Archives: Board of Directors

Mr. Nurul Hai serves as the Managing Director overseeing all business aspects of Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL). He brings over 16 years of experience in venture investing, impact fund management, company building, value creation, investment banking and impact research. His career spans South Asian markets with additional engagements in East Africa and the Caribbean, where he has helped founders turn resilient business models into scalable and profitable outcomes while protecting investor downside through strict monitoring, significant value addition, disciplined governance and appropriate exits. He believes that thriving startup ecosystems are built when public ambition effectively meets private execution, and he has made a practice of translating that belief into investable pipelines, clear decision frameworks and actionable results. Before joining SBL, he was the Vice President at SEAF, a global impact fund management firm based in Washington D.C., focusing on global impact investing and development impact work. In Bangladesh, he led SEAF’s Bangladesh Ventures Fund and completed several exits from portfolio companies as well as an Agri-ventures fund.

Mr. Hai’s earlier leadership track includes building the research and alternative asset management teams at LankaBangla AMC, where he formed teams and managed public-markets fund with a strong process discipline. As part of his earlier advisory roles, he steered US$2–40 million transactions across various verticals including consumer, agri-ventures, technology and industrials. Foundational roles at IL Capital, BD Capital, BRAC Bank, and Asian Tiger Capital Partners sharpened his end-to-end skill set from origination and valuation to documentation, monitoring, and exit execution.

Mr. Hai’s network spans DFIs, VCs, PEs, Financial Institutions, and other Institutional Investors, enabling fundraising and market entry for companies while maintaining strong standards on governance and ESG including gender-lens investing and climate actions. He has executed several types of exits including IPO, trade sale, settlement, self-liquidation, etc. He contributes to the ecosystem as a pitch judge at Unicorn Battles, an APAC Mentor & Strategic Advisor to 2X Ignite (part of 2X Global), and a Board Member of the Global Centre for Risk and Innovation – platforms he uses to coach operators and raise the bar for investment readiness. He holds an EMBA (Finance) from IBA and a BBA (Finance) from the University of Dhaka.

His vision for Startup Bangladesh Limited is to pair speed with stewardship: disciplined pacing and concentration, transparent monitoring, and global partnerships that open new markets for Bangladesh’s founders and investors. The goal is a pipeline where outcomes are shared – founders grow with clarity, and investors are rewarded through clean governance and timely profitable exits.

Email: nhai@startupbangladesh.gov.bd

Mr. Tanveer Ali is Chairman of Constellation Asset Management. He is among the earliest angel investors and startup ecosystem advocates in Bangladesh. With a portfolio of over 15 investments in Bangladesh and more than 60 globally, he has invested in or supported a wide array of Bangladeshi startups, including Pathao, Chaldal, ShopUp, Barikoi, ShareTrip, and Ridmik.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Mr. Ali has been based in Bangladesh since 2006. He was an Executive Director at Olympic Industries, the largest biscuit manufacturer in Bangladesh, where he oversaw revenue growth from $7 million in 2007 to $260 million in 2023. He also led the launch of the company’s sustainability program and the implementation of SAP ERP.

Mr. Ali holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and a joint MBA from IE Business School, Spain, and Brown University, USA. He has previously served on the Executive Council of VCPEAB (Venture Capital & Private Equity Association of Bangladesh), the Executive Committee of BAPLC (Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies), and the Investment Committee of BD Venture. Mr. Ali is also a trustee of the Mubarak Ali Foundation, a trust focused on impactful changes in art, architecture and education in Bangladesh and through the engagement of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

Ferdaus Ara Begum has vast experience of working with the private sector since 1987. A master’s degree holder in economics from the University of Dhaka, she completed her Post-Graduate Diploma in International Economics and Institutions. She received training from AIT, Thailand, on Project Implementation and Management. She attended training on services and international trade law and development in Esami, Arusha and Tanzania. She has previously acted as the In-Charge of the DCCI Research Cell for several years, served as Secretary of the DCCI for some time, and worked as Executive Director of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry for several years.

She has managed numerous projects and coordinated many national and international programmes, contributing her extensive expertise to the areas of policy research and advocacy, SME development and promotion, research on Multilateral Training System (MTS), project management, women entrepreneurship development, and chamber management. She has also worked for CIPE, ITC, JETRO, GIZ in different capacities.

Mr. Arif Khan is at present the Vice Chairman of Shanta Asset Management. Mr. Khan has played a pivotal role in the field of finance both in public and private sector of Bangladesh and has over 30 years of experience in the financial sectors of Bangladesh.

Prior to joining Shanta Group, he was the Managing Director and Chief Executive of IDLC Finance, where he previously served for 15 years and held key positions, including the role of the deputy managing director. Before joining IDLC as the MD and CEO, Mr. Khan served Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) as a commissioner. During his stint with BSEC he pioneered several reforming initiatives as a capital market regulator under guidance of Honorable Chairman and Ministry of Finance including Stock Exchanges Demutualization, Corporate Governance Code for Publicly Listed Companies, Public Issue Rules, Listing Regulations, Equity Research Rules and many more.

Mr. Khan graduated in Finance and Banking from the University of Dhaka and later completed his MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA). He was the president of Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Bangladesh and is the founding President of Bangladesh Merchant Bankers’ Association (BMBA) and CFA society, Bangladesh.

Mr. Md. Abu Sayed is a senior civil servant of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, currently serving as Additional Secretary and Director General of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DoICT). He is also serving as the Executive Director (Additional Charge) of Bangladesh Computer Council. He belongs to the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) Cadre, 18th Batch, having joined government service on 25 January 1999. With more than 26 years of professional experience, Mr. Sayed has built a distinguished career across field administration, public policy, ICT governance, planning, international cooperation, and institutional leadership.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sayed has served in a wide range of important administrative and leadership roles at both field and central government levels. His early career included postings as Assistant Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner (Land) in Chandpur, Chattogram Division, Rajshahi Division, and Chapainawabganj, followed by service as Deputy Collector in Nilphamari. He later served as Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) in Chitalmari (Bagerhat) and Monpura (Bhola), where he gained extensive experience in grassroots governance and local development administration.

At the policy and senior management level, Mr. Sayed held key positions including Additional District Administrator in Bhola and Chuadanga, Secretary (on deputation) at Barishal City Corporation, and Director at the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC). He also served internationally as First Secretary at the Bangladesh Embassy in Muscat, Oman, contributing to diplomatic, administrative, and expatriate-related engagements. His experience further includes senior roles in the Planning Division, Economic Relations Division (ERD), and the Prime Minister’s Office (on deputation).

Academically, Md. Abu Sayed has a strong multidisciplinary background. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science from the University of Rajshahi. He later pursued advanced studies in Development Studies and obtained a Master’s degree in Public Policy. He also earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies from the Institute of Developing Economies – Advanced School, Japan, and completed the prestigious Young Leaders Program (YLP) at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan.

Mr. Sayed has participated in numerous professional training programs at home and abroad, covering areas such as development administration, public procurement, project management, land management, e-government, public finance, and ICT systems. His international exposure includes training and professional programs in Japan, China, India, and other countries, enriching his global perspective on governance and development.

Md. Abu Sayed was born on 3 January 1973 in Barguna District. He is happily married, and is the proud father of one son and a daughter.

Munshi Abdul Ahad boasts a distinguished 31-year trajectory across diverse sectors, including finance, macroeconomics, consumer rights, statistics, agricultural marketing, and banking. Initiated into the Bangladesh Civil Service in November 1995, he has contributed to various capacities within the Department of Agricultural Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture, Statistics Division of the Ministry of Planning, Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, Ministry of Commerce, and the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance.

A scholar of the Civil Service College affiliated with the University of Dhaka, Mr. Ahad earned a Masters of Public Affairs in International Economic Relations, complemented by a Masters of Commerce in Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Banking from the University of Dhaka.

His commitment to professional development is evident through his participation in numerous domestic and international training programs focused on finance and marketing. Mr. Ahad’s expertise has been instrumental in various development projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Bangladesh, where he has held multifaceted roles.

Within the Finance Division, he has navigated through the Administration wing, Treasury and Debt Management wing, Macroeconomic wing, Budget and Planning wing, Administration and Coordination wing, Implementation wing, and Expenditure Management wing, showcasing his versatility and dedication.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Ahad recourse a deep passion for social work and enjoys the melodies of music. He cherishes family life, being happily married and the proud father of a son.

He joined Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL) as one of the Directors on its Board on 11th December 2024.

Mr. Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, at present, Secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs

He passed SSC from Nawabpur Government High School, Dhaka; HSC from Dhaka College and LL.B (Honors) and LL.M from University of Dhaka successfully. He was also Awarded M.Phil.  from Islamic University, Kushtia and PhD from University of Dhaka. He was enrolled as an Advocate of the District Court and the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on 16 August, 1994 and 07 March, 1996 respectively. He practiced as an Advocate from 16 August, 1994 to 19 January, 2000 in the District Courts of Bangladesh and the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh respectively.

Later on 20 January, 2000 he joined in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs as an Assistant Secretary (Drafting) and started his career in the profession of Legislative Drafting. He was later promoted to Senior Assistant Secretary (Drafting), Deputy Secretary (Drafting) and Joint Secretary (Drafting) in the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of Ministry of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs. He has been serving as an Additional Secretary (Drafting) (Current Charge) in the Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs Division of the same Ministry from June 27, 2021 till date.

While in service, he has received various short-term and long-term trainings at home and abroad. He has traveled to UK, Canada, Singapore, India, Nepal, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, France, Finland, Philippines, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Germany.

In his long service career Mr. Hafiz has participated actively in different meetings, workshops, seminars; regional, bi-lateral and multilateral meetings on different negotiations in the country and abroad.

He attended as a member of delegation of 70^th Session of the Committee on the Child Rights held in Geneva, Switzerland on 15-16 September, 2015 for Consideration of CRC reports submitted by Bangladesh (5^th Periodic reports).  He also attended as a member of delegation of 51^st Session of the Committee on the Child Rights held in Geneva, Switzerland on June 3, 2009 for Consideration of CRC reports submitted by Bangladesh (3^rd and 4^th Periodic reports).

In his personal life he is married and blessed with two daughters. His vision is to serve the nation.  His favourite hobby is reading books and papers.