Introduction
Aktiful, a Bangla word (একটিফুল) meaning "a flower," symbolizes the blossoming of a new Bangladesh—a Bangladesh reimagined and rebuilt by the hands of its people following the historic student-led revolution of August 5th, 2024. This revolution marked the end of 1.5 decades of authoritarian rule under the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) party and its former leader. The revolution has ushered in a new era of hope, potential, and democratic governance, which we proudly call Bangladesh 2.0.
As a social enterprise rooted in the vision of sustainable development, equity, and progress, Aktiful was born out of the need to act as a launchpad for young Bangladeshi entreprenurs aimed at building this better Bangladesh. We believe in empowering the nation's youth, technologists, and innovators to take the reins in developing their country. At the same time, we seek to challenge the narratives and misinformation being spread by anti-Bangladeshi groups and foreign influences.
Our mission is to inform, transfer, and support—three pillars that will help us guide Bangladesh toward its future of prosperity, stability, and inclusiveness.
Inform
The world has always been influenced by narratives—whether shaped by governments, organizations, or the media. Unfortunately, for much of Bangladesh’s recent history, the global narrative has been heavily influenced by biased accounts and misinformation spread by forces opposed to the true interests of the Bangladeshi people. These forces include the remnants of the former BAL regime, its exiled members, and the neighboring state of India, which has long held influence over Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Post-revolution, Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to these malicious campaigns, as the nation seeks to stabilize and define its identity as Bangladesh 2.0.
At Aktiful, one of our primary missions is to inform the world, especially the Western audience, about the true situation in Bangladesh. We are committed to challenging and dismantling the false narratives that have been propagated by foreign influences. We will ensure that Bangladesh’s story is told by its own people—those who live, breathe, and contribute to its future.
Our Key Strategies:
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Global Advocacy and Media Relations
We will engage with global media outlets, advocacy organizations, and thought leaders to ensure accurate and fair reporting on Bangladesh 2.0. Through press releases, media engagements, and participation in international forums, we will spread awareness of the truth behind Bangladesh’s journey toward democracy and development. -
Online and Offline Campaigns
Utilizing both digital platforms and physical outreach, Aktiful will run awareness campaigns that focus on countering misinformation, educating foreign audiences about Bangladesh 2.0, and providing a platform for authentic voices to be heard. Social media, blogs, podcasts, and newsletters will serve as some of our tools to reach a wide audience, particularly in the West. -
Academic and Policy Partnerships
We will collaborate with universities, research institutions, and policy think tanks to ensure that academic papers, research, and policy reports reflect the reality on the ground in Bangladesh. By working closely with scholars, we can influence how Bangladesh is viewed in intellectual and policy-making circles, helping to shift narratives in favor of the truth.
Transfer
Bangladesh is brimming with potential, particularly in its youth and its growing community of technologists. However, to fully realize this potential, Bangladesh must engage in technology transfer—the process of equipping its people with the tools, knowledge, and innovations developed by those abroad, especially expatriates. Many Bangladeshi technologists and professionals living in the diaspora, particularly in the United States, possess invaluable expertise that could benefit Bangladesh's growth.
Aktiful aims to bridge the gap between these expatriate technologists and the people of Bangladesh. Our second mission is to empower Bangladesh by fostering the transfer of technology, skills, and knowledge from the diaspora to the motherland.
Our Key Strategies:
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Diaspora Technologist Network
We will create a network of Bangladeshi expatriate technologists who are eager to contribute to Bangladesh’s development. Through virtual collaboration platforms, mentorship programs, and technological partnerships, we will connect these experts with local businesses, startups, and government initiatives in Bangladesh. -
Innovation Hubs and Incubators
Aktiful will establish innovation hubs and incubators in Bangladesh where aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists can work alongside experienced mentors from the global diaspora. These spaces will serve as centers for collaborative problem-solving, experimentation, and the development of new technologies tailored to the unique needs of Bangladesh. -
Cross-border Collaboration Projects
We will facilitate cross-border projects that leverage the expertise of expatriate technologists to solve pressing challenges in Bangladesh. From developing infrastructure solutions to building digital tools for education and healthcare, these collaborations will help transfer not just knowledge but also the technologies necessary for sustainable progress.
Support
The success of Bangladesh 2.0 depends heavily on the youth—the students, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will drive the nation’s progress. However, many of these future leaders face significant barriers, such as financial constraints, limited access to resources, and lack of institutional support. Without adequate assistance, the dreams of many promising individuals may go unrealized.
At Aktiful, we understand that providing financial support is essential to ensuring that these young minds are empowered to bring about change. Our third mission is to support the development of students and entrepreneurs by offering scholarships, stipends, and financial assistance.
Our Key Strategies:
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Scholarship Programs for Students
We will establish scholarship programs that provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in Bangladesh and abroad. These scholarships will be merit-based and aim to support those who are dedicated to contributing to Bangladesh’s development in fields such as technology, education, healthcare, and governance. -
Entrepreneurial Stipends
Aktiful will offer stipends to budding entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions to Bangladesh’s challenges. These stipends will provide financial breathing room, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on refining their ideas, launching their projects, and scaling their impact without being hindered by immediate financial pressures. -
Seed Funding and Mentorship
In addition to financial support, we will provide seed funding to startups and small businesses that demonstrate the potential to make a significant social impact. Alongside funding, Aktiful will connect these entrepreneurs with experienced mentors from the diaspora and the international business community, offering guidance in business strategy, marketing, and operations.
Long-Term Vision and Commitment
While Aktiful’s mission is focused on immediate post-revolution development, our vision extends far beyond the present. We envision a Bangladesh where the principles of democracy, sustainability, and social equity are deeply ingrained in its institutions, economy, and culture. Aktiful will remain a steadfast partner in helping Bangladesh achieve this vision, offering our support through every stage of the nation’s transformation.
Our long-term goals include:
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Sustainable Development Initiatives
Aktiful will continue to launch and support projects that promote sustainable development, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, climate resilience, and green technology. We believe that a prosperous Bangladesh must also be an environmentally responsible one. -
Expanding the Global Bangladeshi Network
We will grow our network of expatriate technologists, scholars, and professionals, ensuring that Bangladesh remains connected to the global knowledge economy. This network will serve as a continuous source of innovation and expertise for the country. -
Social Enterprise and Impact Investing
In alignment with Dr. Yunus’s vision for social enterprises, Aktiful will promote social enterprise models that prioritize positive social impact over profit maximization. We will encourage impact investing as a means of fostering economic growth while addressing pressing social issues. -
Educational Reform and Innovation
As education is a critical driver of long-term development, Aktiful will work to reform and modernize Bangladesh’s education system. By incorporating technology, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging innovation, we hope to build an education system that prepares the youth for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Aktiful is more than a platform—it is a movement. It represents the collective effort of Bangladeshi citizens, both at home and abroad, to rebuild their nation from the ground up. Through our pillars of informing, empowering, and supporting, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh 2.0. By staying true to the principles of social enterprise as defined by Dr. Yunus, we are ensuring that our efforts contribute not just to economic growth, but to the holistic development of society.
Together, we will build a better Bangladesh—one that thrives on the power of its people, its ideas, and its dreams.