Rangpur Innovation Hub/Centre launched during Rangpur Division Innovation & Entrepreneurship Dialogue 2020

Rangpur Innovation Hub/centre was launched during a virtual session titled – Rangpur Division Innovation & Entrepreneurship Dialogue 2020 organized by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave (BIC) in partnership with BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority) on 29^th November 2020 with the vision to assist Rajshahi regions journey in a post pandemic 4^th IR era.

This is part of BICs 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,” if we want to have an overall economic and sustained development in Rangpur or any other division, then all the stakeholders need to work together to make a difference.”

Md. Zakir Hossain, Additional Divisional Commissioner, Rangpur Division, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, 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, “How does Rangpur look into the future? Firstly, it needs to move forward, Rangpur needs to regain its pace alongside all the opportunities that exist in Bangladesh”

2 panel discussion also took place –

Panel 1- Evolving Business and Future Course of Action for Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Panel 2- Shaping the Future of Rangpur Through Innovation

Panelists were of the opinion that through pursuing a 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. The Program was organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum.

Some of the eminent panelists of the session were: Mr. Manik Mahmud, Head of Social Innovation Cluster, a2i – Aspire to Innovate; Ms. Fahmida Akhtar, Director (Technical), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority; Mr. Mostofa Sohrab Chowdhury Titu, President, Rangpur Chamber of Commerce & Industries; MR. SUNIL KUMAR ADHIKARY, Director (Investment After Care), Rangpur Divisional Office Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Mr. Sheikh Majedul Huq, Associate Professor, Marketing, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur; Mr. Shourav Islam, Founder & CEO, Unifox Digital Media; Md. Redwanur Rahman, General Secretary, Begum Rokeya University Debate Forum; Khadija Sharmin Antora, Startup Rangpur and Abu Sayed Al Sagor, Cofounder & CEO, BD Assistant.