The audience was waiting in suspense to see the corporate icons selected for Bangladesh Business Awards 2006. And finally, their names were announced amid thunderous applause.

The four winners stole the show. The night of March 30, 2007 entirely belonged to the exceptional personalities and companies who received awards for their individual and organisational success, their vision and their enterprising spirit that contributed to a great extent to corporate Bangladesh.

Suspense rose high when the anchor of the gala function, Mahmudur Rahman, requested Anwarul Alam Chowdury Parvez, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), to announce the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2006.

Parvez announced Zinet Fatema, proprietor of Jahan Metal, as the winner.

Then came Rokia Afzal Rahman, former adviser to the caretaker government and president of the Women Entrepreneurs' Association, Bangladesh, to announce the Best Enterprise of the year 2006. He declared Acme Laboratories Ltd as Enterprise of the Year 2006. Light fell on Acme Laboratories Ltd Managing Director Mizanur Rahman Sinha amid deafening sound of clapping.

The light came on the year's champion of the financial institution. Craig Grossgart, vice president, South AsiaInternational, DHL, declared the Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd (DBBL) as the Best Financial Institution of the year. Managing Director of the bank Md Yeasin Ali received the award on behalf of the bank.

The big one was yet to be announced. Guests started whispering when Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, governor of Bangladesh Bank, was requested to declare the winner. Salehuddin announced Md Nasir Uddin, chairman of Pacific Jeans Limited, as Business Person of the Year 2006.

For businesspeople it was a night of recognition and for the organisers, The Daily Star and DHL Express, it was an event to honour the corporate heroes who are contributing to the nation building efforts.