Digital Revolution in Bangladesh

23 Expert Predictions for 2014

Bangladesh, with its large and young population is set to reap demographic

dividends. I believe that in 2014, digital media will empower young

entrepreneurs to start small and reach niche customer groups with unique

products at a much lower cost than mainstream media.

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Use of digital media has been on the rise in

Bangladesh as of late. In 2014, WebAble predicts

web platforms to fundamentally disrupt the

marketing of ideas, brands and businesses. But to

what extent and how? We reached out to 23

experts to find out.

**Quotes have been presented alphabetically

Asif Khan

Bangladesh, with its large and young population is set to reap demographic

dividends. I believe that in 2014, digital media will empower young

entrepreneurs to start small and reach niche customer groups with unique

products at a much lower cost than mainstream media.

Founder, The Asif Khan Blog

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Bickey Russell

Internet consumption continues to explode in Bangladesh and online

behavior is evolving rapidly. As in other emerging markets, the next 12

months will see a dramatic shift in businesses looking to reach the connected

consumers, with a much greater focus on effective campaign measurement

and targeting.

Head of Agency Development, Channel Sales, Google

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Fayaz Taher

160 million connected through internet and phone makes one powerful

network. We see a rising trend on people getting connected as internet and

smart phone usage spreads. Digital marketing will be an important vehicle

for brands to reach that network .

Investor, Magnito Digital

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Iraj Islam

We have over 20 Million active desktop internet users now, and as a result the

year 2014 will be a year of unprecedented growth in content marketing

among brands in Bangladesh.

CTO, NewsCred

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Kazi Monirul Kabir

The growth of internet penetration in Bangladesh has the potential to

disrupt the way we have seen internet traditionally. First time internet users

and many of them using mobile devices to access internet, would redefine

how individuals and businesses connect and collaborate online. New ideas

of using internet would drive growth of online solutions for many offline

problems…

Country Consultant, Bangladesh, Google

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Korvi Rakshand

Social media campaigns, combined with engaging content and structured online

funnels, can be very powerful tools for non-profits to raise money for their

projects, mobilize communities, and develop awareness.

President, JAAGO Foundation

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M K Aaref

Lack of connectivity is no longer an excuse. Emergence of digital media has created

a huge opportunity for entrepreneurship. Put your business ideas into action and

start earning instead of waiting for a 'chakri'.

CEO, Center for Public Service and the Arts at EMK Center

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M Saifur RahmanChief Executive Officer, LightCastle Partners Ltd.

In the last few years, the digital world has affected our lives in multiple

dimensions. From business to politics, the digital media has been a major

force in re-shaping our thought process and lifestyle. With a tech-savvy

youth population intricately engaged digitally, the importance of social

media has never been felt more.

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Mahmudul H Shohag

Internet usage has gained remarkable momentum in Bangladesh and in 2014

it will grow even faster. Armed with a huge amount of psychographic and

demographic information, brands will be able to target specific customer

groups. So it's time to be efficient, it's time to be smart, it's time to go online.

Chairman & CEO, OnnoRokom Group

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Minhaz Anwar

In future, the mini-screen will rule! However, telecom operators of today will

turn into fossils unless they keep switching the gear all the time to remain

relevant. It will be the world of Nano where biology, chemistry, engineering

everything will become one integrated idea.

Chief Storyteller, BetterStories Ltd. & StartUp Activist, BizCube

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Mridul Chowdhury

In two years time, two important things will happen: One, dumb phones will

become more or less obsolete. Two, high-speed Internet will be available

throughout much of the country. This will fundamentally change the way

we communicate, learn and share.

Founder and CEO, mPower Social Enterprises

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Naveed Mahbub

Chief Entertainment Officer, Naveed's Comedy Club

The key is content. The delivery mechanisms are social media and web in general.

The audience, while at the moment being limited to the somewhat affluent, will

eventually become the masses now that 3G is in place and with smart phones

eventually becoming affordable.

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Nash Islam

2014 will usher in the first era of multi-channel digital media planning in

Bangladesh. In the past, it was enough to have a Facebook page and some ads to

promote it. Now businesses will look to optimize multiple digital touch points

through websites, videos, mobile & more. Multi-channel digital media planning will

bring these together within one strategy.

CEO, Green and Red Technologies

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Nazmul Ahmed

Bangladesh is #3 in the world for taking on jobs from online marketplaces which

accounts for 10% of all their work! Given these trends, with 70 million youths

and increasing internet penetration, it is very promising for us to skip the IT/BPO

all together and establish a very strong culture of entrepreneurship, freelancers

and independent contractors!

CEO & Founder, Ennovision

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Pial Islam

Although we have about 10 million people using mobile banking today, less

than 5% of them are active wallet users currently. pi Strategy Consulting

forecasts that in 2014 the mobile banking activity rate will experience a 500%

growth. And with that, a vibrant mobile banking market will begin to emerge,

which will in turn facilitate uptake of e-commerce in Bangladesh in a

significant way.

Managing Partner, pi Strategy Consulting

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Piplu R Khan

Film-maker & Founder, Applebox

Digitally enabled thinking is shaping quite interestingly in Bangladesh and

it will influence our storytelling very soon. In 2014, digital media will

become a powerful platform to connect brands with hearts and minds of

users.

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Prabeer Sarkar

Online activity is gaining momentum. 2014 is a year of hope and stability. It is

poised also to be a year of online growth, business and marketing in

Bangladesh. We should be ready this year for unprecedented growth in content

marketing among the brands in Bangladesh.

CEO and Founder, Officextracts (Kaspersky Lab),

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Quazi M. Ahmed

With 36 million internet users, 6.4 million Facebook account holders, and 3G

taking off fast in Bangladesh, I expect an unprecedented opportunity for brands

to engage with consumers' hearts and minds through real-time interactions

across multiple digital channels in 2014.

Lead Consultant/CEO, FutureLeaders

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Saddam Azad

Up until now, the music industry had failed to leverage the internet for

publishing & curating music and reaching its target audiences. This is about

to change in 2014 with exciting new developments in the intersection

between technology and music.

Founder & CEO, Dugdugi

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Sadequa R. Sejuti

In 2014 digital media will truly transform the growth of small businesses

online. I look forward to seeing brands leverage visibility in search engines,

micro level community targeting, and social media marketing to the full

extent.

Managing Director, Future Solutions for Business (FSB)

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Saif Kamal

Brands in Bangladesh need to use social media to listen to their

consumers and integrate it into their user insights and research.

Managing Partner, Toru The Idea Tree

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Sajid Islam

In addition to all the startup ecosystem development activities, the

adoption of smartphones & 3G rollout will cause massive innovation &

disruptions in 2014.

CEO & Founder, Shetu

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Sarah Ali

Faster connectivity will open up richer content experiences for users across

desktop and mobile devices. With the advent of 3G, allowing for bandwidth-

intensive visually stimulating engagements, expect to see greater use of video,

rich-media applications, and brand experiences that call on real time data and

actionable feedback.

Managing Director, Bitopi Advertising Ltd.

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Revamp your digital strategy

for 2014 with us

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