Dhaka, October 02, 2023

The FBCCI Innovation and Research Center, a pioneering venture initiated by FBCCI, the Apex trade organization of the country, has officially started its Journey on Sunday (01.10.2023) in Dhaka. Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman inaugurated the FBCCI Innovation and Research Center as the chief guest. This Initiative of FBCCI is aimed at addressing the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution and fostering growth in the private sector through research and policy support.

FBCCI president Mahbubul Alam, former president Md. Jashim Uddin, former senior vice-president Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, and members of the Governing Body of FBCCI Innovation and Research Center were present at the inaugural program.

After the inauguration, the second meeting of the Governing Body of FBCCI Innovation and Research Center was held. Chairman of this center and former president of FBCCI Md. Jashim Uddin presided over the meeting.

Md. Jashim Uddin said that the FBCCI Innovation and Research Center will accelerate the ongoing progress of the country. He highlighted its mission to nurture skilled manpower and entrepreneurs across various sectors, including Agri-Business, Light Engineering, and Circular Economy. Md. Jasim Uddin expressed his optimism that the center would become a driving force in propelling the private sector forward and addressing the challenges presented by the fourth industrial revolution through innovation, research, and policy support.

Salman F Rahman emphasized using this center as a training institute and advised bringing top trainers from other countries such as India, Malaysia, Thailand, USA, etc. He also talked about “ToT” and shared his valuable ideas on building innovation, research, and training floors. Md. Jashim Uddin, Chairman of FBCCI Innovation & Research Centre started his speech by thanking Mr. Salman F Rahman for his continuous support. FBCCI Innovation & Research Centre will be used as a central hub for innovation, research, and collaboration, he added.

The FBCCI Innovation & Research Centre has been committed to working with a number of partners from industry and academia which will make a positive impact on the business world. It has already formed an MoU with Faction AI, a USA-based Company to enhance cooperation in establishing the center. MoU with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) are in progress.

Among Others, FBCCI Vice President and Member of the Governing body of the FBCCI Innovation and Research Center Shomi Kaiser, Abul Kashem Khan, Mohammad Ali Khokon, Shamim Ahmed, Nadia Binte Amin, and CEO of the center Bikarno Kumar Ghosh were present at the Meeting.

FBCCI Innovation and Research Centre (FIRC) stands as a dedicated institution, firmly committed to advancing the realms of innovation and research within the borders of Bangladesh aiming to collaborate closely with the government to shape innovation policies and support industry-led research initiatives, bridging gaps between various sectors for sustainable growth. FBCCI Innovation and Research Centre (FIRC) will be organized to promote Innovation and Research for all commercial organizations of Bangladesh especially member organizations of FBCCI, and will bring together top-class researchers, trainers, and young professionals to develop and commercialize new technologies that have the potential to solve business’s most pressing challenges. FIRC will focus on innovation, research, training, and incubation. It has already planned to establish an innovation floor, research floor, training floor, amenities floor, and reception as well. FBCCI Innovation and Research Centre (FIRC) has formed a Panel of Advisors who will provide advisory support to FIRC on policy advocacy, skill development, education, and social welfare initiatives facilitation which will determine the rate and direction of technological learning and change, fostering economic growth and sustainable development of individuals and societies in Bangladesh and beyond. 

The First Governing Body is constituted of 19 members according to section 2 of the Societies Registration Act 1860 which shall continue for the initial period of 3 (three) years from the date of its registration with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms and thereafter, shall be reconstituted as per the provisions as laid down in the Rules and Regulations of the Centre. The activities of the Centre, its affairs, and its function shall include undertaking all or any of the several objects and any act, deed, or thing done in pursuance of ancillary and/ or incidental thereto as expressed in and authorized by the Memorandum of Association and such activities as are approved by the Governing Body. Any adult citizen of Bangladesh who must be a member of FBCCI having zeal in social and philanthropic activities pursuant to the aim and objective of the Centre may become a member of the Centre subject to the approval of the Governing Body. Membership shall be categorized as Founder Members, Life Members, Corporate Members, and Honorary Members.