Russell T. Ahmed has resigned from his position as President of BASIS (Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services). He submitted his resignation letter to the BASIS Executive Committee for the 2024-26 term on Thursday morning. In a lengthy letter, he mentioned stepping down for the benefit of BASIS.
It remains unclear whether the resignation has been accepted as of the latest reports. A copy of the letter has been sent to the BASIS Secretariat, the Commerce Secretary, and the DTO branch of the Ministry.
In his letter, Russell T. Ahmed stated that he has been accused of false allegations, both publicly and privately, due to his position as BASIS President. Although he has observed such allegations on social media, he noted that he has not received any written complaints from the BASIS Executive Committee regarding these accusations.
He indicated that these allegations undermine the dignity of the organization, prompting his resignation.
On May 9 of this year, Russell T. Ahmed was re-elected as President for a second term in the BASIS elections for the 2024-26 period. Rashidul Hasan from Cystec Digital is the Senior Vice President of the 11-member Executive Committee and is now expected to take over the presidential duties.
The Executive Committee also includes Syed Mohammad Kamal from Mastercard Singapore as Vice President (Administration) and Iqbal Ahmed Fakhrul Hasan from Divine IT as Vice President (Finance). The board of directors includes Md. Mostafizur Rahman from Advanced ERP, Didarul Alam from Shooting Star, M. Asif Rahman from AR Communications, Mohammad Risalat Siddique from Analyze Bangladesh, Mir Shahrokh Islam from Bondstein Technologies, Biplob Ghosh from Carnival Assurance, and Syed Abdullah Zayed from MS Finalytics.
Meanwhile, the BASIS Reform Council is holding a press conference at the National Press Club this afternoon to demand reforms. Members such as Zulhas Miah, Mizanur Rahman, Moniruzzaman, Fouzia, and Mustakin Billah will outline their reform agenda at the conference.
Earlier, students from private universities organized a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday afternoon, holding the organization responsible for the deaths of students during the recent student uprising. Additionally, the Equity Against Discrimination ICT Entrepreneurs Council staged a sit-in outside the BASIS office in Kawran Bazar. The council’s coordinator, Mohammad Parag, has given a 24-hour ultimatum for the removal of the BASIS President. Both organizations have called for an administrator to be appointed.
Furthermore, the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPA) has also been cited by the protesters as being culpable of similar misconduct. Students believe that the leaders of this organization bear responsibility for the internet shutdowns, urging the members of the BASIS Executive Committee to remain vigilant during what they characterize as the ‘fascist and corrupt’ government’s tenure.
