Rezwanul Hoque, CEO of ISMARTU Technology BD Limited, has over 20 years of experience in the mobile handset industry. Since 2017, he has led ISMARTU to become a market leader, managing global brands like TECNO. Before this, he played a key role in making Symphony Bangladesh’s top mobile brand while at Edison Group.
Known for his leadership, Rezwanul focuses on innovation, teamwork, and diversity. As General Secretary of the Bangladesh Mobile Importers Association, he also helps shape industry policies.
BBF: Can you share more about Ismartu Technology BD Limited’s strategy and vision for the future?
Rezwanul Hoque: Ismartu Technology BD Limited is dedicated to advancing Bangladesh’s technology sector, with TECNO leading the way. TECNO delivers stylish and high-performing smartphones designed to meet the needs of modern consumers. Our mission is to establish TECNO as a leading brand in Bangladesh by introducing innovative products, expanding our presence, and maintaining a focus on quality.
What market trends and innovations are you most excited about right now?
We are particularly excited about advancements in AI and 5G technology. TECNO is leveraging these trends by integrating AI features into our devices, enhancing user experiences, and preparing for the wider adoption of 5G in the region. Our focus on AI includes improving camera technology, battery life, and overall device performance. We are working on innovations such as advanced image processing algorithms, AI-based battery optimization, and enhanced user interfaces to provide seamless and intuitive experiences. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create more immersive and engaging experiences for our users.
How has the new factory in Narayanganj impacted the local community, and what are your future expansion plans?
Our factory in Narayanganj is a cornerstone of our commitment to the community. By creating jobs and offering extensive training programs, we empower local talent and contribute to economic growth. This approach ensures that our workforce is skilled and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technology landscape. We are also dedicated to maintaining high standards of workplace safety and employee welfare. Looking ahead, our expansion plans involve diversifying into laptops, electronic vehicles, and AIoT products. This strategic growth aims to provide comprehensive technology solutions and enhance our retail and online presence in Bangladesh, allowing us to reach more consumers and drive innovation across multiple product categories.
How does Ismartu Technology prioritize customer feedback in product development?
Customer feedback is central to our product development process. For instance, feedback on camera quality and user interface usability led us to enhance these features in our latest models, offering improved photography and a more intuitive user experience. We actively engage with our customers through various channels, including social media, surveys, and customer support interactions, to gather valuable insights. This customer-centric approach helps us build strong relationships and continuously improve our products and services. We also host focus groups and beta testing programs to involve our customers in the development process and ensure their needs are met.
Can you elaborate on Ismartu Technology’s sustainability initiatives?
At Ismartu Technology BD Limited, sustainability is a core focus. We strive to minimize our environmental impact across all our brands. For instance, our TECNO CAMON 30 Series Loewe. Design Edition features a back cover made from recycled coffee grounds, significantly reducing resource consumption and CO₂ emissions. We are committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our product development and manufacturing processes, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to implementing energy-efficient production methods. Our ongoing eco-friendly practices aim to inspire both the industry and consumers to embrace sustainability as the norm. We also partner with environmental organizations to support conservation efforts and engage in reforestation projects to offset our carbon footprint.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and what opportunities do you see for Ismartu in the next five years?
Navigating the rapidly changing technology landscape has been one of our biggest challenges. We’ve overcome this by fostering a culture of innovation and agility within our company. Encouraging our teams to think creatively and adapt swiftly has been key to maintaining our competitive edge. Looking forward, we see significant opportunities to expand our product range from smartphones to a comprehensive ecosystem of products, including laptops, electronic vehicles, and AIoT solutions.
What leadership principles do you follow, and what career lessons have you learned?
Our leadership approach focuses on setting the right example and fostering a collaborative environment. We prioritize transparency and empowerment, creating a culture where open communication and idea-sharing drive innovation and help us achieve our goals together. Throughout our journey, we’ve learned the importance of staying adaptable and open to new ideas. The tech landscape changes rapidly, and our flexibility has been key in navigating these shifts. This mindset guides how we lead the business, allowing us to embrace opportunities and tackle challenges with confidence. I’ve also learned the value of resilience and perseverance, especially during times of uncertainty. By maintaining a positive outlook and supporting our team, we can overcome any obstacle.
TECNO being as one of your most innovative brands, what new innovations or features can we expect from it in the near future?
We’re thrilled about our upcoming AI-driven innovations, such as the TECNO Image Matrix for stunning, high-quality photos, and the EVS Dynamic Snapshot for capturing moving subjects with crystal clarity. Our AI ecosystem extends beyond smartphones, offering a suite of devices that boost productivity, creativity, and connectivity. These include laptops with AI-based features, smartwatches that enhance fitness tracking, and gaming gadgets that provide immersive experiences. By integrating AI across our product range, we enhance the functionality and user experience, allowing our devices to adapt to real-world conditions and user preferences. This approach reflects our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our consumers in Bangladesh. We are also working on developing AI-driven solutions for healthcare and education to further impact society positively.
