[🇧🇩] Bangladeshi Achievers

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s Bored Tunnelers making tunnel boring machine in collaboration with Elon Musk's company

Bangladesh's Bored Tunnelers invited to Elon Musk’s The Boring Company headquarters to trial their tunnel boring machine.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh’s Bored Tunnelers making tunnel boring machine in collaboration with Elon Musk's company

Team Bored Tunnelers from Bangladesh

After becoming the first-ever Asian team to reach the top three in Elon Musk's "Not-a-Boring Competition" and winning the coveted "Rookie Award", team Bored Tunnelers from Bangladesh has now been invited to Elon Musk's The Boring Company headquarters in Texas to trial their micro tunnel boring machine (MTBM). The invitation came through the annual competition, where teams are challenged to bore a 30-metre tunnel in eight days.

Tunnel boring technology, especially MTBM, is vital for developing countries like Bangladesh. Projects like Dhaka's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-5 by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which includes underground sections, rely on tunnel boring machine technology to reduce air and sound pollution, and is more environmentally sustainable, as highlighted in the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Again, traditional tunnel digging by authorities like the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) often causes surface disruptions, traffic congestion, and drainage damage.

Micro tunnelling technology avoids these issues by eliminating open-surface excavation as MTBM technology operates entirely underground, boring tunnels of 30-40 metres without disturbing the surface. Bored Tunnelers aims to revolutionise this process with automated systems that enhance safety, speed, and cost-effectiveness, with potential applications in underground cables, subways, and other infrastructure projects.

Boring machine design from Team Bored Tunnelers, Bangladesh

Bored Tunnelers started back in 2023, founded by Shaekh Mohammed Shithil, Shahriar Iqbal Mahim, and Fahin Uddin Enam. It has since grown into a cross-institutional team of students from universities like Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET); Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET); Dhaka University (DU); Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST); BRAC University (BRACU); North South University (NSU); Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB); United International University (UIU); University Technology Malaysia (UTM), and so on.

Currently led by Md Jawadur Rahman, with co-leads Nafis Ashraf and Md Sakib Islam Fahim, the team is building a more advanced MTBM this year. The technical teams have already made advancements in soil extraction technologies, supported by test engineer Dan Wagner from The Boring Company, while civil, geotech, and software teams are designing tunnels and custom software with input from Cole Kenny, also from The Boring Company.

Last year, Bored Tunnelers faced significant financial challenges, lacking funds for timely manufacturing and transportation. Unable to afford sea or air freight for their 500 kg industrial-grade MTBM, they painstakingly packed it into 37 cartons for shipping. Their determination caught the attention of The Boring Company engineers, who were impressed by their grit and dedication.

Meanwhile, this year's invitation comes during a transformative period for Bangladesh, following the fall of the Hasina regime which was driven by a united student movement. With Nahid Islam, the pioneering student leader and Advisor for Information and Broadcasting of Bangladesh, opening doors for technological and industrial support, the tunnel boring sector is one which is ready for change and for the better. Thus, Bored Tunnelers hopes to gain the advisor and ministry's backing for the resources needed for success this year.

The team's vision is clear – they want to move towards building mega tunnel boring machines that will reduce Bangladesh's reliance on foreign engineers for massive infrastructure projects. With that goal in mind, the team is expected to fly to Texas in March 2025 to test their rig and, once again, represent not just Bangladesh, but all of Asia, in one of the world's most innovative engineering competitions.

Fatima Ashraf is a Campus Ambassador for The Daily Star from Military Institute of Science & Technology (MIST).​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh's Shanum wins Silver at International Psychology Olympiad

Shanum Sarkar, a recent graduate of BIT, secured a Silver Medal at the IPsyO 2024.

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Bangladesh's Shanum wins Silver at International Psychology Olympiad

Shanum Sarkar secured a Silver Medal at the International Psychology Olympiad (IPsyO) 2024.

Shanum Sarkar, a recent graduate of Bangladesh International Tutorial (BIT), secured a Silver Medal at the International Psychology Olympiad (IPsyO) 2024.

A relatively new olympiad, IPsyO has been gaining traction amongst students interested in the field of psychology in recent times with this year's competition attracting students from 42 countries. The olympiad does not have any qualifying rounds and the international round is free to sign up for, making it largely accessible for all students.

International Psychology Olympiad is dedicated to supporting and encouraging students worldwide who take a keen interest in psychology and behavioral science. It hopes to foster the future generation of scientists in behavioral science by promoting psychological research to resolve real-world problems.

"I feel like the olympiad really taught me to embrace the real-life applications of psychology," says Shanum. "This olympiad is unique in the sense that there's a new theme every year. This year explored how AI can be used to better understand and identify mental health challenges, and help in coming up with strategies to better tackle said challenges."

Shanum is only the second person from Bangladesh to have ever secured a win at IPsyO. Previously, Parthib Paul of Government City College, Chattogram received a Bronze Medal in IPsyO 2023.​

 

[Saif]

BUET students secure first prize in international science photo contest

Labiba Islam Salsabil and Abdur Rahman from BUET secured first prizes

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BUET students secure first prize in international science photo contest

Labiba Islam Salsabil and Abdur Rahman from BUET

Labiba Islam Salsabil and Abdur Rahman, students from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) secured first prizes in the "Most Popular Photographer" and "Best Photographer" categories respectively in the "Sci-capture International Science Photo Contest 2024" organised by the Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS).

Both winners will receive a cash prize of USD 80 as well as e-certificates.

The photo contest was organised in collaboration with National Young Academy of Bangladesh (NYAB), National Young Academy, Nepal (NaYAN), Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), and Thai Young Scientists Academy (TYSA). This year's contest sought to celebrate the individuals who have dedicated their lives for the advancement of science and dissemination of scientific knowledge to a wider community.

The competition was open to all students enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programme. Participants had to endorse their submission by an authorised personnel from their respective institution.

Sci-capture 2024 had four categories for students to submit their entries under. They included: Science Superheros, Microscopic images, Disseminating scientific knowledge, and General category.

Labiba Islam Salsabil submitted her photo, titled "Territorial disparity", under the Microscopic images category and won the "Most Popular Photographer" award. Abdur Rahman submitted two photos – one under the Microscopic images category and the other under the General category. The latter, which is titled "Nature's embroidery: A morning symphony of beauty and deception" won the "Best Photographer" award.​

 

[Bilal9]

Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman, BIDA/BEZA (Guinness World Record holder Skydiver)​

 

[Bilal9]

 

[Bilal9]

Avik makes history with podium finishes in Dubai​

He secured 2nd and 3rd place finishes in 2 fiercely competitive races, beating competitors from Russia, Germany, India, UK, Egypt and Italy

https://www.dhakatribune.com/366866


Ace Bangladesh motorsport driver Avik Anwar
Tribune Report

Published : 02 Dec 2024, 05:46 AM
Updated : 02 Dec 2024, 05:46 AM

Premier Bangladesh motorsport driver Avik Anwar made history by his incredible performance at the Renault Clio Cup Middle East, round two.

Besides representing Bangladesh on the international stage, he also secured second and third place finishes in two fiercely competitive races.

Beating competitors from Russia, Germany, India, United Kingdom, Egypt and Italy on Dubai Autodrome's GP Layout, the dedicated Avik showed his testament to racing.

Clio Cup is the oldest touring car racing format where all cars are equal in terms of performance with only a driver’s talent alone making all the difference.

 

[Saif]

Four Bangladeshis honoured with 2024 Diana Award

Four Bangladeshis were honoured with the award for their outstanding contribution to society.

www.thedailystar.net

Four Bangladeshis honoured with 2024 Diana Award

Established in 1999, The Diana Award is an international accolade given out in memory of Princess Diana. It exists to recognise and celebrate young changemakers between the ages of 9 and 25 who have made a positive impact on society through humanitarian and charitable activities for at least 12 months.

This year, four Bangladeshis were honoured with the award for their outstanding contribution to society. They are Adiba Binte Ahmad Tuba, Jawad Araf Khan, Shawon Mahmud, and Tamzid Rahman.

Adiba, 15, founded the "Esho Pashe Darai Foundation" to address poverty and resource gaps in Bangladesh. She started this journey of hers at the age of 13. Currently, Adbia's initiatives include improving education for underprivileged children, organising winter clothing drives, distributing mosquito nets, and providing food during Ramadan.

Jawad, 24, founder of "Trio Business Cubers", provides innovative business solutions to those who need them. He has conducted free training sessions, equipping over 30,000 young people with business and entrepreneurship skills. Jawad's live online shows like Hustle & Bustle and Let's Amaze, have connected youth with global experts, allowing him to reach an audience of 100,000 worldwide.

Shawon, 24, founded "BigyanPriyo" in 2018 to address gaps in science education as well as combat 'pseudoscience' in Bangladesh. Currently, the platform has become the largest Bangla science network, reaching over a million students globally thanks to its engaging content and community-driven initiatives.

Tamzid, 17, founded "BloodLink Foundation", Bangladesh's first peer-to-peer blood donation app. He took this initiative after losing his cousin to Thalassemia. Tamzid's aim is to eliminate child mortality due to a lack of blood transfusions. BloodLink Foundation has already reached over 20,000 people and enabled over 2,500 connections between donors and recipients.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshi-born Australian named 'Business Person of the Year' by Australian Financial Review

Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-born entrepreneur and founder of the data centre company AirTrunk, has been named The Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) Business Person of the Year for 2024.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladeshi-born Australian named 'Business Person of the Year' by Australian Financial Review
Robin Khuda

Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-born entrepreneur and founder of the data centre company AirTrunk, has been named The Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) Business Person of the Year for 2024. Photo: AirTrunk official website

Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-born entrepreneur and founder of the data centre company AirTrunk, has been named The Australian Financial Review's (AFR) Business Person of the Year for 2024. Jack Gance, Sam Gance, and Mario Verrocchi, founders of the discount pharmacy chain Chemist Warehouse, were also recipients of the award this year.

Khuda moved to Sydney from Bangladesh at the age of 18 and pursued an accounting degree at the University of Technology Sydney. He later completed an MBA in finance from Manchester Business School in the UK and further studies in the USA. After working in the corporate sector, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, using his retirement savings to establish AirTrunk in Sydney in 2015, according to SmartCompany, an Australian publication.

In an article discussing the recognition, the AFR highlighted Khuda's journey, describing him as "the penniless student who arrived in Australia from Bangladesh", who "defied the doubters (and an empty bank account), and did something truly unique."

AirTrunk, now among the largest data centre groups in the Asia-Pacific region, operates 11 hyperscale data centres across Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In September 2024, the company was sold to private equity firm Blackstone for $16.11 billion. This deal, reportedly the largest data centre transaction in history, is also Blackstone's largest investment in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the largest Australian buyouts in recent years, according to an article by Reuters.

On LinkedIn, Khuda acknowledged the recent achievement and credited the AirTrunk team for their role in the company's success, stating, "I'm truly humbled, honoured, and privileged to receive this prestigious accolade. But this recognition belongs to all AirTrunkers who worked tirelessly and with passion to make AirTrunk a global success."

Khuda also received The Australian Financial Review's Business People of the Year for 2023. At the time, AirTrunk in an official press release noted that Khuda's risk-taking and perseverance were critical factors behind his leadership in scaling the company.

As per a recent report by AFR, AirTrunk has also announced plans to expand into South Korea and India, with a goal of surpassing a valuation of $100 billion.​

 

[Saif]

Project involving 3 BRAC University students wins international pitch competition

A plastic recycling project of a multinational student team, whose three members are from BRAC University, has been awarded the first prize of USD 1,500 at the international pitch competition, “Launch a Different World 2024”.

www.thedailystar.net

Project involving 3 BRAC University students wins international pitch competition

A plastic recycling project of a multinational student team, whose three members are from BRAC University, has been awarded the first prize of USD 1,500 at the international pitch competition, "Launch a Different World 2024".

The project focuses on converting recycled plastic into cost-effective 3D printing materials and sustainable products, and in the process, empowering communities, reducing plastic waste, and promoting a circular economy.

Of the members of "Team Repurpose", Mohammad Imran Uddin (MBA in Marketing), Mohiuddin Ahmed (BBA in Finance), and Abtahi Abrar (BBA in Marketing) are studying at BRAC Business School of BRAC University.

Of the remaining two members, Wei Jou Huang (MS in Oceanography) is a student at National Taiwan University, while Maria Vlaykova (BBA in Management) is from the American University in Bulgaria.

The team plans to launch pilot production and distribute their initial batch of 3D printing filament for testing among firms and services in Bangladesh that create architectural models and personalised gifts. They are also working on collaborations with the Eindhoven University of Technology, filament company Recycling Fabrik, and 3D printing service provider Tangible Creative.

The team believes that the future of sustainability lies in Bangladesh and that if it can be done in this country, it can be made possible anywhere in the world.

The pitch competition was run under an Open Society University Network (OSUN) course titled Social Entrepreneurship Practicum which was taught in the Fall 2024 semester. The course was co-taught by faculty members of universities and entities in Bangladesh, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Bulgaria, the United States, Lithuania, South Africa, the Netherlands, the Philippines and Ghana. The prize was sponsored by Bard College. At BRAC University, the course is taught by Dr Sebastian Groh of BRAC Business School and Neealana Naushin of the School of General Education.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshi-Australian entrepreneur donates $100 mln for women in STEM

Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-Australian tech entrepreneur, has donated $100 million to the University of Sydney (USYD), to support a two-decade program aimed at increasing participation of young girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladeshi-Australian entrepreneur donates $100 mln for women in STEM

Robin Khuda, founder and CEO of AirTrunk. Image: AirTrunk.

Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-Australian tech entrepreneur, has donated $100 million to the University of Sydney (USYD), to support a two-decade program aimed at increasing participation of young girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

According to the vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney, this donation is the largest single philanthropic contribution in the university's history and across New South Wales which will fund a comprehensive support system for female students from high school through university. The program, developed over two years in consultation with Khuda, will provide tutoring, mentoring, and financial assistance, culminating in guaranteed scholarships and university placements for eligible graduates.

According to a recent report by The Guardian, the initiative will begin in 2027 with six partner high schools, providing academic support in mathematics, physics, and engineering for students in years seven to ten. In their final years of school, 1,200 students will have the opportunity to join the "Khuda Academy," receiving mentoring from University of Sydney students and financial bursaries to encourage STEM studies. Graduates of the academy will receive a guaranteed place at the university, along with scholarships covering tuition and accommodation.

Khuda selected the University of Sydney over other local universities, citing its outstanding academic and research reputation. He described the initiative as an effort to give back and create lasting change in the sector, as per the report.

Robin Khuda, who founded the data centre company AirTrunk back in 2015, launched his philanthropy foundation in 2020 to promote gender diversity in technology. His commitment to social impact follows the USD 16.1 billion (AUD 23 billion) acquisition of AirTrunk by US private equity firm Blackstone, after which he distributed $22 million in bonuses to employees.

Robin Khuda, founder and CEO of AirTrunk, moved to Australia at the age of 18 to study accounting at the University of Technology Sydney. In recognition of his achievements, he was named The Australian Financial Review's (AFR) Business Person of the Year for 2024.​