[🇧🇩] Bangladeshi Achievers

[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.​

 

[Bilal9]

Avik Anwar makes history by finishing 2nd and 3rd for 2 races of the Renault Clio Cup! Representing Bangladesh, Avik won in the oldest racing format where all cars perform the same, only difference is the one behind the wheel. Looking forward to more wins from Avik!
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Here is a story sometime ago about Avik in one of the Dhaka News Magazines. He is a local legend in auto-racing circles.

Avik Anwar- FORMULA ONE,In Pole Position​

by K Tanzeel Zaman

Racing is a sport of fine margins, often coming down to matters of split seconds, even less. One error, one bad judgement call and just like that, your lead is gone. And it’s precisely this aspect of the game that helped the meticulous Avik Anwar bag his first international race win. Avik, who spent the first two laps trailing, noticed how his opponent would always brake late at a specific corner and completely miss it. That’s the error he decided to capitalise on during the third lap, and after that, he was just too fast to catch. All of Avik’s hard work culminated into a single moment of sheer genius which led him to win the 2019 VW Ameo Cup, making him the first-ever international race winner from Bangladesh. However, this is only the start of aspirations and ICE Today caught up with the man who is usually rather difficult to catch to get to know more about his roots, how he put Bangladesh on the map in the racing world and his next goals.

How it all began
Avik’s passion for Racing dates back to the late ’90s when he developed a fascination towards F1 Racing. Speaking fondly of his earliest memories, he recalled. “I remember that we got a cable dish so that I can watch formula one. The year was 1997, so F1 wasn’t really broadcasted in any local channels, so that was the only way. Every time I watched it on television, I just knew that this is what I wanted to do when I grew up”. Avik’s father though didn’t share this view, according to him, this career option was not a suitable one for his son as due to its low popularity in Bangladesh. So, despite having all the passion in the world, he had to settle for a different career path and pursued economics, a field in which he excelled as well. But Avik wasn’t going to let go of his dreams of Racing so quickly, and while pursuing a masters degree in, he also attended racing school on the side. “I did two side jobs just to be able to pay for racing school”, he recalled.

Initial hurdles and shifting the gears
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Avik. Sure, he knew the basics of Racing since he was a child and was naturally gifted, but there were still a lot of obstacles. Apart from the mental and physical challenges, he had to face a lot of financial challenges. “It’s a pretty expensive sport so you need sponsors which can be hard to come by since this is not cricket or even football,” he added. He has even participated in races without any sponsors.

On top of that, there was always some sort of societal pressure. “Tamim Iqbal didn’t become Tamim Iqbal in one day. Even for him, it took some time to gain his flow, and the same applied to me. I didn’t start winning instantly and would place 4th or 5th most of the time when I first began. People didn’t understand why I still kept going. Little did they know that their scepticism only motivated me to shut the haters up”, he elaborated.
His first win came in 2014 in a racing event where he was an underdog with no sponsors. “There were three runs, and after a shaky start, I came second on the second run and won the third run. That was my first taste in victory”, recalled Avik. This was only the beginning as he won his next race, that too with a fractured foot. “The night before the race, my mother asked the doctor to fix me up so that I can participate. I had so many pain killers; I could barely feel my hands when people congratulated me afterwards. It was a tough experience, but I was overwhelmed by my mother’s support”, he added. Victories started pouring in left and right, and pretty soon Avik realised that there were no more competitions in Bangladesh to conquer, so it was time to take his game global. First, it was India, then came to Malaysia. Obviously, it took some time for him to adapt because Racing against people with more experience is no walk in the park. Still, he has the “pace in him” to overcome all obstacles, and after placing the first few races modestly, he was back in his winning ways.

The intricacies of the game
Avik’s biggest inspirations are Niki Lauda and Fernando Alonso. He admires the perseverance and meticulous approach of the former and is a massive fan of how the latter can perform in sub-par machinery, something in which Avik himself excels in. On a surface level, Racing only seems like a one-man show, but there’s more to it than meets the eyes. “Racing is a team effort, even if the driver is good on his own; he needs to be in sync with his team to find success. When I race in Malaysia, we have our own team, they take data from the car and tell me in which corners I’m slow and where I’m doing good. So they’d tell me to focus on the weakest part of the track. We also compare my data to that of other drivers to point out the areas I need to work on”, he explained. Racing is not just about how fast you can go; it is about how well you can pay attention to fine details, how well you can brake and how well you can turn. It’s a sport of great finesse.


Sky’s the limit
Avik’s dream is to someday participate in Le Mans, and he is slowly building towards achieving that. Now obviously a 24-hour race is no joke and will require any individual to be in peak physical and mental conditions and Avik is consistently working to take his game to the next level. “I have been doing a lot of endurance racing. For instance, last year, I did Sepang 1000km in Malaysia, which is a 9-hour race. I did it with one of my teammates from India, and I drove for 5 hours, and he covered for the rest. We beat a lot of top guys from around the world”, he explained. One of the keys to winning an endurance race is having a lot of patience. Another crucial factor is that all the drivers involved in a team must match each other’s pace and be at the same level. Avik and his teammate were up against decorated drivers who have won the likes of the Taikyu GT Cup in Japan but were able to outlast them because they didn’t push their vehicle too far and were in perfect harmony with each other throughout the race. “This was a 9-hour race, next we want to do a 24 hour one. Before the whole Covid-19 situation, I was supposed to participate in one in Thailand, but sadly that fell through. But I intend to participate in as many endurance racing as possible so that I can eventually take part in Le Mans”, he stated.

Avik is also working to popularise Racing in Bangladesh and is planning to build a race track in Gazipur industrial area. The project had just kicked off, and talks were ongoing with a few companies to finance it, but things are currently at a standstill due to the pandemic, but it’s safe to say that once this blows out, Avik has big things planned out for the sport of Racing and its prevalence in Bangladesh. In his closing remarks, he asked aspiring racers not to be disheartened by how expensive the sport is. “I know it can get quite expensive, but you get simulators these days which makes the process much easier. There are also racing schools in India and Coimbatore that you can look into. My only advice for anyone who wants to follow my footsteps will be to start young,” he concluded.

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshi researchers at Shanghai Ocean University mark breakthrough in fish species

A joint team of researchers from Shanghai Ocean University and Jagannath University in Bangladesh recently unveiled three groundbreaking research findings on Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha), a flagship species in Bangladesh and its national fish, marking a new milestone of international...

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladeshi researchers at Shanghai Ocean University mark breakthrough in fish species

A joint team of researchers from Shanghai Ocean University and Jagannath University in Bangladesh recently unveiled three groundbreaking research findings on Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha), a flagship species in Bangladesh and its national fish, marking a new milestone of international cooperation in the species' study, management and protection.

These breakthroughs were made by three Bangladeshi researchers, namely Md Rashedur Rahman, Kishor Kumar Sarke and Anirban Sarker, all of whom are PhD graduates from the Lab of Molecular Systematics and Ecology of Shanghai Ocean University. Their research mainly focuses on three landmark studies on Hilsa shad, including its sex reversal, whole genome sequencing, and population genomics.

Notably among them, Rahman, who completed his PhD in Shanghai and returned to his own nation in December, has for the first time proved the sex change phenomenon in Hilsa shad. Through biological and histological analyses on 203 samples from six regions including the Padma River, Meghna River and the Bay of Bengal, his research revealed that this species undergoes protandrous hermaphroditism, meaning individuals transition from male to female at a certain stage of their life cycle.

This discovery provides critical insights into the apparent scarcity of male Hilsa, which has long puzzled researchers and fisheries managers, and provides an important scientific basis for understanding the complete life cycle, reproductive strategies, and sexual transition mechanisms of shad.

"The Hilsa shad, a flagship species in Bangladesh, holds immense economic and ecological value. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the biological characteristics of the Hilsa shad but also provide a scientific foundation for the conservation and sustainable management of this critically important species," said Huang Xuxiong, executive deputy dean of the College of Fisheries and Life Science at Shanghai Ocean University, at a news briefing on Feb 27.

Li Chenhong, a professor at Shanghai Ocean University and supervisor of the lab, pointed out that the research findings are the results of nearly 10 years of hard work made by three classes of Bangladeshi students in countless days and nights.

"We hope that these results will provide a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Hilsa shad, and we also hope that the educational cooperation between the two universities will bear more fruitful results," he said.​