Forbes has unveiled its ninth annual “30 Under 30 Asia” list, recognizing 300 young entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators under the age of 30 who are driving change and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.
This year, nine talented individuals from Bangladesh have made it to the prestigious list, showcasing their remarkable contributions in diverse fields such as arts, technology, media, finance, and more.
Arts: Anusha Alamgir
Anusha Alamgir has been featured in the Arts category for her exceptional multidisciplinary artistic talents.
With a master’s degree in architecture from the Royal College of Art in London, Alamgir is known for her innovative application of architectural concepts to sculpture, painting, photography, and performance.
Her work addresses contemporary issues in Bangladesh, including the female body image and the male gaze.
Anusha was the only female Bangladeshi to exhibit at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2023 Venice Biennale with her film “Porda,” which explores Muslim veiling practices.
Her work has been showcased by the Oitij-jo Collective in London, the La-La Land Gallery in Los Angeles, and the Drik Picture Library in Dhaka. Additionally, Anusha is the founder of the online thrift store Colors Dhaka.
Consumer Technology: Mehedi Shoron
Mehedi Shoron, co-founder of HelloTask, has been recognized in the Consumer Technology category.
HelloTask, often referred to as the “Uber for maid service,” offers hourly bookings, monthly subscriptions, and verification of maids to ensure their safety and protection from exploitation.
The platform has garnered funding from investors as well as grants from the World Bank and Oxfam. HelloTask aims to expand its workforce to 100,000 maids by 2025 and explore international markets, revolutionizing the domestic help industry.
Media, Marketing, and Advertising: Redwan Ahmed
Redwan Ahmed has earned a spot in the Media, Marketing, and Advertising category.
An award-winning freelance journalist, Ahmed is renowned for his impactful reporting on significant issues in Bangladesh.
His coverage of the Rohingya crisis for Agence France-Presse earned him the 22nd Human Rights Press Award.
His investigative work for The Guardian exposed the exploitation of Bangladeshi garment factory workers.
Beyond his reporting, Redwan co-founded the Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media, an organization dedicated to protecting local journalists.
He was also named a fellow in the 2021 Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism program.
Sultan Moni and Mumtahina Anika
Sultan Moni and Mumtahina Anika, co-founders of Zatiq, have been recognized in the Finance and Venture Capital category.
Zatiq is a Dhaka-based fintech startup that aims to help small companies manage their accounting with user-friendly software and hardware.
One of their notable innovations is a business calculator that syncs with smartphones to track finances and generate reports.
Zatiq also offers an easy solution for small businesses to establish e-commerce websites.
In August, Zatiq secured $1.6 million in pre-seed funding led by Dekko ISHO Venture Capital, highlighting the startup’s potential for growth and impact.
Fahad Ahmed
Fahad Ahmed has been honored in the Finance and Venture Capital category for his groundbreaking work as the co-founder of Wind.App.
This cross-border remittance platform leverages blockchain technology and stablecoins to facilitate faster and cheaper transactions.
Since its founding in 2022, Wind.App has raised $3.8 million in pre-seed funding led by Global Founders Capital and Spartan Group.
Before Wind.App, Fahad, was a key player in launching services such as food delivery, payments, and ride-hailing at Pathao in Bangladesh and Nepal.
A self-taught coder, Fahad holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from the University of Dhaka.
Md Shahidul Islam, Abdul Gaffar Sadi, and Md Tushar
Md Shahidul Islam, Abdul Gaffar Sadi, and Md Tushar have also been featured in the Finance and Venture Capital category for their work with Drutoloan, a Dhaka-based company that facilitates quick loans for micro and small businesses.
Drutoloan helps businesses navigate the complexities of securing loans from banks and financial institutions by assisting with paperwork and assessing creditworthiness.
Since its inception in 2019, Drutoloan has disbursed over $2 million in loans and recently raised $125,000 in pre-seed funding.
A Bright Future Ahead
The inclusion of these nine Bangladeshis in Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Asia” list highlights their exceptional talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and significant contributions to their respective fields.
Their achievements not only bring pride to Bangladesh but also serve as an inspiration to young people around the world.
As they continue to drive innovation and change, these young leaders are paving the way for a brighter future.
The Information is Collected from Forbes and The Business Standard.