The 19th Annual International Electoral Awards, 2023, organized by The International Center for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), was held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13th-16th November. At this ceremony, our very own Luna Shamsuddoha, chairperson of Dohatec New Media, was posthumously awarded the prestigious ‘Meritorious Achievement Award’ for her pioneering contribution to voter registration with “Multi-Biometric Deduplication” software. This software played a crucial role during the 2008 general elections in Bangladesh and revolutionized the country’s electoral landscape.
Luna founded Dohatec New Media in 1992, a software firm that offers technical solutions to various clients, including the World Bank, Pan American Health Organization, Bangladesh Police, etc. The company played a significant role in streamlining Bangladesh’s government procurement by creating the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system. Additionally, the company is currently working on the Electronic Construction Permitting System (ECPS) with RAJUK.
In addition to her remarkable technological innovations, Luna was a passionate advocate for the participation of women in the IT sector. She co-founded the Bangladesh Women in IT (BWIT) Forum, a platform for women to network, learn, and seek mentorship in the field of IT. Through BWIT, Luna inspired and mentored numerous women, enduringly impacting Bangladesh’s IT industry. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women in technology was an inspiration to many.
The ‘Meritorious Achievement Award’ is a testament to Luna’s remarkable work and dedication to information technology. Her visionary entrepreneurship and advocacy for women’s empowerment have indelibly shaped the industry, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions. Additionally, her contributions to electoral management practices continue to have a profound global impact.
Luna Shamsuddoha’s legacy lives on, inspiring women in IT to break barriers and achieve new heights. Her significant contributions to technology and women empowerment testify to her enduring influence on the IT sector. The world has lost an exceptional entrepreneur and a passionate advocate, but her remarkable work and achievements will continue to inspire and benefit future generations.