On November 22nd.2013,I boarded a flight to Dhaka to signup for an assignment and a new destination for myself.This was yet another voyage into the unknown,unchartered territory,at this stage of my life,and I was not fully sure, what was pulling me into it.I had not applied for it.My Office did.Things followed,and my exit as President-TiE,Kolkata,after completing a successful Kolkata TiECon2014,was perhaps lingering somewhere,as I had taken the decision by then to move ahead beyond TiE.
So, started again a new journey, a new assignment,and something I thought can be part of the legacy I keep behind.My parents were from Bangladesh,and I have heard about this beautiful green country from them, from my grandma, and the agony they faced, to leave the place.So, here was an opportunity for me to give back to their motherland,something they perhaps left unfinished.
Also as an International Expert Advisor-IT/ITES,appointed by the World Bank,a line I have nurtured for over 25 years,it was perhaps a milestone.
It has been 6 months now,and I am travelling to Dhaka every month.Been to Jessore,Comilla,Chittagong,Cock's Bazar, so far,wish to go to Sylhet soon.
Work is fine.Being an Advisor is new to me,so it needed caliberation.Not been fully successful yet, but trying to.People are good meaning,very kind and soft
and very emotional.They also have a huge pride for their own Country,and I love that.At times, it borders on perhaps,what some would call short sightedness,but the core is well founded.
I have made some very good friends.Met several intelligensia.Several successful people.Ready Made Garments and Leather goods,is their forte.It has simply cicked,worked, and been a huge success for them.The economy revolves around that, and perhaps on the developing nation funds.
Infrastructure is an issue.Political disturbance has slowed growth.Hopefully in the years ahead, there will civil society pressure,like India, to perform.
Once the Civil Society participates, even at times, disruptly,it raises issues significantly to perform.
As far as IT/ITES is concerned,we need a lot more awareness,basic education,colleges,and investors to come in,to create the eco system.
These are all part of the expectations we have to build.
The talent is there,and in good numbers.But currently it is not focussed on professional commerce.Once entrepreneurs in association with the Government and the investing community,join their hands together,things will start happenning in this beautiful country.
I am happy to be here in Bangladesh,even if it is for just 3/4 years.I wish to contribute,to build the edifice,towards IT/ITES,for the youth of this Country.
Lets hope,we can.
