The magazine also introduced Shahadat Chowdhury Memorial Award, which will be given under six categories -- best fashion magazine, best editor, best designer, best graphics, best model and best photographer.

Paying tribute to Shahadat Chowdhury, editor of the weekly magazine Shaptahik 2000 and the pioneer of lifestyle journalism in the country, speakers at the programme said the full extent of his contribution to culture and the media cannot be measured by only this generation.

His legacy will live on in generations to come and it is for him that we now live in a more habitable and liberal Bangladesh.

Rokia A Rahman, former advisor to the caretaker government, was present as the chief guest while Geeteara Shafia Chowdhury as special guest.

They handed over a crest and a cheque for Tk 20,000 to Selina Chowdhury, wife of Shahadat Chowdhury.

Kawshiki Tupa Naser, editor-in-chief of the Zone, said, "It's our privilege that we are today formally starting our journey with Zone by remembering and honouring Shahadat Chowdhury, who has always been and will always be an inspiration."

Cultural personality Sara Zaker and Selim Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Shahadat Chowdhury's daughters, Sasha and Esha Chowdhury, journalist Shaymol Dutta, Shafikul Islam, fashion designer Mahin Khan, Zone Editor and Publisher Faqrul Chowdhury were present at the programme held at the Spectra Convention Centre.