BD Ltd was awarded for producing environmentally friendly handicrafts using locally sourced materials. Organisers said the company’s approach demonstrates how traditional industries can contribute to sustainable economic growth while reducing environmental impacts.
Alongside the organisational awards, two grassroots entrepreneurs received special recognition for creating livelihoods and addressing climate-related challenges in rural Bangladesh.
Sharmin Akhter, an entrepreneur from the northern district of Bogura, was honoured for creating employment opportunities for more than 200 people, most of them women and people with disabilities. Her enterprise produces ropes from discarded fabrics and leftover yarn, transforming industrial waste into marketable products while generating income for marginalised communities.
Another recipient, Soleman Ali from Thakurgaon district, was recognised for developing an affordable solar-powered irrigation system for farmers. Widely known locally as the “Solar Man”, Ali’s mobile solar irrigation pump has helped farmers cope with electricity shortages and rising energy costs, offering a practical renewable energy solution in agricultural areas.
Speaking at the event, ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir said the awards aim to encourage businesses and entrepreneurs who contribute to what she described as a “just and feminist transition” towards a greener economy.
“We believe this initiative can play an important role in building a sustainable, inclusive and greener world,” she told attendees.
Kabir also linked environmental sustainability to broader social issues, expressing concern about what she described as a growing culture of tolerance towards violence against women and children and challenges surrounding the rule of law.
Among the keynote speakers was renowned Bangladeshi actor, social activist and Ekushey Padak recipient Afzal Hossain, who reflected on the relationship between nature, gender equality and social responsibility.
Addressing the audience, he argued that society’s understanding of care and respect for the environment is deeply connected to the role women play in families and communities. He urged collective action in tackling climate change, emphasising cooperation and shared responsibility rather than individual survival.
Corporate lawyer and business leader Barrister Nihad Kabir also spoke at the event, stressing that legal frameworks alone cannot deliver sustainable change without a corresponding shift in social values and attitudes. She highlighted the importance of family education and community engagement in addressing gender-based violence and encouraging youth participation in climate action.
A total of 27 applications were submitted for this year’s awards, with winners selected by an independent jury panel comprising sustainability experts, development professionals and business leaders.
Launched in 2025, the Feminist Green Action Award seeks to recognise businesses, organisations and individuals contributing to a greener and more inclusive economy in Bangladesh, where climate resilience and sustainable development remain key national priorities.