23 November 2020, Dhaka | Rajshahi Innovation Hub/centre was launched during a virtual session titled – Rajshahi Division Innovation & Entrepreneurship Dialogue 2020 organized by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave (BIC) in partnership with BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority) on 23rd November 2020 with the vision to assist Rajshahi regions journey in a post-pandemic 4th IR era.
This is part of the BIC’s vision of creating 8 Innovation hubs in 8 Division to pursue inclusive growth for Bangladesh through embracing innovation as part of our culture.
Shariful Islam, Founder, Bangladesh Innovation Conclave shared that, the vision behind the initiative was to drive the core essence of innovation across key stakeholders – Business, policymakers, academics, professionals, and youth – so the future economy of Rajshahi can be reshaped through collective effort.
Hon’ble Program Chair Md. Sirazul Islam, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority [BIDA] during his speech, he said, “Who will be doing the structural management of innovations? BIDA can take the role, including the relevant government bodies so that the divisional level innovations can successful and make changes nationally.”
Dr Md. Abdul Mannan, Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue), Rajshahi Division, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, A.N.M. Safiqul Islam, Director, Admin and Finance (Joint Secretary), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), A.K.M. Benjamin Riazi, Director (Joint Secretary), Rajshahi Divisional Office, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) & Md. Kamruzzaman, ADC, ICT & Education, Rajshahi District, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh also joined the program as special guests and shared their thoughts on the topic.
1 keynote was presented during the session. Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO, Robi Axiata Ltd., on the topic “The Digital Age – How Everything We Know Will Be Disrupted?”. He mentioned during his session, “The Government prospects have taken initiatives in Rajshahi to give a new look, and Rajshahi is getting more prominence in the minds of the government and policy makers.”
2-panel discussions also took place Panel 1- Evolving Business and Future Course of Action for Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Panel 2- Shaping the Future of Country Through Innovation
Panelists were of the opinion that through pursuing knowledge and innovation-centric journey aided by right policy Rajshahi can not only revive its past glory but can lead Bangladesh journey into sustainable progress.
The initiative was jointly organized with Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Strategic Partner of the event was a2i (Access to Information) & Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, Youth Engagement Partner Rajshahi University Higher Study Club. The program was organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum.
Some of the eminent panelists of the session were: Hafizur Rahman Khan, Chairman, Runner Automobiles Limited, Md Moniruzzaman CIP, President, Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mahboob Zaman, Managing Director, Datasoft Systems Bangladesh Limited, Mike Kazi, Chairman, Kazi IT Center Limited, Prof. Md Shah Azam, Professor, Marketing, Rajshahi University, Manik Mahmud, Head of Social Innovation Cluster, a2i, Abul Khair Mohammad Hafizullah Khan, Project Director (Deputy Secretary) Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Project (ESDP), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Adnan Khan, Senior complain and business analyst, Advanced sterilization products USA, (Former Johnson and johnson) & Arafatul Islam Akib, Startup Rajshahi.
