Redefining Boundaries

In recent years, women in Bangladesh have begun to break glass ceilings, giving a new meaning to success through determination, resilience, and sheer hard work. Each of these women has not only worked hard and overcome challenges in their fields, they have persevered to make sure that they could boldly go where no woman has gone before. After celebrating a successful first season of honoring Stellar Women, the bti The Daily Star Stellar Women Season 2 Gala was held on January 10th, 2026, at Kurmitola Golf Club, where these amazing trailblazers were given recognition in twelve different categories. In addition, guests of honor were invited in every different category to award each winner with a few token mementos. Dignitaries from different embassies, high officials of bti and The Daily Star, media personnel and the winners all graced the event to add value and to emphasize the empowerment of women in Bangladesh. The evening also featured a panel discussion moderated by Sarah Iqbal, with Shaila Shahid, Farah Kabir, and Shaheen Anam as participants, offering valuable insights on leadership, inclusion, and women’s evolving role in nation-building. There was also a classical poetry recitation accompanied by a choreographed dance.

“The Stellar Women Award is unique. It recognises professional women for their skills, intelligence, academic achievements, and personal courage.”

Mahfuz Anam,  Editor and Publisher of  The Daily Star

“Through this [award], if we can make the smallest contribution in bringing a change, I think it would be one of our bti’s greatest achievements…. The woman is also the unsung hero of every home.”

Arshi Haider Chairman of bti

Mouri Morium

Mouri Morium stands out as a powerful voice in contemporary Bangladeshi literature, driven by imagination, emotional depth, and an unwavering love for storytelling that began in her teenage years. Inspired by everyday life, her readers, and literary greats such as Humayun Ahmed and Dan Brown, she has crafted stories that resonate deeply with a wide audience, earning her both critical acclaim and devoted readers. What truly defines Mouri is her belief that challenges—personal, creative, or societal—are essential to growth, a philosophy reflected in her writing and her journey as a woman navigating Bangladesh’s literary landscape. For her, success is measured not only by awards, including the prestigious Humayun Ahmed Literary Award, or by bestseller lists, but by the emotional connection she shares with readers who seek out her books with love and loyalty. Through her work and outlook, Mouri Morium continues to inspire aspiring writers, proving that sincerity, perseverance, and passion can transform stories into lasting impact.

Mabia Akter Simanta

Mabia Akter Simanta is a dynamic changemaker whose journey reflects determination, courage, and a deep commitment to creating positive impact. Through her work, she has consistently challenged boundaries and pursued excellence, emerging as a strong voice in her field. Her ability to navigate challenges with resilience and purpose has not only shaped her own path but also inspired others, particularly young women, to believe in their potential. Driven by values, empathy, and a forward-looking vision, Mabia Akter Simanta continues to contribute meaningfully to society, proving that passion combined with perseverance can lead to lasting and transformative change.

Shaila Abedin

Born and raised in Dhaka, Shaila’s values were shaped by a nurturing yet disciplined family upbringing that instilled empathy, balance, and quiet strength. Though she studied international relations, she found her calling in banking, inspired by her mother and driven by perseverance and continuous learning. Supported by her family and inspired by leaders like Indra Nooyi, Shaila leads with integrity and empathy. Her recognition at the bti–The Daily Star Stellar Women initiative reflects her purpose-driven journey and belief that true leadership is rooted in balance, courage, and authenticity.

Nomrota Sarker

Nomrota Sarker, COO and Co-Founder of Saus-Taus, is a compelling example of quiet strength and purposeful leadership, demonstrating how dedication and vision can create meaningful change. Through her work, she has consistently challenged limitations, embraced responsibility, and pursued excellence with integrity, inspiring those around her to believe in their own potential. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to progress, especially in spaces where women continue to navigate added challenges. By leading with empathy and determination, Nomrota advances her field while serving as a role model for a new generation of women who aspire to make an impact, proving that steady perseverance can be just as powerful as bold ambition.

Architect Afsana Luqman

Architect Afsana Luqman is a dedicated and insightful professional whose work reflects a strong balance between creative expression and practical design. With a keen understanding of context, sustainability, and user needs, she approaches architecture as a tool to improve everyday life. Her journey in the field highlights perseverance and thoughtful leadership, as she continues to challenge conventions while maintaining design integrity. Through her commitment to quality and purpose-driven architecture, Afsana Luqman has made meaningful contributions to the built environment and stands as an inspiration for aspiring architects, particularly women seeking to shape spaces with confidence and clarity.

Dr. Tahsin Ferdous

Dr. Tahsin Ferdous, Stellar Woman Season 2 winner in Healthcare, is breaking barriers in orthopaedic surgery through resilience, skill, and purpose. Raised in a supportive environment and inspired by mentors who valued ability over gender, she pursued orthopaedics for its precision and impact on restoring mobility. Now a Medical Officer at BIHS General Hospital with advanced training in limb deformity correction, Tahsin is a strong advocate for women in surgery. For her, the Stellar Women initiative represents empowerment, visibility, and a message to aspiring women: they belong in every field they choose.

Architect Nishat Afrose

Architect Nishat Afrose is a thoughtful and forward-looking design professional whose work reflects a deep sensitivity to context, functionality, and human experience. With a strong commitment to sustainable and inclusive architecture, she approaches each project as an opportunity to create spaces that are not only aesthetically refined but also socially responsive. Her journey in a traditionally male-dominated field highlights her resilience, precision, and creative confidence, inspiring young architects—especially women—to pursue their vision with courage. Through her practice, Nishat Afrose continues to contribute meaningfully to the built environment, shaping spaces that balance innovation with purpose and leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Papia Sarwar Dithi

Papia Sarwar Dithi is an artist and architect whose creativity was shaped by a childhood rooted in imagination, nature, and early architectural influences. Though trained in architecture, painting remained a constant passion, leading her to develop an organic, nature-inspired artistic language. Now working as a full-time artist and architect, she creates murals and artworks using natural materials and has represented Bangladesh internationally. Supported by her family, Papia continues to advocate for women’s recognition, balance, and self-belief through her art and her journey as a Stellar Woman.

Shah Israt Azmery

Shah Israt Azmery, Chairman of the Children Watch Foundation, advocates for children’s rights and environmental sustainability, focusing on educating young minds through school-based climate initiatives and eco-awareness programs. Her foundation operates through self and local funding, with support from local collaborators. She values platforms like the bti–The Daily Star Stellar Women initiative for amplifying women changemakers and encourages young women to lead with confidence, consistency, and purpose to create lasting impact.

Kyoko Arani Nasir Bhuiyan

While her major is in Marketing, Kyoko Arani Nasir Bhuiyan decided to delve into the field of education, making her mark in a field where it will matter, even in the future.  Her unique global perspective adds unexpected depth and distinction to everything that she undertakes. With a strong sense of purpose and an ability to bridge cultures, she has carved her own path through dedication, adaptability, and thoughtful leadership. Her work reflects both precision and passion, driven by a commitment to excellence and meaningful impact. Navigating challenges with quiet confidence, Kyoko Arani continues to inspire by showing how authenticity, perseverance, and vision can come together to create lasting influence and open doors for others to follow.

Nusrat Nur Maisha

Nusrat Nur Maisha is a dedicated engineering professional with expertise spanning Civil, Structural, Water Resource, and MEP disciplines. With a strong technical foundation and a multidisciplinary approach, she contributes to the planning, design, and execution of integrated engineering solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Her work reflects a balance of analytical rigor and practical application, enabling seamless coordination across engineering systems. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Nusrat represents precision, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership in modern engineering practice.

Dr. Nasrin Akter Ivy

Dr. Nasrin Akter Ivy, Professor and Director at Gazipur Agricultural University, is a pioneering agricultural scientist focused on nutritious, high-yield, and farmer-friendly crops. She developed Bangladesh’s first zinc- and iron-enriched hybrid aromatic rice and gynodioecious papaya varieties with higher yields and better nutrition. Beyond research, she champions women in agriculture, emphasizing perseverance, mentorship, and impact-driven work, making her a role model for aspiring women leaders.