Bangladeshi Youths Shine on Global Stage
Another glorious chapter has been added to the history of digital mapping in Bangladesh. Google is set to host one of its most prestigious global events, ‘Connect Live Tokyo 2025’, in Japan’s capital city Tokyo on July 24-25, and five young contributors from Bangladesh will proudly represent the nation.
Participants from Bangladesh
Representing Bangladesh at this prestigious Google event are:
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Md. Shafiul Bashar (Connect Forum Moderator)
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Mahabub Hasan
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Shah Md. Sultan
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Shakil Akhtar Khan
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Biswajit Chakraborty
In addition, three Bangladeshi-origin participants from abroad will also be joining: Pavel Sarwar, Sumaiya Zafrin Chowdhury, and Trisha Trisu.
This event brings together more than 50 seasoned Google Maps contributors from 19 different countries. The Google Maps team will showcase updates on new features and technologies, while participants will have the opportunity to share their insights and experiences directly.
The event also celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the Local Guides program, with various exciting activities planned.
Meet Shah Md. Sultan: A BUBT Alumnus and Proud Representative
Among the selected five is Shah Md. Sultan, a former student of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (26th intake) at Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT).
Shah’s story is both inspiring and empowering for today’s youth. Currently a digital marketer by profession, he also works at a reputed hospital in Dhaka. But his identity is much more than just a job title.
Since 2015, Shah has been actively contributing to Google Maps, joining the Local Guides Program shortly afterward. During his student years, he was also involved in various community and voluntary initiatives, which clearly shaped his passion for meaningful digital work.
His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. His high-quality contributions and active role in the community led to his selection as one of the top five Bangladeshi Local Guides to attend the Connect Live event in Tokyo.
Notably, he hails from Sarishabari upazila in Jamalpur district. Alongside his studies and professional career, his efforts to establish himself on various international platforms are undoubtedly a source of inspiration for all our students.
A Broader Legacy: Beyond Google Maps
Shah Md. Sultan is no stranger to the international stage. Recently, he became one of the top six winners of the RYZE National Quiz Contest 2025 and represented Bangladesh at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
And this isn’t his first global recognition either. Back in 2020, he visited Beijing, China as part of a Xiaomi Mobile Community program, where he was recognized for his exceptional contributions and represented Bangladesh among participants from 27 countries.
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The BUBT family congratulates Shah Md. Sultan and all the selected local guides on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing even more of his success in the years ahead.
Local Guides
Google Local Guide Shah Md. Sultan believes that Bangladesh’s contribution to Google Maps goes beyond numbers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladeshi local guides worked tirelessly and voluntarily to support their communities.
The Bangladesh Challenge Campaign, which Shah was a part of, helped train and certify nearly 1,000 mappers many of whom reached underserved rural regions across the country.
According to Connect Forum Moderator Md. Shafiul Bashar, the Local Guides Bangla Community is constantly working to make Google Maps more user-friendly and accurate through quality local mapping.
They focus on adding verified information about local businesses, roads, hospitals, and educational institutions, all while maintaining international standards and to ensure Google Maps represents every corner of Bangladesh, from bustling urban centers to the most remote rural areas.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The Bangladeshi guides attending Connect Live Tokyo 2025 have a united vision: to develop a more accessible, informative, and updated mapping system in Bangladesh. They want it to serve both local citizens and international travelers, much like the systems in developed countries.
Their hard work ensures that businesses, services, and communities across the country are represented accurately on the world’s most used mapping platform.
With representatives like Shah Md. Sultan, Bangladesh is not just participating in global conversations, it’s helping to lead them.
Events like Connect Live Tokyo 2025 are more than just recognition they are reminders that innovation, dedication, and community spirit can break geographical and technological barriers.
As we cheer for Shah Md. Sultan and his fellow contributors, we’re reminded that Bangladesh’s digital future is in safe, capable, and passionate hands.
