BASIS executive council assumes office

The newly elected executive council (EC) of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), headed by Russell T Ahmed, has officially assumed office for the 2022-23 term through a swearing in event.

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

Salman F Rahman, the private industry and investment adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, attended the programme as the chief guest while State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid Bipu was the special guest.

Addressing the event, 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 as 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.”

State Minister 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.

“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 said, adding that his ministry will help make it possible by providing uninterrupted electricity.

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 fulfill its duty with the utmost respect to all.”

“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,” added the BASIS president. The event opened with a welcome speech by outgoing BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir. Later, the guests handed over crests to BASIS EC (2018-20), Election Board and Appeal Board members.

After the swearing in session, Syed Almas Kabir, on behalf of BASIS EC (2018-20), handed over BASIS Flag to the new President Russell T. Ahmed and greeted other EC members with flower bouquets.

At the programme, 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 December 26.