Bangladesh’s leather and footwear industry celebrated its top performers at the Changemaker Awards 2025 on Friday 5 December 2025 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).

Five organisations and several industry leaders were recognised for innovation, sustainability and leadership.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stressed that global expansion requires strict compliance.

“To enter international markets, every industry must ensure proper compliance. The government is ready to extend all policy support but industry owners must also come forward”

– Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

She warned factories against discharging waste into rivers and encouraged awardees to continue improving standards.

In the corporate categories, MAF Shoes Limited won for Process Efficiency, SAF Industries Limited for Sustainable Practice and Step Shoe Last & Accessories Co Limited for Support Services.

AKM Moshpiqur Rahman, managing director of Accenture Footwear & Leather Products Ltd, received the Emerging Changemaker Award.

The late Syed Manzur Elahi, chairman of Apex Group, was posthumously honoured with the Legacy of Excellence Award for his lifetime contribution to the industry.