Dhaka, October 13, 2025 —
After a turbulent start, the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) is finally regaining its footing under the leadership of newly appointed administrator Abul Khayer Mohammad Hafizullah Khan, Joint Secretary of the Local Government Division. Having completed one month in office, he has expressed determination to bring back order and hold a fair election to hand over responsibilities to an elected committee.

Since assuming office, Mr. Hafizullah Khan spent part of his tenure abroad for official duties, making it difficult to perform his role fully. “BASIS is currently divided into several groups,” he told Techlife.com.bd. “So, starting work here has not been pleasant. Soon after my appointment, while I was on an official visit to the Netherlands, someone placed a banner with inappropriate wording in front of the BASIS office. Later it was removed after I intervened. I also received a letter written in an undesirable tone from one side — this is not the culture of a professional trade body like BASIS.”

Despite the initial discomfort, he emphasized his priority: “My goal is to complete the election as soon as possible and hand over responsibilities to the elected representatives. If such unpleasant situations continue, I might consider stepping aside — because that would only push BASIS further into crisis.”

The administrator has already applied to the ministry for the formation of an Election Appeal Board and, as per requests, a Supporting Committee to assist with the election process. “Selecting a committee from 2,700 members is not an easy task,” he noted. “That’s why I’ve left it to the ministry’s guidance. I am accountable to my superiors and will follow their instructions.”

On October 12, he paid a courtesy call on ICT Division Secretary Shish Hayder Chowdhury, presenting an overview of BASIS’s current status and election plans.

Mr. Hafizullah Khan was officially appointed as BASIS administrator on September 10, and was abroad from September 27 to October 10. He is scheduled to travel abroad again on October 14 for government assignments.

Many in the ICT sector believe his steps toward holding the election could restore stability and confidence in BASIS. However, challenges remain — political divisions and procedural complexities could still delay the process. Despite that, the administrator insists he is ready to “steer the organization toward a peaceful and democratic transition.”