Shafiul Alam Biplob, 31, is a developer of mobile phone applications. His parents wanted him to be a doctor, but fate had other plans for him. He graduated in Computer Science Engineering from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in 2009. This week, he shares with Y&I his journey on how an engineering student who didn’t have a computer till his first year in university become a successful entrepreneur, who runs an agro farm and has just launched AppBajar, a local marketplace for paid apps.  

Sheikh Iraj

Please tell us about AppBajar, how the concept came to you, and how it works?

In Bangladesh, those who want to get paid apps go through certain obstructions, because one cannot purchase apps without an international credit card. Likewise, Bangladeshi app developers can only upload free apps; they have to upload paid apps through foreign accounts. This is how local app developers are being deprived of earning foreign currency. AppBajar brings solution to this problem as it allows buyers to purchase apps in local currency. The local app developers will also benefit from this as well, as they can earn money by selling their apps to local clients. A developer can easily upload apps without spending any money. Both English and Bengali apps are available for users. One more thing, any user from any part of the world can download apps from AppBajar. There are also services like chatting.    

How do you see the future of freelancing in Bangladesh?

Freelancing in Bangladesh has a very bright future, but the main thing is skills. People and the relevant authorities must come forward and encourage this sector. Some think that freelancing is an easy task, but that’s not true. A freelancer has to compete with different people with different skill sets coming from all over the world.

Please tell us about your work routine       

I don’t follow a strict work routine. Normally, my day begins at 1 or 2 pm, then meeting with clients or work at the office with team members. I always use a smartphone to stay connected with clients and people at work. I can’t imagine my daily life without a smartphone.

What’s your future plan?

My future plan is to make AppBajar an internationally renowned product so that people can proudly say it’s ‘Made in Bangladesh’. We are planning to give training to university students on Android basics so that they can follow a proper guideline. That way, they can make good apps and contribute to our economy. I also want to do some work on agro projects in rural areas. We have already started an agro farm, Advanced Agro Farm, Bangladesh (www.aafbd.com), and we want to take it to the next level within a few years so that many jobs are created.