Top 10 Intellectuals of Bangladesh Under 50

In Bangladesh’s vibrant tapestry, exceptional minds are shaping the future. Let’s explore the top 10 intellectuals of Bangladesh under 50 who are positively influencing our world.

These remarkable individuals go beyond borders, making Bangladesh proud. From photography to economics, they’ve left an indelible mark.

Best 10 Intellectuals of Bangladesh Under Fifty

Find out the top 10 list of intellectuals shaping Bangladesh under fifty. Explore their insights, contributions, and impact on the nation’s intellectual landscape.

Sajid Amit, Center for Enterprise and Society

Sajid Amit, Director at the Center for Enterprise and Society, shapes its strategic direction for impactful research. Concurrently, he directs the EMBA program at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, demonstrating his commitment to fostering academic excellence.

As a Senior Advisor at Bangladesh Tala.co, Sajid contributes significantly to the company’s growth, leveraging his expertise in strategy and finance. With a background overseeing KPMG’s global offices, he’s received research awards from BlackRock and Morgan Stanley.

Recognized with prestigious awards, including KPMG India’s Outstanding Performer and Columbia University’s Richard Hofstadter Faculty Fellowship, Sajid is a key stakeholder in Bangladesh’s fintech and financial inclusion.

His extensive experience includes implementing large projects for the British High Commission, Canadian High Commission, USAID, and the US State Department.

Learn More: Biography of Sajid Amit

Experience

• Director, Center for Enterprise and Society (CES) and Director, Executive MBA, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, 2014-Present
• Director and Head of Strategic Sales, BRAC EPL, Stock Brokerage Limited, 2011-2013
• Adjunct Faculty, North South University, 2011-2012
• Manager of Research, Analytics & Knowledge, KPMG, Research, Analytics & Knowledge Delhi NCR, India, 2008-2010

Education

• M.A. in Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 2005-2007
• M.A. in International Economic History of Asia & Africa, SOAS, University of London, London, UK 2004-2005
• B.A. in History and Minor in Economics, Dartmouth College Hanover, NH, 2000-2004

Sylvana Sinha, Praava

Ms. Sinha, Founder and CEO of Praava Health in Bangladesh, leads a network of family health centers prioritizing patients. With a background in law and entrepreneurship, she shaped Praava Health into a tech-driven platform. Drawing inspiration from global conversations, she tailored the company’s approach to Bangladesh’s economic growth.

Ms. Sinha’s decade-long experience spans law, business, and government relations. She advised on investments and governance in diverse markets, including the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. As a foreign policy advisor to Senator Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential campaign, she demonstrated her commitment to impactful governance.

A Columbia Law School graduate, Ms. Sinha holds a master’s from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a Bachelor’s from Wellesley College. Her expertise extends to international development, making her a valuable National University of Singapore Medicine International Council member. A Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Ms. Sinha’s journey embodies a dedication to innovation and global impact.

Experience

• Founder, Chair, & CEO, Praava Health · Full-time, Aug 2014 – Present
• Board Member, PATH, Sep 2022 – Present
• Guest Lecturer, Columbia Business School, Oct 2020 – Present

Education

• Harvard University, MPAID, International Development Economics, Conflict, 2001 – 2004
• Columbia Law School, JD, Human Rights, Conflict, International Law, 2000 – 2004
• Wellesley College, BA, Economics, Philosophy, 1995 – 1999

Muntasir Tahmeed, Inspira Advisory

Muntasir Tahmeed, with nine years as Managing Director at Inspira Advisory & Consulting Limited, is an expert in business research and pro-poor projects. His clientele includes prestigious organizations like the Central Bank of Bangladesh, the World Bank, and Oxfam GB. He is educated at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, and holds a B.B.A. in Marketing. Muntasir’s impactful contributions extend beyond his professional roles. 

A visionary in off-the-grid business models, he led a team to win the Outstanding Innovation award at the International Dell Social Innovation Challenge in 2013. As the driving force behind Slide Up, Bangladesh’s first Data Visualization Design & Training Platform, he has trained over 300 executives. 

Muntasir is a key player in Dhaka’s startup ecosystem, with engagements such as the ‘Social Start-Up Summit 2014’ keynote and the ‘Digital World Tech Start Up’ panel. Recently, he has taken on the role of a facilitator, contributing to the business community’s growth.

Experience

• Inspira Advisory & Consulting Limited, Managing Director, Jul 2018 – Present

Education

• Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Marketing, 2011 – 2015

Sabrina Inam, Bitsy and Praava

Sabrina Inam, the Founder & CEO of Bitsy since September 2020, is also a Director on the Board of Directors at Praava Health since May 2020. Praava Health, led by Ms. Sinha, emphasizes patient-centric family health centers with advanced technology.

Ms. Sinha, an attorney and entrepreneur, has a rich background in international law, business, and government relations. She served as a foreign policy advisor to Senator Barack Obama. Additionally, Ms. Sinha is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and holds positions in the National University of Singapore Medicine International Council.

Sabrina Inam’s commitment extends to education, having participated in the Seed Spark Entrepreneurship Program at Stanford University and earning an MBA from the University of Arizona. Her venture, Bitsy, aims to inspire learning and creativity in children with safe and quality toys.

Job Experience

• Founder & CEO, bitsy, Sep 2020 – Present
• Praava Health, Director, Board Of Directors, May 2020 – Present
• IBM, Quality Assurance Lead, Enterprise Systems, Oct 2009 – Mar 2014

Education

• Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Seed Spark Entrepreneurship Program, 2022 – 2022
• University of Arizona, Eller College of Management, Master of Business Administration (MBA), 2006 – 2008
• The University of New Mexico, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Electrical Engineering, 

Asif Khan, Edge Asset Management

Asif Khan, an investment professional for over 14 years, brings a wealth of experience from both buy-side and sell-side roles. Having worked for an American asset manager and a British investment bank, he recognized the challenges in Bangladesh’s investment landscape—lack of data, practical analysis, and information asymmetry. In 2017, Asif co-founded EDGE AMC Limited and EDGE Research & Consulting Limited to address these issues. Alongside his colleagues, Asif has assisted hundreds in making informed investments in Bangladesh, leveraging their experience, analytical skills, and a strong professional network. EDGE’s clients range from global fund managers to multinational corporations, benefiting from their expertise in achieving optimal risk-reward ratios.

Experience

• Co-Founder, EDGE Ventures Limited · Full-time, Mar 2022 – Present
• Co-Founder, EDGE Research & Consulting Limited, Jan 2018 – Present
• Chairman & Co-founder, EDGE AMC (Asset Management Company) Limited · Full-time, Jan 2018 – Present

Education

• North South University, BBA, Finance, Accounting, Economics, 2005 – 2008

Bijon Islam, LightCastle Partners

Bijon, the co-founder and CEO of LightCastle Partners, focuses on creating data-driven growth opportunities. He led engagements with 150+ businesses, 1,500+ SMEs/Startups, and 50+ accelerator programs in seven years. LightCastle, under his leadership, launched a Smart Capital Investment Program, aiding SMEs/Startups with growth capital.

They also partner with Biniyog Briddhi, supporting impact enterprises in Bangladesh. Recently appointed as a deal-sourcing and due-diligence partner, LightCastle has mobilized over USD 150 million in investments.

Bijon’s prior experience with Citibank, N.A., and Citi Foundation includes overseeing significant financial milestones. Recognized as a Top 7 Rising Young CEO, Bijon actively contributes to the ecosystem, participating in over 200 entrepreneurship events.

Experience

• Co-founder and CEO, LightCastle Partners Ltd, Apr 2013 – Present 

Education

• Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance and Financial Management Services, 2012 – 2014

Ali Imam, Edge Asset Management

Ali Imam, the Founder & CEO of EDGE Asset Management Company (AMC) since July 2017, spearheads the management of four mutual funds and several separately managed accounts.

Established in February 2018, EDGE AMC was born from the idea of bringing a research-driven approach to investment management in Bangladesh.

Ali Imam, with a BBA in Finance from Dhaka University and a CFA designation from the CFA Institute, brings a wealth of experience. Prior to founding EDGE AMC, he served as the Head of Research at BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Limited from January 2010 to July 2017.

Committed to building trust, EDGE AMC focuses on long-term investment strategies, aligning with clients who share a similar philosophy.

Experience

• Founder & CEO, EDGE AMC (Asset Management Company) Limited, Jul 2017 – Present
• Head of Research, BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Limited, Jan 2010 – Jul 2017

Education

• Dhaka University, BBA, Finance Major, 2003 – 2007
• CFA Institute, CFA, Investment Management, 2011

Fahim Ahmed, Pathao

Fahim Ahmed, appointed as Managing Director & CEO of Pathao, leads Bangladesh’s prominent digital platform. Joining as CFO in 2018, Fahim assumed the role of President in mid-2020. Graduating from Middlebury College, he brings over 18 years of finance, investment, and operational experience. Fahim spearheads Pathao’s strategy, meeting the rising demand for digital services during the pandemic.

With a background as a managing director at SEAF and experience with global entities like RBS, American Securities, and Goldman Sachs, Fahim’s leadership aligns with Pathao’s vision. His tenure reflects a seamless transition, showcasing his commitment to steering Pathao’s market dominance in ride-sharing, food delivery, and e-commerce logistics.

Experience

• CFO & CEO, Pathao, 2018 – Present

Education

• Middlebury College, B.A., Economics, Religion, 1999 – 2003

Rubaiyat Sarwar, Innovision

Md. Rubaiyath Sarwar, co-founder and Managing Director of Innovision Consulting, specializes in market-driven solutions to poverty. With a belief in collaborative efforts, he integrates the private sector, NGOs, and government agencies for sustainable impact.

An Acumen Fellow from Bangladesh, Rubaiyath’s 19-year journey spans diverse projects across Asia and Africa, addressing growth, employment, and inclusiveness challenges. Serving as Chairman of the Value Chain Capacity Building Network for Asia and the Pacific, he leads efforts to develop a regional resource pool.

As the founder of Desperately Seeking Development Expert, a platform with over 28,000 members, Rubaiyath actively contributes to the development discourse in Bangladesh. His ventures include D2, a data analytics company; Baggitude, an online retail channel for sustainable bags; and PROSHAR, an innovative relief and financial aid transfer solution.

Experience

• Managing Director, Innovision Consulting Private Ltd., 2008 – Present 

Education

• Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, MBA, Marketing, 2005 – 2006
• North South University, Master of Science, Economics, Jan 2021 – Jan 2023

Siffat Sarwar, ShopUp

Siffat Sarwar, Co-founded ShopUp, Bangladesh’s leading full stack B2B Commerce platform for MSMEs, in order to build a platform that could enable small entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses easily.

She is passionate about solving problems at scale. Thrilled about the transformation Bangladesh will go through over the next decade, and excited about the opportunity to play a part in it.

Experience

• ShopUp, Co-founder & COO, Feb 2015 – Dec 2020

Education

• Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Jul 2022 – Jun 2023
• Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, Bachelors in Business Administration, Finance, General, Jan 2008 – Dec 2011

Further Reading: Guide to the Stock Market in Bangladesh

Conclusion

In conclusion, these intellectuals under 50 have woven a rich narrative for Bangladesh. Their impact resonates globally, bringing honor and inspiration to our nation.

As we reflect on their diverse contributions, it’s evident that each has played a unique role. Together, they form a tapestry of brilliance, shaping Bangladesh’s trajectory for years.

FAQs

How have these intellectuals impacted Bangladesh on a global scale?

Answer: The featured intellectuals have gained international recognition for their contributions, elevating Bangladesh’s global standing.

What challenges have these intellectuals faced in their respective fields?

Answer: Challenges vary, from advocating for human rights to overcoming obstacles in their chosen domains. Each intellectual has faced unique struggles.

How can individuals support the causes championed by these intellectuals?

Answer: Support can be extended through awareness, engagement, and, where possible, contributions to relevant projects and initiatives.

What role do these intellectuals play in inspiring the younger generation?

Answer: They serve as inspirational figures, motivating the younger generation to pursue excellence and contribute positively to society.

How can the impact of these intellectuals be sustained for the long term?

Answer: Continued support for their initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation and social responsibility can help sustain their impact.