Bangladesh Brand Forum and North South University Presents National Education and Innovation Dialogue-2025, Powered by City Bank PLC took place at North South University on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The dialogue was organised with a specific focus on education reform, job creation, and inclusive development to prepare the different industries to adapt to innovation. the dialogue sought to address these challenges through meaningful discussions and evidence-based recommendations. The event brought together the country’s top academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to discuss the future of education and innovation in Bangladesh, focusing on creating a transformative framework for national growth.

The dialogue was honored by the presence of Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Honorable Adviser to the Ministry of Education & Ministry of Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. Professor SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, attended as the Special Guest. The event served as a critical platform to explore strategies for reshaping the education ecosystem, fostering innovation, and driving entrepreneurship in response to Bangladesh’s socio-economic challenges.

The dialogue featured five panel discussions and an exclusive Plenary Session, covering a range of topics, including the future of education, the startup ecosystem, skills development, social innovation, and innovation financing. These sessions aimed to foster collaborative thinking and drive actionable policy recommendations for creating a robust education and innovation ecosystem that integrates academia, industry, and government.

The Chief Guest, Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud shared his insights, stating, “the integration of technology, particularly AI, is crucial for transforming Bangladesh’s education sector. IT technology serves as a great equalizer, breaking barriers of social class and enabling access to innovation. Our students have already proven their potential globally, excelling in robotics and AI-based projects. AI’s ability to make data-driven decisions can redefine industries, and countries that harness AI and gather data will lead the future. Let us embrace this transformation and empower our youth to compete on a global stage.”

Professor SMA Faiz, in his speech, said, “I emphasised the urgent need to align our education system with the needs of our students. We must increase the education budget, exempt private universities from heavy taxation, and invest in facilities and research to truly empower our youth. Collaborative initiatives, like partnerships between public and private universities and links with global institutions, are essential for knowledge exchange. Additionally, flexibility in the education system and better support for faculty and infrastructure are critical. I firmly believe that with bold reforms and collaboration, we can create an education ecosystem that drives national growth and innovation.”

Shariful Islam, Founder & Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum, highlighted the importance of collaboration in his remarks, stating, “The National Education and Innovation Dialogue-2025 reflects our vision of transforming Bangladesh into an inclusive and innovation-driven economy. By bringing together thought leaders and decision-makers, we aim to chart a path toward a future that creates opportunities for the youth and addresses the nation’s most pressing challenges.”

As Bangladesh positions itself in the global knowledge economy, the key takeaways from this dialogue provide a roadmap for implementing structural reforms. The discussions underscored the necessity of increasing the education budget, reducing regulatory burdens on private universities, and fostering a more flexible and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, innovation financing, strategic industry collaborations, and skill-oriented curricula were identified as vital components for ensuring sustainable growth.

Session Summaries and key takeaways

Session Type: Plenary Session

Topic: Future of Education for an Innovative Nation

Moderator: Iftakharul (Ifty) Islam Founder & Chairman Asian Tiger Capital Partners

Panelists: Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Honorable Adviser, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Planning Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Professor SMA Faiz, Chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury Vice Chancellor, North South University;  Professor Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice Chancellor, BRAC University; Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Vice Chancellor, Jahangirnagar University; Professor SMA Faiz, Chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Honorable Adviser, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Planning Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Session Summary: The session highlighted the government’s crucial role as the dominant force in the innovation ecosystem, with educational institutions serving as foundational pillars. Speakers emphasised that the next three to five years offer a vital opportunity to establish a strategic roadmap for Bangladesh’s economic growth. One of the primary concerns raised was the nation’s struggle to create sufficient employment opportunities while also failing to equip students with the necessary skills to compete in the global job market.

The discussion addressed the rapid transformation of higher education due to AI and other emerging technologies. Despite these changes, Bangladesh’s higher education system has not kept pace. The outdated curriculum structure remains a major barrier, requiring urgent reforms to integrate entrepreneurial skills and better prepare graduates for an evolving workforce.

To tackle these challenges, the session stressed the need for comprehensive policy measures that prioritise investment in education across all sectors. Reinvesting earnings from all available sources, rather than relying solely on private initiatives, is essential to strengthening the education system. Additionally, fostering partnerships with foreign universities was identified as a key step toward enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s higher education sector. By welcoming international collaboration, the country can accelerate academic innovation, bridge skill gaps, and establish itself as a strong player in the knowledge-based economy.

The session concluded with a strong call to action for policymakers, urging them to adopt forward-thinking education policies. Aligning with global trends, integrating technological advancements, and equipping students with the necessary skills will be critical in shaping Bangladesh’s future economic success.

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Topic: Unlocking Bangladesh’s Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Opportunities

Moderator: Samuel Mursalin, Director In-Charge, NSU Startups Next (NSUSN).

Panelists: Sadia Haque, Founder & CEO, ShareTrip; Sylvana Quader Sinha, Founder & CEO, Praava Health; Bijon Islam, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, LightCastle Partners; Professor Md. Shazzad Hosain, Dean, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, North South University.

Session Summary: The session highlighted the key challenges and opportunities in strengthening Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, emphasizing the need for structural reforms, cultural shifts, and data-driven policymaking. While liberal arts students may show less interest in startups, their skills and perspectives remain vital in fostering creativity and innovation within the entrepreneurial landscape. Entrepreneurship has become a popular pursuit, but its success depends on discipline, which calls for reforming educational and professional frameworks to support sustainable business growth.

One of the pressing issues discussed was the evolving expectations of investors, which makes it difficult for startups to secure funding. There is a need for better alignment between investor demands and startup realities to ensure a more supportive funding environment. Additionally, it is crucial to distinguish startups from SMEs, as startups focus on early-stage growth while SMEs prioritize profitability from the outset. Educating investors on these differences will foster better funding opportunities and a more structured investment approach.

Comparing GDP figures with neighboring countries like India and Pakistan, Bangladesh should ideally be allocating more resources to its startup ecosystem. India invests 0.3% of its GDP in startups, whereas Bangladesh lags behind at only 0.02%. Increasing this allocation is vital for economic development and job creation. However, a significant cultural shift is also necessary for startup growth, particularly in underdeveloped nations in the Eastern world, where risk aversion and rigid traditional structures often hinder entrepreneurship. Policymakers should focus on creating an environment that encourages innovation through regulatory support, incentives, and mentorship programs.

Another critical point raised was the over-reliance on the Silicon Valley model. Instead of imitating external startup ecosystems, Bangladesh should focus on solving its own unique challenges by fostering homegrown solutions that align with local market needs. A key barrier to informed policymaking is the lack of a comprehensive startup database. Without reliable data on the country’s startup landscape, it is difficult to track progress, identify trends, and implement effective policies. Establishing a structured database will help create a more informed and strategic approach to fostering entrepreneurship.

The session concluded with a strong call for policy interventions to drive long-term success in Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem. Reforming university curricula to integrate entrepreneurship education, increasing government investment in startups, educating investors on funding models, and fostering a culture of risk-taking and innovation are all critical steps. By prioritizing these measures, Bangladesh can build a dynamic and inclusive startup ecosystem, attract investment, and position itself as a competitive player in the global market.

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Topic: Private Sector Innovation: Drivers of Sustainable Growth

Moderator: Shariful Islam, Founder & MD, Bangladesh Brand Forum

Panelists: Sam Samdani, Founder & CEO, BQ Alpha Inc.; Interim CEO, QuantumCT; Farzanah Chowdhury, Chartered Insurer, ACII UK; Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Green Delta Insurance Company Limited; Razi Amin, Partner, Aspen Capital Solutions LLC.; Rahat Ahmed, Founding Partner & CEO, Anchorless Bangladesh.

Session Summary: The panel discussion emphasized the need to shift from rote learning to a more practical, problem-solving approach that equips individuals with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to adopt patience, discipline, and strategic thinking, allowing time for sustainable business growth rather than rushing into ventures unprepared.

A key focus was on innovation in Bangladesh, which should be driven by customer needs while ensuring transparency, efficiency, and hassle-free solutions. The panelists highlighted the importance of forming cohesive teams within startups, where members share common interests and collaborate to create meaningful value. Additionally, CEOs and CTOs were urged to look beyond their specific industries and consider the broader societal impact of their work.

Preparation was identified as a crucial factor in business success, with an emphasis on conducting patent research and understanding industry trends before engaging in business meetings. The discussion also underscored the significance of building strategic partnerships, particularly with corporations, to scale businesses and drive long-term societal change.

Innovation was described as a process that does not always require high-tech solutions; rather, consistency and active community involvement play an equally important role. However, the lack of funding for female-owned SMEs in Bangladesh remains a major barrier to their growth, and addressing this gap was deemed essential for fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For students and entrepreneurs, upskilling and active engagement with industry networks were highlighted as critical to remaining competitive in the global market. The panel concluded by stressing the urgency of raising industry standards in Bangladesh to match international benchmarks, as neighboring countries have already made significant advancements in various sectors.

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Topic: Skills Development and Building AI Knowledge-Economy

Moderator: Iftakharul (Ifty) Islam, Founder & Chairman, Asian Tiger Capital Partners

Panellists: Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General (Trade, Investment and Technology), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Sabbir Nasir, Managing Director, ACI Logistics Limited (Shwapno); Mohammad Oli Ahad, Founder, Intelligent Machines; Mohammed Ferdous Yusuf, Chief Human Resources Officer, bKash Limited.

 Session Summary: The panel discussion explored the transformative impact of AI and technology on the job market, emphasizing the need for workforce adaptation as certain roles become obsolete while new opportunities emerge. Panelists highlighted the importance of developing skills that align with evolving technological demands to ensure long-term employability and economic growth.

Bangladesh was identified as being at a critical juncture, with the potential to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global tech economy. However, to establish itself as a key player in AI and advanced technology markets, the country must make significant investments in computing infrastructure and digital capabilities.

Collaboration and responsible data-sharing among businesses were underscored as essential drivers of innovation and development. While promoting transparency and efficiency, companies must also prioritize safeguarding sensitive information to build a sustainable digital ecosystem.

The discussion further stressed the necessity of equipping the workforce with critical thinking, adaptability, and holistic skills. Localizing AI-driven solutions to address context-specific challenges was seen as a crucial factor in ensuring their effectiveness. Companies integrating AI into their operations were recognized as gaining a competitive edge through enhanced decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

Given the rapid acceleration of technological advancements, the panel emphasized the urgency of continuous skill development and proactive investment in emerging technologies. Staying ahead in the competitive global market requires a commitment to upskilling and fostering an innovation-driven mindset across industries.

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Topic: Social Innovation and Women Entrepreneurship

Moderator: Professor Nazlee Siddiqui, Director, MBA/EMBA Programs, North South University

Panellists: Meriame Y, Consultant, Unitas Global Advisory; Breity Sabrin Khan, Co-Founder & CEO, The Marvel- Be You; Sharif Nurul Ahkam, Department of Accounting & Finance, North South University; Afsana Asif Shoma, Founder, ASIX Bangladesh.

Session Summary: The panel discussion focused on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, highlighting the critical role that collaboration between men and women plays in fostering equality and mutual support. When men actively engage in the entrepreneurial journey, it creates an inclusive environment that enhances the success of women entrepreneurs.

However, systemic barriers such as social norms, cultural constraints, and limited access to assets like land remain significant obstacles to women’s progress. These challenges continue to restrict women’s opportunities and potential in entrepreneurship, underscoring the need for a more equitable business environment.

A key point discussed was the importance of building confidence in young girls, which can be achieved through extracurricular activities and the establishment of safe spaces. These efforts are vital in empowering girls and preparing them to break traditional gender roles, ultimately fostering a generation of women ready to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions.

The panel also emphasised the importance of STEM education, particularly integrating AI training with university support. This combination can help dismantle gender biases and structural barriers while providing women with the necessary skills to thrive in high-growth sectors.

Despite these educational advancements, limited access to finance remains a major hurdle. Societal norms, asset restrictions, and documentation challenges make it difficult for women to secure funding. However, collateral-free loans for women entrepreneurs were identified as a promising solution, provided that proper guidance and support are in place to ensure their success.

The panel also highlighted the exponential growth of women-led organisations in Bangladesh, showcasing their resilience and strong commitment to social impact. These organisations are not only flourishing but are making significant contributions to the broader societal change.

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Topic: Innovation Financing: Enabling Growth through Financial Support

Moderator: Iftakharul (Ifty) Islam, Founder & Chairman, Asian Tiger Capital Partners

Panellists: Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor, Bangladesh Bank; Minhaz Anwar, Chief StoryTeller, Better Stories; Muddassar Ahmed, Managing Partner, Unitas Communications; Nawshad Mustafa, Director (SMESPD), Bangladesh Bank; M. Sohel Rana, Program Lead, Grameenphone Accelerator Grameenphone Ltd.

Session Summary: The panel discussion focused on the significant hurdles faced by startups and SMEs in Bangladesh, with financing emerging as the most critical challenge. Limited access to capital markets and the inability of banks to adequately meet demand exacerbates the problem, leaving many businesses struggling to secure the necessary funds.

While there have been several initiatives, such as priority-based and cluster-based financing, including loans aimed at women entrepreneurs, these efforts have had mixed results. Many SMEs still find it difficult to access adequate financing despite these programs.

Additionally, regulatory challenges and equity restrictions imposed by banks continue to hinder SME growth. However, platforms like RFFO are stepping in to provide valuable guidance, particularly for fintech ventures, offering hope for a more supportive environment in the future.

The global ranking of Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, positioned 83rd in 2024, highlights its need for improvement when compared to neighboring countries like India (90th) and Pakistan (71st). This underscores the urgent need for ecosystem reforms to foster a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship.

A key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of collaboration with external stakeholders such as venture capitalists, angel investors, international partners, and the diaspora community. Such partnerships are crucial for strengthening Bangladesh’s SME and startup ecosystem, providing access to more diverse sources of funding and expertise.

The panel also explored the potential of nano-loans and digital credit rankings, which represent promising innovations in financing. However, persistent challenges like investor share withdrawals and the burden of loan repayments remain key barriers that need to be addressed for these innovations to fully realise their potential.

Finally, while there has been a strong focus on STEM-related initiatives, the panel emphasized the need for more tailored support that addresses the specific challenges faced by startups and SMEs in Bangladesh. Such support is crucial for driving long-term, sustainable growth in the sector.

 Policy Recommendations from National Education and Innovation Dialogue-2025

The National Education and Innovation Dialogue-2025 identified key challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh’s education and innovation ecosystem. Based on the insights from the six panel discussions, the following policy recommendations are proposed to drive sustainable economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and position Bangladesh as a global leader in education and innovation.

1. Education System Reform for Future-Ready Workforce

• Modernize the curriculum by shifting from rote learning to problem-solving and practical applications.
• Integrate entrepreneurial and digital skills into the education system to enhance student preparedness for the evolving job market.
• Increase investment in educational infrastructure, research facilities, and faculty development.
• Strengthen partnerships between public and private universities to promote knowledge exchange and curriculum alignment with global industry standards.
• Encourage flexibility in the education system to adapt to emerging technologies such as AI and data analytics.

2. Enhancing the Startup Ecosystem through Structural Reforms

• Establish a national startup database to track progress, identify trends, and implement data-driven policies.
• Increase government investment in startups to at least 0.3% of GDP, aligning with regional benchmarks.
• Reform regulatory frameworks to encourage risk-taking and innovation by simplifying business registration and taxation processes.
• Introduce entrepreneurship education at the university level to foster an innovation-driven mindset among students.
• Promote alternative funding mechanisms, such as venture capital, angel investing, and corporate partnerships, to ease financial barriers for startups.

3. Bridging the Innovation and Investment Gap

• Facilitate collaboration between investors and startups to create a more supportive funding environment.
• Differentiate startups from SMEs in policymaking to ensure appropriate financial and structural support for both sectors.
• Expand access to priority-based and cluster-based financing programs, ensuring equitable distribution across industries.
• Develop digital credit ranking systems and nano-loan platforms to improve funding accessibility for startups and SMEs.
• Strengthen engagement with the Bangladeshi diaspora to attract foreign investment and mentorship in the startup ecosystem.

4. Harnessing AI and Emerging Technologies for Economic Growth

• Develop policies to encourage AI-driven business solutions and workforce upskilling to mitigate job displacement risks.
• Increase investment in computing infrastructure and AI research to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global tech economy.
• Promote ethical AI development and responsible data-sharing among businesses to safeguard sensitive information.
• Encourage industry-academia collaboration to create localized AI-driven solutions tailored to Bangladesh’s socio-economic challenges.
• Provide incentives for companies integrating AI and automation into their operations to improve competitiveness and efficiency.

5. Women’s Empowerment and Inclusive Entrepreneurship

• Address systemic barriers such as land ownership constraints, societal norms, and financial restrictions that hinder women entrepreneurs.
• Expand collateral-free loans and mentorship programs for female-led enterprises, ensuring adequate support structures for success.
• Promote STEM education and AI training for women to break gender biases and enable participation in high-growth industries.
• Develop policies that encourage equal participation of men and women in entrepreneurial ventures through workplace inclusivity and mentorship networks.
• Support the growth of women-led organizations by providing incubation programs, financial incentives, and networking opportunities.

6. Developing a Knowledge-Based Economy through Strategic Partnerships

• Foster international collaborations with foreign universities and research institutions to accelerate academic innovation.
• Align education policies with global industry standards to improve the international competitiveness of Bangladesh’s workforce.
• Establish incentives for multinational corporations to invest in Bangladesh’s education and innovation ecosystem.
• Encourage government-industry partnerships to drive national innovation initiatives and support the commercialization of research.
• Promote interdisciplinary research and development initiatives to bridge gaps between education, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

The National Education and Innovation Dialogue-2025 has laid the foundation for a transformative policy framework. By implementing these recommendations, Bangladesh can build a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that fosters innovation, empowers entrepreneurs, and prepares the workforce for the demands of the global economy. A collective commitment from policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and investors is essential to realising these goals and ensuring long-term socio-economic development.