As part of Citi’s ongoing commitment to the field of microfinance, Citi Bangladesh, with the support of the Citi Foundation, launched the 14th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) program. The CMA program is jointly being organized by Shakti Foundation AND Citibank, N.A., Bangladesh along with the strategic partnership of Credit and Development Forum (CDF). The launching ceremony, held at a renowned hotel in Dhaka on 24th of October was inaugurated by the high-level advisory and screening committee chaired by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Former Governor, Bangladesh Bank. It was also attended by the National Advisory Council Members, Ms. Rokia A. Rahman, Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government, Mr. N. Rajashekaran, Managing Director and Citi Country Office, Citibank, N.A., Bangladesh and Dr. Humaira Islam, Founder Executive Director, Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women.
Since 2005, CMA seeks to highlight the achievements of the most innovative microentrepreneurs in Bangladesh. The goal is to raise awareness of microfinance, particularly among microentrepreneurs who could benefit from it; to recognize and celebrate the contributions that microentrepreneurs bring to the world economy; and to highlight best practices in microentrepreneurship.