Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md. Shafiqur Rahman underscored the vital need to cultivate young entrepreneurs across technology, tourism, and various creative fields while speaking as a special guest at the 7th Edition of the Asian Professional Excellence Award 2026, hosted at a hotel in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Organized by Season Media, the ceremony featured the First President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, presiding as the chief guest, and drew prominent figures from Nepal alongside several Asian nations, including Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Japan, and Korea, who have delivered exceptional contributions in domains such as industrial leadership, youth enterprise, journalism, photography, banking, broadcasting, and public governance.

During his address, the envoy expressed gratitude to the organizers for establishing a robust platform that honors excellence, dedication, and impactful social contributions throughout the Asian continent.

He observed that such events offer essential pathways for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to trust in their capacities and serve society through diligence, resolve, innovation, and perseverance.

Emphasizing Asia’s expanding influence in the worldwide economic landscape, he advocated for the emergence of youthful business leaders within technology, tourism, and creative industries, while calling for closer collaboration among citizens, commercial enterprises, academic and professional institutions, print and broadcast journalists, and young entrepreneurs across Asian nations to maximize the region's vast potential in trade, power generation, schooling, innovation, hospitality, and creative sectors.

Acknowledging Nepal's deep-rooted tradition of celebrating excellence as an expression of its distinct cultural identity, the diplomat commended the elegance and perseverance of Nepali society and its heritage, noting that the values of courtesy, loyalty, and mutual regard likely stem from centuries of spiritual and cultural legacy, the enduring teachings of Buddha, and the nation's striking geography—collectively forging a philosophy centered on peaceful coexistence, modesty, and mutual appreciation.

He further spotlighted the enduring and robust diplomatic ties connecting Bangladesh and Nepal, which continue to expand across multiple dimensions, stressing that both nations must capitalize on latent opportunities to achieve mutual prosperity. Seizing the occasion, he touched upon shared developmental obstacles and the ongoing democratic transitions unfolding in both countries under the stewardship of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

The Asian Professional Award stands as a highly regarded distinction within the Nepalese media sphere. Esteemed industrialist Prem Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of the Panchakanya Group, received the lifetime achievement award in recognition of his decades of dedication to industrial leadership.

During the sectoral honors segment, three Bangladeshi nationals were decorated for their lifetime achievements within their respective fields: Alhaj Md. Sohag, Founder & Chairman of Mim Sharat Group, who earned the Outstanding Business Leadership & Social Responsibility Award; Indrajit Kumer Ghosh, Chief Photojournalist for The Daily Khoborer Kagoj, who secured the Excellence in Photojournalism Award; and underwater photographer Sharif Sarwar, who was honored with the Ocean & Underwater Photography Excellence Award. Pradeep Raj Anto, President of the Nepal Photography Association and Chairman of Season Media, also participated in the award ceremony.