The Interior Designers Association of Bangladesh (IDAB) successfully concluded the “IDAB Excellence in Interior Design Award 2024” on Saturday, in a landmark event held at the prestigious Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka. The gala brought together the nation’s most eminent architects, designers, institutional heads, and industry leaders.
In his opening address, IDAB President Syed Kamrul Ahsan highlighted the industry’s rapid growth and its increasing ability to blend creativity, modern design thinking, and local heritage to meet global standards.
Award Committee Chairman Shafiul Islam delivered a comprehensive overview of the competition’s rigorous evaluation framework, while Jury Board Representative and eminent interior designer Nasreen Zameer emphasised the extraordinary quality of submissions. The distinguished presence of special guest speakers, including Architect Dr. Abu Sayeed M Ahmed (President, IAB) and Dr. S.M. Najmul Imam (Head of Architecture, BUET), underscored the event’s institutional importance. Chief Guest Architect Shamsul Wares delivered an inspiring keynote, emphasising the need to elevate young designers on the global stage and to ensure the industry’s structured, visionary growth.
The competition showcased excellence across four critical categories: Residence, Corporate, Hospitality, and Retail. Awards were presented by a distinguished cohort of industry leaders, including Architect Shamsul Wares, IDAB President Syed Quamrul Ahsan, Architect Dr. Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, Dr. S.M. Najmul Imam (BUET), and industry partners, including Mr. Ismail Hossain, CEO, SWISH, KSM Minhaj of Asian Paints, and Rashedur Rahman of Marble De Carrara.
SWISH, the title sponsor and a leading purveyor of luxury bathware, kitchenware, and tileware, expressed great pride in its support of the initiative. CEO of SWISH, Mr Ismail Hossain, stated that the recognition goes beyond a trophy, reflecting the relentless pursuit of excellence that aligns with the SWISH ethos. He further urged the audience to support Bangladeshi brands striving for global recognition rather than remaining content with dealership, inviting everyone—on the occasion of the nation’s 54 years of independence—to reflect on why strong local brands in this sector have yet to emerge, and to approach this question with patriotism and self-respect.
The event concluded with a performance by Joler Gaan and a delightful dinner, marking a significant milestone and firmly establishing the IDAB Excellence Awards as a premier annual event for Bangladesh’s design community.