Bangladesh Innovation Conclave (BIC) has organized the first-ever virtual session – Khulna Innovation & Entrepreneurship Dialogue 2020 on 5th September 2020. In the soaring state of the economy, innovation will be the key to transcend from the present economy (around 300 Billion USD) to a Developed Nation (3 Trillion USD) for Bangladesh in 2041. And this journey will only be possible with the collective growth of every corner of the country, not just the capital. And in this day and age, only technology and Innovation revolution can provide unprecedented opportunities for Bangladesh both economically and socially.
The vision behind the initiative was to drive the core essence of innovation across key stakeholders – Business, policy makers, academics, professionals, and youth – so the future economy of Khulna can be reshaped through collective effort. The session was conducted with the objective of the initiative with the definition of innovations in Khulna’s context, discuss the importance of contextual innovation, identify the disruptions due to technology now and in the future, areas of transformation and finally launch Khulna Innovation Hub.
The event started with the welcome speech of Mr. Shariful Islam, Founder, Bangladesh Innovation Conclave (BIC). The program included 2 Keynote Sessions and 3 Panel Discussions industry leaders, policymakers, and academicians. Chief Guest of the program was Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister; The Special Guests to address the initiative were: Mohammad Helal Hossain, Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate, Khulna & Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Howlader, Divisional commissioner, Khulna Division. Closing remarks of the session was provided by Md. Sirazul Islam, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.
The keynote session were conducted by Mr. Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO, Robi Axiata Ltd. on the Topic “The Digital Age – How Everything We Know Will Be Disrupted and How?” and Mr. Kazi Monirul Kabir, Founder, Spider Digital & Official Member, Forbes Technology Council on the topic “Why Innovation Needs to Be Key for Future Khulna?” Some of the eminent panelists of the session were: Prof. Dr. Abu Yousuf Md. Abdullah, Chairman, Northern University Bangladesh; Mr. Pronab Kumar Roy, Director, Khulna Divisional Office, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; Mr. S. M. Zahidur Rahman, Professor, Business Administration Discipline & DEAN, Management and Business Administration School, Khulna University; Mr. Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO, Robi Axiata Ltd.; Mr. Humayun Rashid, Managing Director & CEO, Energypac Power Generation Ltd.; Ms. Selima Ahmad, MP, President, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Maj Gen Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, Chief External & Corporate Affairs Officer, bKash Ltd.; Mr. Manik Mahmud, Head of Social Innovation & Operations Cluster of a2i-Aspire to Innovate; Mr. Kazi Monirul Kabir, Founder, Spider Digital & Official Member, Forbes Technology Council; Mr. Shourav Islam, Founder and CEO, Unifox Digital Media; Mr. Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Executive Director, ACI Logistics Ltd. (Shwapno); Mr. Azadul Huq, CEO, Max Group (Power) & Chairman, B2B; Ms. Aziza Khairun, Founder, Food Shelf; Dr. Feroz Ahmed, Professor, Human Resource Management Discipline, Khulna University; Mr. Arafatul Islam Akib, Chief Storyteller, Startup Khulna & Mr. A K M Hafizullah Khan, Project Director, Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Project, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Mr. Tariqul Haque, Chief Consultant and Chairman, Enroute.
Afterwards the Chief Guest of the program Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister inaugurated Khulna Innovation Hub.
An initiative by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave (BIC), Khulna Innovation & Entrepreneurship Dialogue 2020 was jointly organized by Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Strategic Partner of the event was a2i (Access to Information) & Startup Khulna. The Program was organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum.
