Corporate
Emerging Economies Offer Great Opportunities, Say Experts
JCI North organized a seminar titled “Development Opportunities in Emerging Economies and Roadmap for Scholarship and Funding” on 25 May 2024 at the EMK Center, Gulshan, Dhaka. The event featured Dr. Laura E. Kodres, former IMF Assistant Director and Associate at the Global Center for Finance and Policy, as the main presenter.
The seminar also included insights from several distinguished discussants: Prof. Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, former dean of the School of Business and Economics (SBE) at North South University (NSU); Ifty Islam, Chairman of Asian Tiger Capital Partners; M. Shaifur Rahman Mazumdar, FCA, FCMA, Managing Director of Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC (CSE); M.S. Siddiqui, Chief Executive Officer of Bangla Chemicals and Legal Economist; and Md. Nazmul Hasan, Associate Professor at the University of Dhaka. Md. Minhaz Bin Salim, a member of the Board of Directors of JCI Dhaka North, moderated the event.
Dr. Kodres highlighted the crucial role of central banks in maintaining investor trust through prudent monetary policies. She emphasized that central banks ensure financial stability by overseeing commercial banks, safeguarding depositors’ funds, and facilitating productive lending. In a globalized world, the central bank’s mandate extends to maintaining the value of money, thus fostering financial stability when depositors receive their funds back with interest. She also touched on topics such as inflation, infrastructure, stock markets, and the private sector, noting the high potential in emerging economies if opportunities are understood and utilized effectively.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, stating, “The country has yet to create an atmosphere where entrepreneurs can easily start their businesses. Ease of doing business is crucial for Bangladesh to support entrepreneurs.”
Ifty Islam discussed the potential of financial technology to attract more investors with diverse products at low costs, leading to significant returns. He envisioned a future where digital wallets could transform ordinary citizens into active investors in the stock market, thus increasing the number of trading accounts.
M. Shaifur Rahman Mazumdar emphasized the need for comprehensive policy support in the capital market. He pointed out that policymakers need to address tax GDP issues and provide targeted policies for sectoral development, specifically in the capital market, to ensure robust regulatory structures.
M.S. Siddiqui addressed market manipulation issues, noting that many companies fail to pay dividends, which manipulators exploit. He highlighted the need for regulatory vigilance to prevent sudden, unjustified increases in share prices. He also critiqued the regressive policies affecting the SME sector despite its potential.
The seminar also featured a panel discussion moderated by Md. Minhaz Bin Salim, who presented a brief on the “Roadmap of Scholarship and Funding” to the guests. Experts underscored the impact of technology on Bangladesh’s financial sector, noting that proper technology use could enhance customer trust and increase investments.
The event attracted participants from reputed universities and organizations, with over 100 attendees joining via Zoom and in person. The seminar aimed to impart expert knowledge to newcomers, shaping the next generation of economic experts. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from JCI National President Imran Kadir.
The new Executive Committee of Wikimedia Bangladesh, the officially recognized local chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation, has been elected for the 2026–27 term. A 9-member Executive Committee was formed through a vote by members during the organization’s Annual General Meeting on January 17. Subsequently, the new leadership of the organization was determined during the committee’s first meeting on February 8.
In this committee, Tanvir Rahman has been elected as President, Md. Delwar Hossain as Secretary, and Shakil Hosen as Treasurer. The other members of the Executive Committee are Moheen Reeyad, Shabab Mustafa, Subrata Roy, Dolon Prova, Mayeenul Islam, and Tanbin Islam Siyam.
Founded by Wikipedians in Bangladesh, this organization was recognized as the 39th chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation on October 3, 2011. Later, on June 9, 2014, it was registered as a non-profit foundation in Bangladesh under the Societies Registration Act.
Wikimedia Bangladesh believes in the vision of a world where every human being can share in the sum of all human knowledge. Considering the right to education and knowledge as a human right, this organization works toward the creation, collection, and dissemination of open knowledge at all levels of society. Although the content of Wikipedia and other Wiki projects is created by volunteers, the organization’s goal is to encourage this unique community in digital volunteering and support them in achieving their objectives.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dhaka West has announced its new New Leadership Team for the year 2026, with Subah Afrin elected as Local President and Md Tanvir Hasan as Secretary General.
The executive committee was formed during the General Assembly of JCI Dhaka West, held on Tuesday (December 23) in Gulshan, Dhaka.
The newly announced board includes Sujaur Rahman Emon as Immediate Past Local President, Md Saddam Hossain and Audrika Eshna Purbasha as Executive Vice Presidents, Md Sameen Rahman as Vice President, Masud as Treasurer, and Ibrahim Khalil Foysal as General Legal Counsel.
Other office bearers include Ahmed Wazedul Haque Khan as Training Commissioner, Asia Binta Amanat Sumi as PR and Media Chairperson, Jobayer Ahmed Sakib as Digital Committee Chairperson, Md Tanvir Hossain as International Affairs Chairperson. The committee also includes Directors Abdur Rahman Khan Bappy, Tanvir Sohan, Yasir Shahriar and Ahnaf Ahmed. Committee Chairs appointed for 2026 are Sheikh Mahmuda Sultana Sara, Minhatul Jannat, Rayan Islam Sardar and S M Shafiul Alam Sakib.
The election process was conducted under the supervision of SM Belal Uddin, National Vice President of JCI Bangladesh and 2024 Local President of JCI Dhaka West, who served as the Election Commissioner.
The event was attended by Arefeen Raafi Ahmed, newly elected 2026 National President of JCI Bangladesh, Kazi Fahad 2025 National President, along with members of the National Board and several Local Presidents from different chapters.
JCI is a global organization of young active citizens aged 18 to 40, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Operating in more than 120 countries with over 200,000 members worldwide, JCI focuses on developing leadership, skills and civic responsibility among young people. In Bangladesh, JCI has over 40 Local Organizations, among which JCI Dhaka West is one of the oldest and largest chapters.
Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, China: A diverse delegation of international experts, journalists, and social media influencers concluded a captivating week-long exploration of China’s Yunnan province. The immersive tour, jointly organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and China Daily, showcased the region’s rich tapestry of ethnic culture, historical heritage, volcanic wonders, and serene landscapes.
The journey provided participants from various countries, including Bangladesh, with a first-hand experience of Yunnan’s multifaceted appeal, blending rural revitalization stories with natural splendors.
The expedition began in the captivating Shimao Village, where the group delved into the narrative of the village’s remarkable transformation. Attendees immersed themselves in the unique cultural heritage and daily life of the Wa people, gaining insights into the community’s traditions and their harmonious development within modern China.
The itinerary then led to the volcanic region of Tengchong. At the Tengchong Hot Sea, participants experienced renowned geothermal wellness at the Beauty Pool Hot Spring Hotel, where they relaxed in the mineral-rich waters. The geological wonders continued at the Tengchong Volcano and Geothermal National Geological Park. Here, the delegation witnessed majestic volcanic landscapes, with some taking to the skies in hot-air balloons for panoramic views and others hiking up the iconic Little Sky Mountain for a closer look at the ancient craters.
Seeking autumnal tranquility, the group visited the picturesque Ginkgo Village, where they enjoyed the stunning golden scenery of ancient ginkgo trees, a spectacle that highlights Yunnan’s seasonal beauty and idyllic rural charm.
The cultural and historical depth of the region was further unveiled in Heshun Ancient Town. The delegation visited the century-old Heshun Library and the revered Wenchang Palace, symbols of the town’s deep-rooted scholarly tradition. A tour of the former residence of Ai Siqi, a prominent Marxist philosopher, added a layer of modern historical significance to the visit.
The international delegates, armed with cameras, notebooks, and social media platforms, documented their experiences extensively. They expressed particular admiration for the seamless integration of cultural preservation, ecological conservation, and community development they witnessed.
“This tour was an eye-opener,” remarked Nuruzzaman Kafi, a social media influencer from Bangladesh. “From the vibrant culture of the Wa people to the breathtaking power of the volcanoes and the profound historical atmosphere of Heshun, Yunnan offers a truly layered and unforgettable experience. It’s a powerful story of natural and cultural heritage being cherished and shared.”
Officials from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism stated that such exchanges are vital for fostering international understanding and showcasing Yunnan’s role as a key destination for sustainable and cultural tourism. They believe the delegates’ firsthand accounts and wide-reaching influence will help a global audience discover the unique charms of “Colorful Yunnan.”
The successful tour is expected to generate positive international media coverage and digital content, further elevating Yunnan’s profile as a premier travel destination that celebrates diversity, history, and natural beauty.
