October 4th, 2023, is the birth anniversary of late Ms. Luna Shamsuddoha, a Bangladeshi entrepreneur and pioneer in the software industry who passed away in 2021 at the age of 67. She was a remarkable woman who spent her life helping others and achieved great things in her career.
Luna Shamsuddoha played a crucial role in developing the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) system in Bangladesh, which helped modernize the country’s public procurement process. She also contributed to developing the Voter enrollment solution and biometric de-duplication system used during the 2007-2008 national election. Her contributions to the software industry were globally recognized, and she received several prestigious awards, including the Femina World Women Leadership Congress Super Achiever Award 2017, the Honorary Leadership Award 2013 from the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN), and the DHL-The Daily Star’s ‘Outstanding Woman in Business’ award.
Apart from her professional achievements, Ms. Luna was a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and education. She founded Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT), a platform for women to excel in the technology industry. She served on the boards of several educational and charitable organizations that aim to uplift the lives of underprivileged women and children. She was the first woman to head any state-owned bank in Bangladesh when she became the chairman of the state-owned Janata Bank Ltd.
Her legacy of innovation and inspiration continues to inspire generations to come. She is remembered as a visionary leader who helped shape the Bangladeshi software industry and paved the way for women in business and technology.
A Life of Impact
Luna Shamsuddoha was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1953. She passed her SSC from Viqarunnisa Noon School and College and then her HSC from Holy Cross College. Later, she enrolled in the University of Dhaka and completed her graduation in International Relations. She earned her Master’s degree from the same university and department; after that, she began her career as an English teacher at the British Council. She also worked as a lecturer at the Institute of Modern Languages at the University of Dhaka and as a co-reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
In 1985, Luna Shamsuddoha established her own business, the Executive Centre, which quickly became the primary provider of business support services in Bangladesh. Seven years later, she founded Dohatec New Media, an international software vendor that offered solutions and services to prestigious clients such as the World Bank, World Health Organization, and US Postal Service. Under her guidance, Dohatec New Media became a symbol of excellence, quality, and innovation in the software industry.
Luna Shamsuddoha’s contributions to the software industry in Bangladesh were significant. She was a pioneer in the development of the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) system, which has become a model for other countries. Additionally, she played a vital role in the creation of the voter enrollment solution and biometric de-duplication system, which were employed during the 2007-2008 national election. Her achievements in the software industry were globally recognized.
A Champion of Women’s Empowerment
Luna Shamsuddoha was an accomplished businesswoman who also dedicated herself to advocating for women’s empowerment and education. She founded Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT), a platform that helps women excel in the technology industry. Additionally, she served on the boards of various educational and charitable organizations that aim to uplift the lives of underprivileged women and children.
She was a true role model for women everywhere, proving that great things can be achieved regardless of gender or background. She inspired countless women to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Today, on the anniversary of Luna Shamsuddoha’s birth, we take a moment to reflect on her incredible life and numerous achievements. She was a true trailblazer, a visionary leader, and a source of inspiration for countless people around the world. She devoted her life to advocating for gender equality, promoting education and technology, and empowering underprivileged communities. Throughout her career, she broke numerous barriers and shattered many stereotypes, paving the way for future generations of women leaders. Her legacy continues to live on, and we honour her memory by striving to uphold the same values and principles that she championed throughout her life.