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BANGLADESH ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE

(BEI)

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) is an

independent, non-profit and non political think

tank in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Institute

analyses and communicates issues of

importance to the private sector and seeks to

influence policy to initiate measures vital for

the development of a market oriented

economy, as well as sustainable growth of

trade, commerce and industry. To attain these

goals, BEI organizes regular consultations,

dialogues, seminars and workshops, conducts

researches and surveys, formulates policy

measures and identifies issues requiring policy

intervention from the government and other

stakeholders. BEI also focuses on the

assessment and solution for improving the

investment climate of Bangladesh.

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Table of Contents

Message from the President 5-6

BEI Profile 7-11

National Initiatives 12-21

Industrial Diversification in Bangladesh: Opportunities and Challenges

Trilateral Collaboration Meeting between the OCAG, Information Commission, Anti Corruption

Commission and BEI

Regional Workshop: Developing a Counter Radicalization Policy for Bangladesh

Developing a Counter Narrative Framework for Countering Violent Extremism

Conflict Prevention through De-Radicalization of Youth

Developing Peace Building Skills for the Youth in Preventing Radicalization in Bangladesh

The Role of Youth in Peace-Building: Experiences at Jaldhaka and Patgram Upazilla

Good Giving: Countering Terrorist Financing and Violent Extremism

International Initiatives 22-30

Contemporary Thoughts on Enhancing Bangladesh-Myanmar Relations

Track 2 Workshop on Myanmar-Bangladesh Relations

Bangladesh-India Security Dialogue

Imagining Water: Understanding the Political Economy of South Asia Rivers

Bangladesh-India Relations under Modi

Contemporary Thoughts on Bangladesh-India Relations: Opportunities and Challenges

Bangladesh-India Connectivity: Issues and Challenges

Afghanistan: Security Scenario Post Withdrawal of ISAF and Impacts on the Region

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Table of Contents

BEI Publications: 2014 31-34

Seminars and Conferences 35-41

Uniting South Asia against Terror hosted by the India Today Global Roundtable

Interagency Collaboration and Cooperation among the Office of Comptroller and Auditor

General

Opportunities and Challenges for Cooperation among Bangladesh, India and Myanmar

Developing a Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection in South Asia

Oregon National Guards’ Official Visit

National Intelligence Council Visit

Paper Presented at a Workshop in Singapore by BEI Research Director, Mr. Faiz Sobhan

Good Governance in Bangladesh: An Agenda for the Future

The Strategic Studies Summit

The Asia Pacific Advisory Panel Meeting

Current Projects 42-44

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Message from the President

I am happy to present the Annual Report of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) for the year

2014 and hope that it will give an understanding to the readers about the objectives of BEI and

the kind of work it has undertaken during the year under review.

Looking back on Bangladesh Enterprise Institute‟s (BEI) journey of almost 15 years now, I take

great pleasure today in recognizing the fact that BEI has been actively working to promote

business environment in Bangladesh with particular focus on creating an enabling environment

for the development of private sector enterprises. Keeping these objectives in mind, BEI has

provided a platform for regular interaction and dialogue among the relevant stakeholders,

including the government, private sector, development partners, media, think tanks, academics,

and other relevant partners. We are proud to say that BEI has successfully catalyzed meaningful

interactions among them, which has helped in developing awareness and understanding within

the government for the need to refine and streamline its interactions with the private sector, and

for the private sector to assist the government in formulating a forward looking policy

environment for advancing their business objectives. In order to facilitate such a process, BEI

has done good number of researches, and prepared and published various policy papers and

manuals with a view to assisting the policy makers with suitable information and data so that

they could initiate and implement appropriate legal and regulatory framework for improving the

competitiveness of Bangladesh in the global market.

In parallel, BEI has also placed great deal of emphasis on improving relations with our

neighbours, both immediate and extended ones, in the belief that strengthening relations and

facilitating trade and other economic interactions between Bangladesh and her neighbors, within

the framework of bilateral, sub-regional, regional and inter regional interactions will always be

economically beneficial for Bangladesh. Contributing to deepening of cooperation at all levels in

South Asia and the extended neighbourhood has also therefore remained a priority focus area for

BEI. As Bangladesh is facing a number of challenges in expanding its economic outreach, BEI is

committed to making sincere efforts in assisting the government and the business community in

addressing these challenges through collaborative endeavours and improving their capacity to

navigate through the evolving realities.

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In the year 2014, BEI has pushed its horizons further, focusing on several other key issues,

which of late have greatly been influencing the economic and business environment. They

include issues such as conflict, radicalization, extremism, and national security, just to mention a

few. Against this backdrop, BEI has implemented a number of projects to raise awareness about

the value of these emerging challenges and develop appropriate strategy to address them in a

peaceful and constructive manner. It is our belief that through these modest efforts BEI could

significantly contribute toward strengthening our sense of collective security, which in turn could

help create an enabling business environment and assist the business community to understand

the ground reality better and navigate through these challenges with a greater degree of ease and

efficiency.

We at BEI, hope to continue to pursue our endeavors and activities in the future with our strong

commitment to foster an enabling business friendly environment in Bangladesh and to improve

our competitiveness in the global environment. In light of this, we plan to intensify our

engagement and work with the government, private sector and other stakeholders in Bangladesh

as well as joining hands with our neighbours to advance our common economic objectives for

the benefit of the common people.

Before concluding, let me take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Board of

Governors for their regular guidance and support, our development partners for their confidence

in us and thus substantively supporting our activities. Last but not least, I thank my colleagues at

BEI for their dedication and continuing effort, which has made it possible for BEI to establish for

itself, both at home and abroad, a reputation for excellence in its research, advocacy and policy

support to all relevant stakeholders and partners.

Farooq Sobhan

President

Bangladesh Enterprise Institute

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BEI Profile

BEI Statement of Vision

BEI Statement of Mission

Aspirations of BEI

The Process of Achievement

BEI and the Private Sector of Bangladesh

Target Groups

Funds and Finance

The Future Direction of BEI

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BEI Statement of Vision

To see Bangladesh as an economic powerhouse, self-reliant and integrated with the region in

particular and the world in general.

BEI Statement of Mission

To foster and promote the creation of an enabling environment in Bangladesh, where private

enterprises can deliver and sustain robust economic growth for the country and prosperity for the

people.

Aspirations of BEI

BEI promotes and articulates issues of importance to the private sector and seeks to

influence policy and to initiate measures crucial to the development of a market-oriented

economy as well as sustainable growth of trade, commerce and industry.

The institution responds to the ever-growing challenges of the business and industrial

community in a rapidly changing world to address how the private sector in Bangladesh

can best cope with and obtain maximum benefit from globalization.

The necessity for transparent and accountable corporate governance practices in all

sectors to build a solid foundation for the growth of capital markets, to attract foreign

direct investment and to encourage indigenous investment is recognized by BEI.

BEI advocates the integration of Bangladesh in the global market through unrestricted

access for her manufactured goods, especially for ready-made garments in North

America, Europe and Asia.

The Process of Achievement

BEI achieves its goals and objectives by engaging in a number of processes. The institution

Organizes regular consultations, dialogues, seminars and workshops with stakeholders;

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Conducts research, surveys and reviews on issues, which are of critical importance for

the success of the private sector;

Disseminates knowledge and information on trade, investment, corporate governance and

related fields;

Formulates policy measures and identifies issues requiring policy intervention for its

stakeholders.

BEI and the Private Sector of Bangladesh

One of the main issues that BEI propagates is the significance of private sector growth in

Bangladesh. To aid its goal of promoting this issue, BEI focuses on:

Building the private sector‟s capacity to network with national, regional and international

bodies which could help to promote the economic interests of Bangladesh

Achieving greater degree of market access for Bangladeshi products abroad

Influencing the policy-making process through effective interaction with decision makers

and legislators.

The present industrial regime of Bangladesh has been typified by policies which seek to elevate

the role of the private sector and export-oriented industries in the economy. For the rapid growth

of these industries institutional arrangements and incentives, including successful export-

processing zones have played a role as a result of which both new opportunities as well as new

challenges have been created in the business community. Since the abolition of quota-free access

of ready-made garments with the phasing out of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in January 2005, the

country is facing the challenge of increased competition in both the domestic and foreign

markets.

Under the prevailing conditions, BEI concentrates on the vanguard issues of economic

competitiveness that are crucially important for the industries of Bangladesh. BEI is conscious of

the fact that identifying the implicit and hidden strengths and opportunities should necessarily be

accompanied by the challenge of eliminating the many inefficiencies and inadequacies that are

currently standing in the way of investment. Through the presentation of hard facts and

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persuasion, BEI focuses on preparing the key stakeholders for a realistic and pragmatic reform

agenda.

Bangladesh‟s effective integration of globalization gives rise to one of the important roles that

BEI plays as in the domestic issues and concerns. Emerging issues for the domestic economy

include: rationalization of the country‟s production structure, adoption of improved technologies

and enhancement of trade related capacity building. A specific area of interest for BEI is the role

and growth of SMEs in the domestic economy.

A key to the success of Bangladesh‟s export products is the open access for Bangladeshi goods

to the USA, Canada, India and some other lucrative markets. BEI provides research and support

to influence the open access and trade liberalization of the country in addition to taking an active

interest in the issues related to regional and sub-regional cooperation in South Asia in areas of

trade, investment, environment, transport, security, energy and water resources.

Target Groups

All sections of the society, including business leaders, trade associations, government officials,

development partners, academics, professionals and other relevant interest groups engage in

roles in BEI‟s quest to identify, evolve, advocate and validate policy issues and measures.

Funds and Finance

BEI has received generous support from its Board of Governors and is now a self-sustaining

institute whose funding is provided from projects and research activities. The projects are

financed by a wide variety of international multilateral agencies, as well as supported by the

development agencies of their bilateral partners.

The Future Direction of BEI

To carry forward the objective of economic development, the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute

will continue to enhance the organizational performance of the private sector. Relentless efforts

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will continue to influence the existing regulatory framework for improving the infrastructure and

for a conducive investment climate which will enhance the growth of the private sector.

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National Initiatives

Industrial Diversification in Bangladesh: Opportunities and Challenges

Trilateral Collaboration Meeting between the OCAG, Information Commission, Anti

Corruption Commission and BEI

Regional Workshop: Developing a Counter Radicalization Policy for Bangladesh

Developing a Counter Narrative Framework for Countering Violent Extremism


Developing Peace Building Skills for the Youth in Preventing Radicalization in

Bangladesh

The Role of Youth in Peace-Building: Experiences at Jaldhaka and Patgram Upazilla


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Industrial Diversification in Bangladesh: Opportunities and

Challenges

Bangladesh Enterprise Institute and Milken Institute jointly organized two-day Financial Innovations

Lab™, "Industrial Diversification in Bangladesh: Opportunities and Challenges" on Tuesday,

August 11-12, 2014 at the Singapore Management University, Singapore. The Meeting was

participated by government leaders, investors, finance experts and economic development thought

leaders and other diverse backgrounds. Experts shed lights on the economic challenges that

Bangladesh is currently experiencing. Issues related to diversification of the economy, ensuring

favorable environment for continuous flow of FDI, avoiding loss of preferential treatment for

exports etc. are highlighted in the meeting.

The Lab brought together government leaders, investors, finance experts and economic

development thought leaders to analyze best practices that apply to the country and to provide

leaders in Bangladesh with specific recommendations. Based on lessons learned from countries

like Singapore that moved from a labor-intensive economy to one focused more on capital and

high-skill industries, the discussion led to the beginning of a framework taking the Bangladeshi

economy forward.

Some key general recommendations were identified at the Financial Innovations Lab that provided

the potential for a strong foundation for building the blocks of economic development. The Lab

addressed concern regarding the thought that it had been difficult for countries around the world to

make the recommended ideas operational. The key recommendations raised at the lab, required to

overcome the challenges with market–oriented policies are as follows:

Addressing the challenges of the board of investment

Improving financial incentive policies

Addressing the accountabilities (public, private and governmental)

Addressing the lack of marketing

Improve workforce training.

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Trilateral Collaboration Meeting between the OCAG, Information

Commission, Anti Corruption Commission and BEI

The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General organized a joint dialogue on „Trilateral

collaboration between the OCAG, Information Commission, Anti Corruption Commission and

Bangladesh Enterprise Insitute‟, on November 10, 2014 at the OCAG Conference Room, Kakrail,

Dhaka, Bangladesh. BEI has been promoting trilateral collaboration and communication among the

national oversight agencies to bring more transparency and accountability in the public sector. Mr.

Masud Ahmed, Comprtoller and Auditor General of Bangladesh chaired the meeting, and Mr.

Bodiujjaman, Chairman, Anti Corruption Commission, Ambassador (Rtd) Md. Faruk, Chief

Information Commissioner, Information Commission, and Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir, Vice

President, Bangladesh Enterprise Institute participated as special guests. Senior level officials from

all these institutions actively participated in this event. The participants agreed that in order to

establish good governance and bring transparency in the public sector, it is important to facilitate

institutional mechanism for coordination among these three oversight bodies. Recognizing the

leadership role of BEI in facilitating interagency collaboration among OCAG, ACC and IC, the

heads of these institutions requested BEI to take further initiatives to provide technical supports to

strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

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Regional Workshop: Developing a Counter Radicalization Policy for

Bangladesh

1st Workshop: Bangladesh Enterprise

Institute (BEI) organized the first regional

workshop entitled “Developing a National

Counter-Radicalization policy for

Bangladesh” on 23 March. 2014. The

workshop gathered experts from India, Mr.

Subir Bhaumik, former BBC Eastern India

Bureau Chief, Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive

Director, Centre for Research and Security

Studies (CRSS), Islamabad. Mr. Md. Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary graced the event as Chief

Guest while Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs was a

speaker at the meeting. Mr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Senior Research Director and Faiz

Sobhan, Research Director presented papers at the workshop on behalf of BEI. The session was

moderated by Mr. Farooq Sobhan, President, BEI.

BEI Vice President,

Ambassador M.

Humayun Kabir (left),

and Research

Director, Mr. Faiz

Sobhan (right), at the

First Regional

Workshop on

Developing a Counter

Radicalization Policy

for Bangladesh.

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2nd Workshop: Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI)

organised the second regional workshop entitled

“Developing a Counter-Radicalization Policy for

Bangladesh” on 14 December 2014 at Flambé, Gulshan 2.

The closed door experts‟ workshop was inaugurated by

Major General Md. Shamsul Haque, psc, Director General

of National Security Intelligence (NSI). In his remarks,

General Haque emphasized that Bangladesh was

continuously upgrading its counter-radicalization

capabilities in order to combat the diversity of radical

threats.

Representatives from Pakistan (Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director of Center for Research and

Security Studies, Islamabad), Nepal (Mr. Subindra Bogati, Chief Executive of Nepal Peacebuilding

Initiative) and India (Mr. Subir Bhaumik, former Chief of BBC Eastern India Bureau) shared

experiences of their respective countries from de-radicalization and counter-radicalization

perspectives. Mr. Farooq Sobhan, President of BEI, concluded the workshop by stating that

Bangladesh needed to have a multidimensional approach in order to combat the challenge that lies

ahead.

“There is a strong need

for a concerted effort to

counter radicalization

and terrorism,

especially in view of its

transnational nature.”

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Developing an Effective Counter Narrative Framework for Countering

Violent Extremism

BEI Research Director, Mr. Faiz Sobhan attended a roundtable expert meeting on the 18th and 19th

of June, organized by the ICCT and Hedayah. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the

components for a counter-narrative framework that could effectively refute the narratives

communicated by violent extremist actors such as al Qaeda.

Challenges encountered by governmental and non-governmental counter-narrative initiatives were

identified. Participants discussed elements relevant in the context of counter-narratives such as the

type of narrative, the target audience, the messenger, the substance of the message and the medium

used to deliver the most effective counter-narrative in order to identify best practices and

recommendations for effective counter-narrative strategies. The role of governments was also

examined and their need to communicate strategically was stressed. During the final session,

participants developed a list using examples of current and potential future projects that may close

the knowledge gap and assist in the development of counter-narratives.

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Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), in association with Ministry of Youth and Sports organized a

meeting in order to discuss BEI‟s EU-funded project on “Conflict Prevention through De-

radicalization of Youth” on 26th

January, 2014 at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Mr. Nur

Mohammad, Secretary for Youth and Sports, chaired the meeting. Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir,

Vice President, BEI and Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Senior Research Director, BEI led the BEI

Team.

BEI Vice

President,

Ambassador M.

Humayun Kabir

speaking at the

meeting to

discuss BEI’s EU-

funded project,

entitled “Conflict

Prevention

through De-

Radicalization of

Youth.”

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Developing Peace Building Skills for the Youth in Preventing

Radicalization in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI),

funded by the European Union (EU),

arranged a workshop entitled

“Developing Peace-Building Skills for

the Youth in Preventing Radicalization in

Bangladesh” on 01-03 November 2014 at

Bangladesh Institute of Management

(BIM), Sobhanbag, Dhaka. 28

participants from 14 youth organizations

from 7 divisions of Bangladesh joined the training program. The workshop focused on varying

dimensions of radicalization and extremism in Bangladesh. The major objective of the workshop

was to deliberate on the role of youth in the prevention of radicalization and establishment of

peace. The aim was to associate youth who can work towards preventing radicalization and

establishing peace, to secure youth from conflicts, enhance youth knowledge, educate and strengthen

the role of youth in society, build network

through youth forum, and to reexamine the

process of radicalization in order to prevent

conflicts. The workshop was facilitated by

Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir, Vice

President, BEI, and Mohammad Humayun

Kabir, Senior Research Director, BEI.

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The Role of Youth in Peace-Building: Experiences at Jaldhaka and

Patgram Upazilla

Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), funded by the European Union, organized two three-day

training workshops on “The Role of the Youth in Peacebuilding” from 22 December to 24 December

2014 at Jaldhaka Upazilla in Nilphamari and from 26 December to 28 December at Patgram

Upazilla in Lalmonirhat district. Participants included a total of 59 students from schools, colleges

and madrassas from different areas of Jaldhaka Upazilla in Nilphamari and of Patgram Upazilla in

Lalmonirhat. Participants reflected a balance in respect of religion and gender representation. At

Jaldhaka, the venue for the training workshop was the training room of Unnayan Shohajogy Team

(UST), Jaldhaka branch, and the second workshop was held at the conference room of Patgram

Upazilla Parishad, Lalmonirhat. Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir, Former Secretary and Vice

President of BEI, inaugurated the first workshop, while Mr. TMA Momin, AC Land of Patgram

Upazilla, inaugurated the second one. Student Development Association (SDA), Nilphamari, played

a supporting role in organizing both workshops.

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Speakers at a seminar called on the state and non-state parties to make concerted efforts to combat

terror financing in the name of NGO and charitable organizations on 8-10 December, 2014. They

made the call at the inaugural session of a two-day workshop titled „Good Giving: Countering

Terrorist Financing and Violent Extremism in the Charity Community‟ at Hotel Sarina in the city

jointly organized by the US Department of State and Overseas Prosecutorial Development

Assistance and Training Program (OPDAT) of the Justice Department. William R Brownfield, US

Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, said charities and

NGOs collect millions of dollars each year for benevolent causes across the globe, but a portion of

that money willingly or unwillingly is being used for terrorist financing. Elizabeth Joyce of Counter-

Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) of United Nations said the government and

civil society should join hands to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of terrorist financing.

She also said drug peddling has a link with terrorist financing. The matter should be kept in mind.

The officials of law enforcement agencies and narcotics should work within the bounds of law.

Mr. Farooq Sobhan, President of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, said Bangladesh

has taken a hard line against terrorism. It has been working with other

neighbouring countries of this region to stamp out terrorism. He also referred to

an agenda of SAARC to eliminate poverty and terrorism.

BEI Research Director Mr. Faiz Sobhan made a presentation on “What is

Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)” and “Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) in

Bangladesh” at the workshop.

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International Initiatives


Track 2 Workshop on Myanmar-Bangladesh Relations

Bangladesh-India Security Dialogue

Imagining Water: Understanding the Political Economy of South Asia Rivers


Contemporary Thoughts on Bangladesh-India Relations: Opportunities and Challenges


Afghanistan: Security Scenario Post Withdrawal of ISAF and Impacts on the Region

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Mr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Senior Research Director, BEI, spoke at a seminar held at

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on 21 May, 2014. The meeting

was also attended by Foreign Secretary, Mr. Md. Shahidul Haque and representatives of the

Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS), among others. In his comment,

Mr. Kabir reiterated the fact that trust deficit, security concerns, the issue of Rohingya refugees and

ethnic tension in Rakhine State were the main obstacles to furthering the good neighborly relations

between the two countries. He concluded by saying that addressing the citizenship crisis of the

Rohingyas by the Myanmar government will boost bilateral relations between Bangladesh and

Myanmar as it would tackle one of the most important outstanding issues between the two

countries. Overall, most of the participants pin pointed the element of mistrust between the two

nations as being the main problem that stands in the way to strengthening bilateral relations. Lack

of political will and regular exchange of views, confidence deficit, were also identified as

elements adversely affecting the relations.

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Track 2 Workshop on Bangladesh-Myanmar Relations

Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir, Vice President, BEI, and Mr. Faiz Sobhan, Research Director,

BEI, participated in the “Track 2 Workshop on Myanmar-Bangladesh Relations”, jointly organized

by the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Myanmar ISIS) and the Friedrich

Ebert Stiftung (FES) Office (Myanmar) and FES Office (Bangladesh). The workshop was held at

Myanmar ISIS in Yangon on 23-24 September, 2014.

The objective of the workshop was to explore ways and means to improve Myanmar-Bangladesh

relations and enhance cooperation between the two countries. Issues discussed at the workshop

include current political, economic and social developments in Bangladesh and Myanmar;

Bilateral trade as means for enhanced cooperation- Opportunities and challenges; Investment

interests and opportunities for Bangladesh and Myanmar across the border; and Peace, Harmony

and Prosperity in Rakhine State: The Way Forward.

Participants from both sides spoke with candor and discussed openly under Chatham House Rules.

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5th and 6th Bangladesh India Security Dialogue

5th Dialogue: The Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), in partnership with the Observer

Research Foundation (ORF)-Center for International Relations, India, held a two-day “Bangladesh-

India Security Dialogue” on 2-3 April 2014 at ORF in New Delhi, India.

Security experts, academics, government functionaries and civil society members of both

Bangladesh and India attended the Dialogue. This was the fifth in a series of dialogues that BEI has

held in association with ORF.

The main purpose of the dialogue was to examine the state of relationship between Bangladesh and

India, with a special focus on promoting regional security. The underlying objective of the dialogue

was to increase cooperation and collaboration between the two countries with a view to promoting

common and shared developmental and security objectives.

In his speech, BEI president Mr. Farooq Sobhan highlighted the fascinating transformation of the

relationship between Bangladesh and India ever since the Independence of Bangladesh. He also

stated that a mutual friendship has been borne out in shared experiences, which are all useful in

building up a good understanding between the two neighbors and marching towards a better all-

round cooperation. He also mentioned the progresses achieved during the last 5-6 years, relating

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the economic fronts, power sectors, sub-regional cooperation, border security, border management

and counter-terrorism cooperation.

6th Dialogue: Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, in partnership with the Observer Research

Foundation (ORF) - Center for International Relations, India, organized the 6th Bangladesh India

Security Dialogue on 30 November – 1 December 2014 at Long Beach Suites Hotel, Dhaka. H.E.

Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, M.P., Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, graced the occasion as Chief

Guest. Mr. Farooq Sobhan, President of BEI, and Dr. C. Raja Mohan, Head – Strategic Studies and

Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, also spoke at the session. Security experts,

academics, government functionaries and civil society members of both Bangladesh and India

attended the dialogue. The main purpose of the dialogue was to examine the state of relationship

between Bangladesh and India, with special focus on promoting regional security. It also explored

opportunities to increase cooperation and collaboration between the two countries, with a view to

promoting common and shared developmental and security objectives.

Mr. Farooq Sobhan, President, BEI (left), and H.E. Mr. Abul Hassan

Mahmood Ali, M.P., Foreign Minister of Bangladesh (right), speaking at

the inaugural session of the 6th Bangladesh-India Security Dialogue.

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Imagining Water: Understanding the Political Economy of South Asian

Rivers

BEI undertook and concluded a regional project, entitled “Imagining Water: Understanding the

Political Economy of South Asia‟s Rivers”. The project was funded by the Chatham House (Royal

Institute of International Affairs), UK. The aim of the project was to provide a better understanding

of the attitudes of policy-makers and opinion formers in South Asia towards water. BEI has

conducted 75 Key Informants Interviews and 200 e-mail surveys and produced a report on the issue.

The report entitled "Attitudes to Water in South Asia" was launched on 13 November 2014 (see BEI

Publications section)

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BEI President Mr. Farooq Sobhan delivered a speech on a

seminar, entitled “Bangladesh-India relations under

Modi”, at the Carnegie Endowment for International

Peace in Washington DC on 30 June 2014. With Narendra

Modi‟s accession in power as Prime Minister, Bangladesh

and India both have a number of critically important

issues to work with.

Mr. Sobhan raised the pertinent issues of border

demarcation, water sharing and internal political

dynamics as the most salient concerns for the Modi

government for maintaining a robust relation with

Bangladesh. Dr. Frederic Grare, Director of Carnegie‟s

South Asia Program, moderated the session.

“There is now a strong

political will to improve

relations and take it to

newer heights. BJP, which

was opposed to some of the

issues earlier may see them

on a new perspective given

Prime Minister Modi’s

thrust on consolidating

India regional policy and

the linkage it provides to

India’s economic

development and security.”

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Contemporary Thoughts on Bangladesh-India Relations: Opportunities

and Challenges

BEI President Farooq Sobhan chaired a session on a seminar entitled “Contemporary Thoughts on

Bangladesh India Relations: Challenges and Opportunities” held at Bangladesh Institute of

International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on 18 August, 2014. In his concluding comment, Mr.

Sobhan stated that a stable and reciprocal Bangladesh-India relation is essential for the progress of

South Asia as a region, as both the countries work together for attaining common objectives like

poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, combat human and rug trafficking among other issues.


Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

convened a two-day workshop, entitled

“Consultative Workshop on India-

Bangladesh Connectivity: Issues and

Challenges” on 19 September 2014 at

Kolkata, India. BEI Senior Research

Director, Mr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir

attended the workshop. The workshop shed

light on several important factors

constituting the challenges and the

possibilities that shape the India-Bangladesh

relations at wider spectrum. The workshop

was divided into four business sessions,

each focusing on a specific mode of

connectivity between the two countries;

India-Bangladesh connectivity through

waterways, the possibilities and challenges

of energy cooperation, border management

and mechanisms and approaches of India

and Bangladesh were four key areas of

focus.

(Picture Overleaf)

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Afghanistan: Security Scenario Post Withdrawal of ISAF and

Impacts on the Region

The NDC in collaboration with Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies

(BIISS) and Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) organized a day-long seminar on

“Afghanistan: Security Scenario Post Withdrawal of ISAF and Impacts on the Region”. In his

opening speech, Gen. Akbar highlighted the significance of a stable Afghanistan for overall

security of the region including Bangladesh. Speakers such as Dr. Gowher Rizvi highlighted the

challenges that may emerge following the withdrawal of the US-led international forces from

Afghanistan and how that would not only affect the Afghans, but also its relation with the

neighbors. The need for greater regional cooperation for security interests was hence stressed.

BEI Research Director Mr. Shahab Enam Khan also presented a paper on “Emerging Security

Challenges in South Asia: Post Withdrawal of ISAF in Afghanistan” at the seminar

Mr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Senior Research Director, BEI attended the

workshop, entitled “Consultative Workshop on India-Bangladesh

Connectivity: Issues and Challenges”

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BEI Publications: 2014

The Role of Media in Countering Radicalization in Bangladesh

The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Countering Radicalization in Bangladesh

Attitudes to Water in South Asia: The Bangladesh Chapter

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The Role of Media in Countering Radicalization in Bangladesh

BEI launched a report, entitled “The Role of Media in Countering Radicalization in Bangladesh”

on 27 August 2014 at Flambé, Gulshan 2. The objective of the report was to assess all aspects of

counter-radicalization using the media as a potential arsenal in the face of rising Islamic

radicalization in the region. The report featured the following: the media and radicalization in

Bangladesh, the state of radicalization in Bangladesh, the state of the media, youth radicalization,

ways in which the media can play a more proactive role in countering radicalization, promoting a

coherent counter-narrative partnering with the media, and the challenges facing counter-

radicalization with respect to the media.

Report Launch Ceremony: The Role of Media in Countering Radicalization

in Bangladesh.

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The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Countering Radicalization

in Bangladesh

BEI organized a report launch ceremony of the publication entitled “The Role of Civil Society in

Countering Radicalization in Bangladesh” on Tuesday, 28 October 2014 at Flambé. This report

is one of the deliverables of the project “Towards Developing a Better Counter Terrorism

Regime in Bangladesh- Phase II”, being implemented by Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI),

with financial support from the Royal Danish Embassy. It aims to explore the role of civil

society in countering the phenomenon of radicalization in Bangladesh. In view of this, Mr.

Farooq Sobhan, President of BEI, emphasized on the need for involvement and commitment

from civil society organizations in countering radicalization, highlighting that CSOs have an

important role to play by reaching out to all segments of the society.

Report Launch

Ceremony: The Role

of Civil Society

Organizations in

Countering

Radicalization in

Bangladesh. From

Left, Ambassador

M. Humayun Kabir,

Major General AKM

Abdur Rahman, Mr.

Farooq Sobhan and

Mr. Mohammad

Humayun Kabir.

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Understanding the Political Economy of South Asia Rivers: The

Bangladesh Chapter

The report entitled "Attitudes to Water in South Asia" was launched on 13 November 2014. The

objective of the report was to assess the attitudes to water in South Asia with a particular focus

on internal and external challenges of water security in Bangladesh as well as its way forward.

The report was the outcome of a project exploring attitudes towards domestic water management

and trans-boundary water issues in five South Asian countries including Afghanistan,

Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Honorable Minister,

Ministry of Water Resources, Professor Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus at the Centre for

Climate Change and Environmental Research, BRAC University, Dr. Gareth Price, Senior

Research Fellow at The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House in London,

distinguished discussants and participants took part in the report launch ceremony.

Report Launch

Ceremony:

Attitudes to

Water in South

Asia. From Left,

Dr. Gareth Price,

Mr. Anisul Islam

Mahmud, M.P.,

Mr. Farooq

Sobhan,

Professor Ainun

Nishat and Mr.

Mohammad

Humayun Kabir.

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Seminars and Conferences

Uniting South Asia against Terror hosted by the India Today Global Roundtable

Interagency Collaboration and Cooperation among the Office of Comptroller and Auditor

General

Opportunities and Challenges for Cooperation among Bangladesh, India and Myanmar

Developing a Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection in South Asia



Paper Presented at a Workshop in Singapore by BEI Research Director, Mr. Faiz Sobhan




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Uniting South Asia against Terror hosted by the India Today Global

Roundtable

BEI President Mr. Farooq Sobhan spoke at a session at Kathmandu on 25 November 2014 hosted

by India Today Global Roundtable. Two MPs from India, a Sri Lankan envoy, a Pakistani former

military spokesman and the BEI President and former Foreign Secretary, Mr. Farooq Sobhan

discussed the possibility of uniting SAARC members in combating terrorism. Mr. Sobhan said

that Bangladesh was "pretty successful" in dealing with terror in the last six years but indicated

that terror today was on the rise. In reference to the Burdwan blast case, Mr. Farooq Sobhan

mentioned in his discussion that Bangladesh was cooperating with India to solve the issue.

Mr. Farooq

Sobhan, President

of BEI, speaking

at the “Uniting

South Asia

against Terror”

conference

hosted by India

Today Global

Roundtable on 25

November, 2014

at Kathmandu.

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Interagency Collaboration and Cooperation among the Office of

Comptroller and Auditor General, Anti Corruption Commission, and

Information Commission

It is of paramount importance to have

effective collaboration and cooperation

among the three key oversight institutions –

Office of Comptroller and Auditor General

of Bangladesh (OCAG), Anti Corruption

Commission (ACC), and Information

Commission (IC) to strengthen

accountability, transparency and integrity in

Bangladesh. Hence, it was agreed that the

Heads of these institutions with their

executives would meet periodically to

discuss and review the issues of mutual

collaboration among themselves. The

venues for these meetings will rotate among

IC, ACC and OCAG. The Secretaries of

ACC, IC and OCAG would be designated as

focal points to facilitate the coordination and

collaboration meetings. This was discussed

in a Conference on “Interagency

Collaboration and Cooperation among the

Office of Comptroller and Auditor General,

Anti Corruption Commission, and

Information Commission, Bangladesh. This

conference was successfully organized by

the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI)

and supported by the Friedrich Naumann

Stiftungfür die Freiheit (FNF) under the

Project on “Strengthening Information

Dissemination Capacities of the Key

Oversight Institutions in Bangladesh”. The

meeting was held on Thursday, February 06,

2014, at the Auditorium, Bangladesh

Institute of International and Strategic

Studies (BIISS).

The distinguished participants have stressed

on the issue in forming a platform that

would allow these agencies to interact

creatively and progressively. This means

that the officials from these agencies would

be able to discuss and share their respective

strengths and improve any weaknesses to

establish greater transparency and

accountability in the public offices, public

finances, and, in turn, will ensure access to

information for the public. It was also

mentioned that there are several bottlenecks

for which the field level officers are not able

to discharge their duties properly. Mutual

sharing of existing resources, joint initiatives

for advocacy and training, and coordination

among the officers of OCAG, ACC and IC

can greatly empower the officers to perform

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their roles properly.

They have suggested that more advocacy

works in terms of proactive disclosure of

information, trainings on the relevant laws –

particularly the RTI Act and Audit

regulations – for the public officials and the

civil society members need to be facilitated.

Panelists also think that this sort of

coordination meetings among the oversight

agencies in Bangladesh will enhance mutual

confidence and overcome the inherited

colonial hangover of mistrust and non-

cooperation. Mindset of cooperation will

facilitate sharing of information among each

other that will help to reduce corruption by

raising the quality of financial and

information management and public

awareness.

During the program, a report on „Perception

Study on the Information Commission‟ has

been disseminated. The report highlights the

need for establishing a formal platform for

collaboration and coordination among

OCAG, ACC and Information Commission.

The report further stressed that this

collaboration process should also include the

National Board of Revenue, the Human

Rights Commission, and the Parliamentary

oversight committees such as the Public

Accounts Committee to discuss and address

the issues of mutual interest.

Mr. Masud Ahmed, Comptroller and

Auditor General of Bangladesh, Office of

the Comptroller and Auditor General of

Bangladesh, Ambassador (Retd.)

Mohammed Farooq, Chief Information

Commissioner, Information Commission

Bangladesh, and Mr. M Bodiuzzaman,

Chairman, Anti-Corruption Commission,

Bangladesh were present as Guests of Honor

at the meeting. Among others Information

commissioners and Director Generals and

Directors of ACC and OCAG spoke at the

event. Mr. Farooq Sobhan, President,

Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI)

moderated the program.

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Opportunities and Challenges for Cooperation among Bangladesh,

India and Myanmar

Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir, Vice President, Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, visited

Kolkata (India) from March 3 – 4, 2014 to attend a Regional Conference on “Opportunities and

Challenges for Cooperation among Bangladesh, India and Myanmar", sponsored by Friedrick

Ebert Stiftung (FES), India Office. The Bangladesh Delegation comprises Professor Dr. Imtiaz

Ahmed, Syed Badrul Ahsan, Executive Editor, The Daily Star and a representative of CPD. Mr.

Henrik Maihack, Director of FES also attended the Conference.

Developing a Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection in

South Asia

Mr. Farooq Sobhan, President, BEI, visited Kathmandu, Nepal to attend a regional conference

jointly organized by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and South Asia Centre for Policy Studies

(SACEPS) on “Developing a Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection in South Asia – A

Multi-Stakeholder contribution to the upcoming SAARC Summit” on 21 August 2014.


A delegation of Adjutant General of Oregon National Guard visited BEI office on 7 September

2014. The discussions focused on the economic outlook of Bangladesh, women empowerment,

water security, environmental change, humanitarian response, disaster support and the prospects

of private sectors‟ involvement in the areas of rescue and disaster management efforts along with

existing government mechanisms.

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Visiting US officials from the National Intelligence Council discussed issues regarding “Climate

Change and Environmental Security” with BEI Research scholars on 1 September 2014.

Paper Presented at a Workshop in Singapore by Mr. Faiz Sobhan,

Research Director, BEI

Faiz Sobhan, Research Director, BEI, presented a paper at a workshop organized by the Global

Center, the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) and The Institute for Inclusive Security,

entitled “The Role of Civil Society in Strengthening Rule of Law-Based Responses to Terrorism

and Violent Extremism in South Asia”. The workshop was held in Singapore on 4-5 December

2014, and explored the role of civil society in strengthening and supporting rule of law-based

responses to terrorism and violent extremism in South Asia. It provided a platform for regional

civil society practitioners as well as select experts and officials to exchange experiences, lessons

learned, and good practices and explores existing gaps in strengthening rule of law-based

responses to address the threat of violent extremism, with a view to enhancing regional security

cooperation.

BEI Research Director,

Mr. Faiz Sobhan

alongside other

participants who took

part in the workshop in

Singapore.

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Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), in association with the High Commission of Canada in

Bangladesh, organized a seminar on “Good Governance in Bangladesh: An Agenda for the

Future” on 16 February 2014 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Dr Gowher Rizvi, Honorable Adviser

to the Prime Minister on International Affairs, inaugurated the seminar as Chief Guest. The

Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka, H. E. Ms. Heather Cruden, also spoke at the inaugural

session that was chaired by Mr. Farooq Sobhan, president of BEI. Apart from the inaugural

session, the day-long seminar was split into two working sessions. Each of the working sessions

included two presentations, followed by open floor discussions. Participants of the seminar

included academics, former diplomats, politicians, researchers, members of civil society and

development partners. The key objectives of this seminar were to deliberate on the state of

governance in Bangladesh and to provide recommendations for the promotion of good

governance in the country.


At the invitation of the Strategic Studies Network (SSN) of NESA, Mr. Farooq Sobhan,

President of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute participated in the Strategic Studies Summit held in

Bangkok from February 23 to 25, 2014 as the Chairman of the Working Group on Afghanistan

in Transition. The working group was entrusted with the responsibility of identifying primary

security issues that confront Afghanistan and the region and for providing policy

recommendations for Afghan, regional and interested outside governments after withdrawal of

NATO forces in 2014.


At the invitation of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Farooq Sobhan,

President of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, will be participating in the UNDP Asia-Pacific

Regional Advisory Panel Meeting to be held on 28th March 2014 at Bangkok, Thailand. The

agenda of the meeting include: Disaster and Climate Change, Natural resources, South-South

Cooperation, Urbanization and Youth, jobs and livelihoods.

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Current Projects

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Current Projects

Towards Developing a Better Counterterrorism Regime in

Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) has undertaken a three-year long comprehensive

research project on developing a suitable counterterrorism narrative, funded by the Royal Danish

Embassy in Bangladesh.

The primary objectives of the project are to understand the trends in radicalization in

Bangladesh, develop a deeper understanding of terrorist ideologies and create a common

platform for the government and other relevant stakeholders to deliberate on the means and ways

of addressing the problems of radicalization, with the ultimate goal of developing a draft

guideline for a national counter-radicalization policy.

The more individual components of the project involve understanding and promoting the

respective roles of our media, civil society and education system in countering radicalization, as

well as doing a study on the sources of terrorist financing and the role of the Bangladeshi

diaspora in radicalization, and ultimately developing a counter-narrative against terrorist

ideologies and propaganda. While the research on the individual roles of media and civil society

has been completed, the research involving the role of the education system in combating

radicalization is still ongoing.

Conflict Prevention through Counter Radicalization of Youth

Funded by the European Union, the project‟s overall objectives are to support various

stakeholders involved with youth and children in preventing conflicts and consolidating peace in

Bangladesh while enhancing capacity building, networking, advocacy and dialogue. More

specific objectives include decreasing the participation of youth in radical violence and conflict,

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while promoting youth driven peace-building activities and protecting children from adverse

impacts of conflict and radicalization.

Under this project, BEI has arranged a workshop titled “Developing Peace-building Skills for the

Youth in Preventing Radicalization in Bangladesh” on 01-03 November, 2014. 28 participants of

14 youth organizations from 7 divisions of Bangladesh joined the training program. One of the

major parts of the training program was to focus on the role of youth in preventing radicalization

and establishing peace in Bangladesh through the acquisition of peace-building skills.

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BEI Team

Ambassador Farooq Sobhan: President

Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir: Vice-President

RESEARCH

Mr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir: Senior

Research Director

Mr. Faiz Sobhan: Research Director

Mr. Shahab Enam Khan: Research

Director

Mr. Ashish Banik: Senior Research

Associate

Mr. Masud-ul Alam Sarker: Research

Associate

Mr. Athoye Sharif: Research Associate

Mr. Ishtiaque Alam: Research Associate

Ms. Namia Akhtar: Research Associate

Mr. Ali Siddique: Research Officer

Mr. M. Ahmed Shuvo: Research Officer

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Md. Shamim Al Mamun: Head of

IT/Systems Manager

FINANCE

Mr. Mehedi Parvez: Finance Manager

Mr. Palash Chandra Das: Senior Accounts

Officer

Mr. Md. Zaed Been Farhad: Accounts

Officer

ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Mozibul Hoque Sarker: Senior

Administrative Officer

Md. Sakawat Hossain: Executive Secretary

cum Board Secretary

Mr. Zakir Hossain: Administrative Officer

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BEI Board of Governors

Mr. Salman F Rahman: Chairman

Mr. Ragib Ali: Member

Mr. Khan Mohammad Ameer: Member

Mr. A. Matin Chowdhury: Member

Mr. Tapan Chowdhury: Member

Mr. Elthem B Kabir: Member

Mr. Minhaz Kamal Khan: Member

Mr. Md. Rafiqul Haque: Member

Mr. S.M. Abdul Mannan, MP: Member

Mr. A S F Rahman: Member

Mr. Zulfiquar Rahman: Member

Mr. Abdul Hai Sarker: Member

Mr. Altaf Hossain Sarker: Member

Mr. Ramzul Seraj: Member

Mr. A. K. M. Shamsuddoha: Member

Engr. M. Abu Taher: Member and Treasurer

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Bangladesh Enterprise Institute

House 2, Road 54

Gulshan-2, Dhaka 1212

Bangladesh

Phone: 9892662-3, Fax: 9888583

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bei-bd.org

mailto:[email protected]

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