Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) accorded the reception at the National Press Club.

Sultana Rahman, now working with Ntv as staff reporter, was given the best reporter award for her reporting while working with The Daily Star.

Sumana Sharmeen, assistant editor of the Prothom Alo, was given best management editor award.

Sitara Musa, a veteran journalist, was given lifetime achievement award for her contribution to journalism.

Each of them got certificate, crest and prize bonds worth Tk 10,000.

The remaining eight journalists are Supretee Dhar, sub-editor of the Prothom Alo, Shila Afroz, staff reporter of the Amar Desh, Rowshan Ara Jolly, shift-in- charge of the Janakantha, Nasrat Arshiana Chowdhury, staff reporter of the Manabzamin, Jannatul Bakia Keka, staff reporter of the Channel i, Salma Yasmin Rita, shift-in-charge of the Bhorer Kagoj, Rozina Islam, staff reporter of the Sangbad and Yasmin Rima, editor of the weekly Pathak Barta of Comilla. They were given crests and certificates.

Law Minister Moudud Ahmed handed over the awards to the recipients.

He said women are being empowered in the country and holding very important posts in many sectors.

He underscored the need for proper training of journalists as they have to discharge duties with great responsibility.

Suneeta Mukherjee, country representative of UNFPA Bangladesh, Nathalia Feinberg, deputy head of the Danish Embassy, Britt Falkman Hagstrom, ambassador of Sweden, Aud Lise Norheim, ambassador of Norway, and Richard R Larison, CEO of Apollo Hospitals spoke at the function with Nayeemul Islam Khan, BCDJC president and editor of the Amader Shomoy in the chair.