Economy
JCI Bangladesh to Host “Smart Bangladesh Summit and Expo” for the First Time in the Country
The journey towards building a Smart Bangladesh has already started, and JCI Bangladesh, a leading youth leadership development organization working with youth worldwide, has taken the initiative to strengthen the immense potential of the smart era. “JCI Smart Bangladesh Summit, Expo & CYE Award 2023″ will be held at the International Convention City (ICCB) on June 9-10, 2023, in association with a2i (Aspire to Innovate), ICT Division.
Last Sunday, a press conference was organized with renowned media workers of the country to provide details about the event. Honorable Project Director (Joint Secretary) of A2I (Aspire to Innovate), Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, was present as the chief guest. JCI Bangladesh National President, Ziaul Haque Bhuiyan, was the keynote speaker. JCI Bangladesh Deputy National President, Imran Qadir, and A2I Program Human Development Media Manager, Purabi Matin, were also present on the occasion. The Smart Bangladesh Summit & Expo was initiated by JCI Bangladesh National Officers Tahsin Azim Shezan, Md. Altamis Nabil, Areez Afsar Khan, Md. Azazul Hasan Khan, Rezwan Ul Haque, Steve Benedict D’Silva, Shan Shahed, Shakhawat Hossain, Fahim Ahmed, and Md. Fazle Munim along with few others.
Honorable Project Director (Joint Secretary) of Aspire to Innovate (A2I), Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, said at the press conference, ” The a2i has invented and implemented a series of digital programs round the year to simplify different civic services to accelerate attaining the government’s new vision of building a ‘SMART Bangladesh’ by 2041. The successful implementation of the ‘Digital Bangladesh’ encouraged the government to set the new target”. JCI Bangladesh, an organization of creative youths, deserves appreciation for the special programs organized by them for the implementation of Smart Bangladesh. We will continue to extend our sincere support to them to make this effort a success.”
JCI Bangladesh National President, Ziaul Haque Bhuiyan, said, “We are happy to announce that this is the first such big event in the country titled “Smart Bangladesh”. We believe that the participation of the youth of JCI Bangladesh organization will add a different dimension to the Smart Bangladesh goal of the Government of Bangladesh.” He further said, “The event is introducing the first JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur or CYE Award this year. In this session, 1,000 entrepreneurs will be able to share their business ideas, and the winners will be awarded a cash prize of Taka 3.5 lakhs, an opportunity to showcase their business on JCI’s global platform, and opportunities for further funding generation from venture capitalists.”
The primary objective of JCI Smart Bangladesh Summit and Expo is to present it to the general public through expert discussions. There will be a total of 6 special sessions in the 2-day event, in which experts and speakers from the country and outside the country will be present. The invited guests and panelists will highlight every possible aspect of Smart Bangladesh through the exchange of their experiences, knowledge, and opinions. Apart from this, the Smart Expo will display all the amazing technologies for visitors. A Futuristic Expo will be organized based on what Smart Bangladesh will look like in the future.
On the second day of the event, June 10th, JCI will hold the Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) Award for young entrepreneurs. Over 1,000 entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to submit their business ideas, from which winners will be selected to receive a grant of Taka 3.5 lakh. Winners will also receive mentoring and assistance in obtaining larger venture capital. Notable investors and venture capital providers from both domestic and international markets will be present during this phase. Winners of this phase will also compete on the international stage with the winners of the next JCI Asia Pacific region.
During the press conference, a website for the JCI Smart Bangladesh Summit, Expo, and CYE Awards 2023 was launched. The website address is www.jcisummit.com, and all necessary information, including registration details, can be found on the site.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
