Iqbal Ahmed Fakhrul Hasan, is well known in the field of information technology as ‘Divine Russell’. He is the founder of Divine IT Limited, the country’s leading software development company, and PrismERP, the country’s first webbased ERP. Iqbal Ahmed is a computer science graduate. Since the beginning of his studies in 1996, he has been familiarizing himself with new technologies and has been involved in managing computer hardware, internet services, and consulting businesses. He has successfully automated large government and private organizations in the country with his own software.
Qsn : The current situation of your business. how does it contribute to local market development and international branding?
Ans : Over the past 20 years, Divine IT has been managing businesses with customer satisfaction and success through advanced technology and innovation. PrismERP is a flagship product of Divine IT Limited. Divine IT Limited is a software production company certified with CMMI Level 3 and ISO 9001, 27001
Divine IT has received several awards in the IT sector, including the National Productivity Awards 2015 and 2018, the APTICA International Award 2017, the WITSA Global Excellence ICT Award 2020, and the Daily Star ICT Awards 2023 for ‘ICT Solution Provider of the Year (Local Market).
As a major software development company in the country, Divine IT was awarded the status of ‘Private Software Technology Park’ by the Bangladesh government in 2018. Since 2005, the company has been working both locally and internationally.
PrismERP by Divine IT is Bangladesh’s first ERP software capable of managing and automating more than 35 types of business sectors. More than 400 businesses in Bangladesh are using PrismERP for their daily business management. In international ERP solution competitions, PrismERP is a world class and popular brand among domestic and foreign companies.
Qsn : What are the Key strengths of our software/IT/ITES industry?
Ans : Bangladesh has a large pool of young, talented IT graduates. The IT workforce in Bangladesh is proficient in various technologies, including web development, mobile app development, and cloud computing. This allows them to cater to diverse client needs.
The Bangladeshi government promotes the IT sector through initiatives like “Digital Bangladesh.” This translates to supportive policies, infrastructure development, and skilled workforce development programs.
Local IT companies have a deeper understanding of the Bangladeshi market, culture, and language. This allows them to develop more relevant and user-friendly software solutions for domestic users.
These strengths position Bangladesh’s IT sector to play a key role in digitizing the local economy and making technology more accessible to the Bangladeshi population, Finally makes the country self-sustainable in software sector.
Qsn : Key Weaknesses of Our Software/IIT/ITES Industry?
Ans : The recent ending of the tax exemption facility in June 2024 creates uncertainty for businesses. This could lead to increased operational costs, impacting competitiveness and potentially hindering further growth.
Ans : A lack of compliance, particularly among small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), can be a hurdle. This might involve issues with labor laws, data security practices, or intellectual property protection. Without proper compliance, companies risk legal issues, reputational damage, and difficulties attracting international clients.
The lack of readily available market data hinders informed decision-making. Without proper data on industry trends, competitor analysis, or client needs, companies might struggle to identify new market opportunities, develop targeted solutions, or effectively compete in the global market.
Qsn : Which one or two issues do you want to focus on if you win the election?
Ans : Focusing on capacity building for small and medium-sized software companies is essential for fostering innovation and economic growth within the technology sector. By providing resources, training, and support tailored to the needs of these businesses, we can help them thrive in a competitive market, create job opportunities, and contribute to overall economic development.
Additionally, emphasizing intellectual property (IP) accountability and protection is crucial for safeguarding the rights of innovators and creators. Strengthening IP laws, enforcing regulations, and promoting awareness campaigns can help combat piracy, prevent unauthorized use or replication of intellectual property, and encourage investment in research and development.
Both of these issues are interconnected and pivotal for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth in the technology sector. By addressing these areas, we can foster a conducive environment for technological advancement and prosperity.
