Interviewer: Imdadul Haque, DigiBanglaTech.News
Question: BASIS is a commercial organization rather than a corporate entity. However, we’ve recently seen a kind of combative mindset around leadership positions within the organization. Why do you think this is happening?
BASIS President M Rashidul Hasan: The future belongs to the digital world, and the remarkable initiatives of today’s talented young entrepreneurs will shape it. Naturally, many are eager to lead an organization as pivotal as BASIS, which plays a major role in the ICT sector’s development in Bangladesh. We value this desire from various stakeholders to contribute. Constructive criticism only strengthens leadership. At BASIS, we encourage diverse perspectives with a sporting spirit, keeping our common goal in mind: to elevate Bangladesh’s position in the global ICT industry and expand opportunities domestically and abroad.
Question: In the wake of the recent upheaval following the student-public uprising, as members face divisions, you have assumed the role of president. How do you view this responsibility?
Rashidul Hasan: With over 15-20 years of experience in various key roles within BASIS, I bring a personal understanding of the organization, which I believe will aid me in navigating the current scenario. Divisions and baseless criticism are never desirable. Our ICT industry currently employs more than 350,000 people, with our members collectively paying approximately 9,000 crore BDT annually in salaries. We have no room to backtrack. Necessary reforms are our priority to secure the future and improve the industry’s standing. I aim to focus on improving business conditions, especially during these challenging times when many feel vulnerable due to declining demand in the market.
Question: Ahead of elections, we hear slogans like “Members Matter” and “Together, One Path.” How effective are these in practice, and what are your plans for implementation?
Rashidul Hasan: Every candidate presents their commitments and plans to their voters — it’s natural. We believe in dreaming big. To us, all BASIS members are journeying together toward a common goal, one that will continually evolve. Success is merely a milestone along this journey. Now, it’s time for Bangladeshi companies to conquer the global market. But who will buy from us if we don’t establish a presence? We want to open doors in the international market. Currently, Bangladesh Bank has restrictions on Bangladeshi ICT companies opening foreign subsidiaries, which we seek to change. Our demands are always focused on our members’ welfare. So, if members didn’t matter, we wouldn’t be advocating these issues. The answers lie within our actions.
Question: You’re tasked with implementing five promised reforms in the next six months. How do you plan to achieve this?
Rashidul Hasan: Our reform priorities include constitutional amendments, member audits, member protection, and policy reforms. We are creating specialized committees led by experts for each area. Following our June decision, a constitutional amendment committee has been active since August, comprising two former presidents and other former executive committee members. We may revise or expand committees as needed. Similarly, we’ll establish the remaining committees promptly and present their proposals at the January AGM. With members’ approval, we’ll implement the new framework and provide updates through smaller member meet-ups on ongoing developments.
Question: When the president resigned, a segment called for the entire executive committee’s resignation. Then, an e-vote was held, but only about 22% of members voted. How do you view this outcome?
Rashidul Hasan: We aim to proceed transparently and collaboratively. While the current committee still has 18 months left, we are open to early elections within six months. We base our approach on a majority consensus among members. The e-vote conducted on short notice — within 48 hours — was intended to gauge member sentiment. Discussions are bound to arise, but we must make realistic decisions and move forward.
Question: As BASIS grows, internal divisions have become more visible. Are members hesitant to act responsibly in light of the situation, and does this raise questions about the membership process?
Rashidul Hasan: We expect professional conduct from our members, who are business owners. If we fail to prioritize collective interests over individual gains, our industry will not grow. It’s essential to counter wrongdoing and accept valid criticism, yet targeting fellow business members with false accusations, personal attacks, or baseless claims is unacceptable. We want to inspire our young entrepreneur members with a vision of potential. BASIS always emphasizes opportunities and possibilities.
