Leadership Capability

BATIC is guided by a multidisciplinary leadership team combining diplomacy awareness, entrepreneurship, finance expertise and international operational experience.

 

President — Dr Shafiqur Rahman

An academic and trade promotion professional with more than two decades of international experience. Holds a PhD from Macquarie University (Australia) and MBA from IBA, University of Dhaka. Former involvement in trade promotion and economic engagement roles within an international diplomatic environment. Provides policy understanding and institutional communication capability essential for bilateral cooperation.

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General Secretary — Anm Masum

Entrepreneur and community engagement advocate with academic background in accounting and hospitality management. Established successful restaurant business in Sydney and actively involved in community initiatives and media engagement. Provides SME outreach and business participation capability.

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Treasurer — Md Iqbal Chowdhury

Responsible for financial governance and organisational accountability, ensuring transparency and sustainability of council operations.

Collectively, the leadership team combines policy insight, commercial execution knowledge, financial expertise and community connectivity — forming a comprehensive platform for bilateral economic facilitation.

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Organising Secretary — Md Sohel Rana

Banking and finance professional with 18+ years experience in Australia and more than a decade in international export‑import trading across the Middle East. Additional experience in education consultancy and software solutions. Supports operational planning, trade execution understanding and financial credibility.

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Admin — Abdullah Yousuf 

Internationally experienced community and organisational leader. Educated in Bangladesh and Japan, fluent in multiple languages (Bengali, English, Japanese, Urdu, Hindi). Former councillor at the Asian Peoples Friendship Society in Japan. Director of Australian Security & Protective Services and CEO of an Australian Bangladeshi newspaper. Contributes cross‑cultural engagement and communication networks.​

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Operational Approach

• Opportunity identification

• Business readiness assessment

• Strategic advisory guidance

• Stakeholder introduction

• Implementation support

• Ongoing relationship development

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This phased model helps transform discussions into sustainable commercial cooperation.

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Areas of Engagement

• Manufacturing and supply chain collaboration

• Education and skills exchange

• Agriculture and food sector partnerships

• Technology and digital services

• SME internationalisation

• Professional services cooperation

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Institutional Value

BATIC acts as a neutral cooperation platform that improves trust, reduces misunderstanding and supports long‑term engagement. The organisation does not replace government or private institutions — it enables them to collaborate more effectively.

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Conclusion

BATIC represents a structured bilateral cooperation mechanism designed to support enduring economic partnership between Bangladesh and Australia. Through professional facilitation, credible leadership and long‑term engagement philosophy, the Council provides a reliable platform for institutions, businesses and investors seeking sustainable international collaboration.