TEDxNorthSouthUniversity

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Ashik Chowdhury

  Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)

  Ashik Chowdhury (Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun) is a prominent Bangladeshi investment leader, serving as the Executive Chairman of BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority) & BEZA, a key figure in attracting foreign investment, and a former HSBC investment banker with deep expertise in finance and sustainable projects. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), he holds an MSc from London Business School and a BBA from Dhaka University (IBA), with a background at American Airlines and a passion for skydiving, holding a Guinness World Record for a flag-bearing freefall.

• Hasnaeen Rizvi Rahman

  Founder & CEO at Astha IT

  Hasnaeen Rizvi Rahman founded Astha IT in 2008 while in his mid-twenties. Since then, the company has grown into a global technology service provider serving clients across all continents and earning multiple awards from the Government of Bangladesh. Under his leadership, Astha IT has become a leading software exporter, employing and mentoring hundreds of engineers. Beyond Astha IT, Hasnaeen co-owns four other tech ventures across Canada, Malaysia, and the United States. A passionate problem solver, he was a multiple-time national chess champion during his school years. He began programming in the ninth grade and sold his first commercial software at 16. He graduated summa cum laude from North South University with a degree in Computer Science. Today, Hasnaeen is a speaker, mentor, and thought leader exploring the intersection of technology, strategy, and human potential.

• Mirza M. Ferdous

  Senior Lecturer + Businessman

  Mr. Mirza M. Ferdous is an educator, mentor, and thought leader dedicated to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world business practice. A National Merit Scholar, he has built a reputation for empowering students and professionals with practical skills in finance, analytics, and decision-making. Over the years, he has designed nationally recognized training initiatives that have equipped hundreds of learners with industry-relevant expertise. As a mentor and coach, he has guided university teams to global finals of the CFA Institute Research Challenge multiple times, while also advising consulting and outsourcing firms and contributing to research that supports economic growth and professional capacity building in Bangladesh. In his talk, “FinTech Frontier: How Digital Finance Can Drive Inclusive Growth in Emerging Markets” he highlights how technology-driven financial systems can expand financial access and create opportunities for inclusive economic participation.

• Mukhlesur Rahman

  Telecom & Digital Strategy Leader

  Mukhlesur Rahman, PCC, PfMP, is a distinguished telecom and digital strategy leader with over 20 years of experience navigating the intersection of board governance, corporate leadership, and executive coaching. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of Stakeholder Relations at Banglalink, he has held pivotal roles including Country Representative for NEC Corporation and Interim Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability. An ICF Professional Certified Coach, Mukhlesur is dedicated to unlocking human potential and aligning organizational purpose with strategic execution. His leadership foundation is built on an elite academic background, including an engineering degree from BUET, an MBA from IBA-University of Dhaka, and executive education from INSEAD and Cornell University. Beyond the corporate sector, he contributes to social impact as a Steering Committee Member for the international humanitarian NGO, Good Neighbors Bangladesh.

• Rafayat Rakib

  Founder of Digital Dropouts

  Rafayat Rakib: Entrepreneur, Content Creator, Video Editing Maestro, and Mentor. With a thriving video editing agency based in the UK and over 5,000 client videos edited, this top-rated Fiverr seller has more 5-star ratings than your favorite movie. With 1.5 million followers cheering him on, Rafayat isn’t just editing videos; he’s shaping the future of digital content. Whether you’re here to learn, laugh, or be amazed, you’re in the right place.

• Sadia Haque

  Co-Founder & CEO of ShareTrip

  Visionary leader and innovative entrepreneur with extensive experience in the Travel, Lifestyle & Payments. As Co-Founder and CEO of ShareTrip, I have revolutionized the online travel industry in Bangladesh, setting benchmarks for service excellence and technological innovation. As a dedicated advocate for Bangladesh's economic growth, passionate about empowering businesses and entrepreneurs to reach their full potentia