Newly elected BASIS Executive Council takes oath

The newly elected Executive Council-EC (2022-2023) of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) headed by Russell T Ahmed has been officially inaugurated.

The program aptly titled ‘Installation ceremony’ took place on Thursday at Gulnaksha Hall, International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) where the new EC members took the oath administered by former BASIS President A Towhid, said a press release.

Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to Prime Minister enlightened the programme as the Chief Guest. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid Bipu was present as the special guest.

Newly elected BASIS President Russell T Ahmed said, “The new Executive Council will dedicate its wisdom, knowledge and experience to advance the ICT sector by working together with its all members. The new EC will be fair, accountable and fulfil its duty with the utmost respect to all.”

He also said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared ICT as the product of the year. This declaration will not only help BASIS or the ICT sector but also make the implementation of Bangladesh’s Vision 2021 possible. BASIS will have a new working plan for implementing this successfully.”

He further said, “Our work will focus on both local and international markets to develop businesses of all its member companies and contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. For this, a skilled workforce, business-friendly policies, finding new markets, branding, and investment is our top priority. We will work together in our two years terms keeping in mind that development of member companies means the development of BASIS and development of BASIS means the development of ICT sector and ultimately the development of Bangladesh.”

Chief Guest Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Salman F Rahman said, “BASIS is not only working for the betterment of its members but also for the development of the country’s ICT sector.” He also said, “It is now a great opportunity for the ICT sector to show their full potential as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared ICT-- the product of the year. BASIS will get all the necessary support to fulfill this challenge. The software companies will also get assistance in investment.”

Special Guest State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said, “BASIS is doing admirable works to help advance the ICT sector and heighten the confidence level of the country’s ICT companies.”

He also said, “The ICT sector is flourishing with more opportunities so we have to aim for far greater achievements. Alongside software development, the young generation needs to be skilled in other aspects such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and blockchain to drive the country towards a technology-based economy.”

He added that his ministry will help to make it possible by providing uninterrupted electricity.

At the beginning of the program, departing BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir delivered the welcome speech. Then, the guests gave away crests to BASIS EC (2018-20), Election Board and Appeal Board members. After that, newly elected EC members took oath administered by former BASIS President A Towhid.

On behalf of BASIS EC (2018-20), Syed Almas Kabir handed over BASIS Flag to the newly elected President Russell T Ahmed. At the same time, new EC members were greeted with flower bouquets.

At the program, newly elected BASIS Senior Vice President Samira Zuberi Himika, Vice President (Admin) Abu Daud Khan, Vice President (Finance) Fahim Ahmed, Directors- Habibullah Neyamul Karim, AKM Ahmedul Islam BABU, Mushfiqur Rahman, Syed Mohammad Kamal, Tanvir Hossain Khan, Md. Mostafizur Rahaman Sohel and Rashad Kabir were present. The departing EC members (2018-20), previous EC members, representatives of member companies, officials from foreign embassies and journalists also attended the ceremony.

BASIS Executive Council Election (2022-2023) took place on 26 December 2021.