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.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
