In celebration of World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, Bangladesh IP Forum (BIPF) organised the 'Volunteer for Intellectual Property' (VIP) boot camp on May 2 at Dhaka University to raise awareness on the importance of intellectual property rights (IPR).

300 university students, budding entrepreneurs, and professionals engaged with experts in speaking and training sessions. Manzurur Rahman, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information, pointed out the need for IP awareness so that no other Bangladeshi has to meet the same fate as the late Lucky Akhand, and added that one should seek legal help for one's intangible property the way one would for tangible property. Barrister ABM Hamidul Mishbah, Founder of Bangladesh IP Forum, highlighted the importance of IP awareness in the thriving "idea market", where even young children are making games.

The event was inaugurated by Her Excellency Leoni Cuelenaere, Honourable Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Bangladesh. Other speakers included Mustafa Jabbar, President, BASIS; Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Director, a2i, Prime Minister's Office; Tanvir Haider Chaudhury, CEO, Kazi Food Industries Ltd.; Asif Munier, filmmaker; Ahsan Habib, Editor, Unmad Magazine; Naveed Mahbub, Former CEO of IBM Bangladesh and comedian among others.

Upon completion of the training, the volunteers are now expected to spread IP awareness and act as ambassadors of IPR in their communities and networks.