Exploring the role of HR in sustainable business

Bangladesh Society for Human Resources Management (BSHRM) hosted their 7th International HR Conference on April 28, 2018 at Sena Malancha, Banani, Dhaka.

This year's conference welcomed hundreds of HR professionals from home and abroad, all there to participate in the much needed discussion over the importance of Human Resource Management. This inspired the theme of the conference "HR for Sustainable Business".

The conference started off with a welcome speech from Rtn. Md. Mashequr Rahman Khan, Life Fellow and Vice President, BSHRM, Founding Member of Board of Trustees, FBHRO.

He said, "While the IT sector is growing rapidly, national development depends on HR transformation. In Bangladesh, sustainable development is a vital challenge for companies because it helps sustain competitive advantage, and HR is now a strategic part of a business and the growth of the country's economy. This is why we feel the need for a separate HR ministry in the Bangladesh government."

Md. Kamruzzaman, Conference Secretary, came up to the stage to give the Vote of thanks. After this Prof. Dr. Khasro Mia, Chairman, Journal Committee joined for the uncovering of the BSHRM Journal.

After this, Md. Musharrof Hossain, Head of HRM, iccdr,b and President, BSHRM and Founder President, FBHRO, provided the keynote speech. He said, "The market requirements and our educational qualifications has some gap, so it is important to explore these issues to provide proper training in skill development for the job market."

Prof. Dr. Abdul Mannan, Chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh was present as the chief guest. Md. Kamruzzaman, conference secretary, was also present along with senior officials of BSHRM.

There were panel discussions on "Challenges and opportunities for sustainable business through HR" with moderator Shamim A Zahedy, Executive Editor, Independent TV. Panelists included Mohd. Noor Ali, MD, Unique Group; Somesh Dasgupta, President, NIPM, India; Dina Loomis, PMAP, Founder President, & CEO, South East Asia Speakers & Trainers Bureau, Inc., Philippines and other distinguished personnel. The panel discussion was followed by a 15 minutes presentation by LICT representatives, and it included a Q&A session.

This was followed by a keynote presentation on HRM disruption and competitive business advantages through people. Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Taher, Dean, Southeast Business School, Southeast University, Dhaka, was the chair for this segment with presenters, Prof Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, IBA, University of Dhaka and Prof Dr. Ajantha Dharmasiri, President, IPM, Sri Lanka.

There was a presentation on selected research papers with Dr. Farid A Sbohani, Chairman, BSHRM Chittagong Chapter, Director HR Development Institute & Dean, Daffodil International University as chair of the session.

After recognition to sponsors and representatives, there was a short lunch break after which there was a panel discussion on "Best practices of Asia Pacific countries." Md. Zahirul Alam, Chief News Editor, International Channel Limited NTV was the session moderator.

After a brief introduction of the Chittagong Chapter of BSHRM, and photo session, it was time for the closing

ceremony where the president of BSHRM gave a speech and announced that this event will be organised next year as well. LICT, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology was the event partner and Grow n Excel was the Gold Sponsor.