Highlights from the nation’s biggest public speaking event, Rise Above All 2024
‘Rise Above All’ has cemented its place as the premier public speaking event in Bangladesh. This year’s event, titled ‘Berger Presents Rise Above All 2024, Powered by Grameenphone and in Association with Prothom Alo’, was held on November 16, 2024, at the KIB Complex in Dhaka.
The event saw an overwhelming turnout of over 3,500 attendees and revolved around the empowering theme, ‘Rise Above Challenges, Obstacles, Negativity, Naysayers – Rise Above All.’ It provided an unmatched platform for personal and professional growth, inspiring students and young professionals alike.

Organised by Don Sumdany Facilitation & Consultancy, the 8th edition of Rise Above All brought together an impressive lineup of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to motivate the audience to seize opportunities and overcome challenges.
Notable speakers delivered powerful narratives of perseverance, leadership, and success. Among them were Syed Mahbubur Rahman, MD & CEO of Mutual Trust Bank, Sayeda Tahya Hossain, CHRO of Grameenphone, Syed Mohammad Kamal, Country Manager of Mastercard Bangladesh, Sazzad Rahim, Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited alongside several others. They shared their journeys and insights, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

One of the event’s highlights was the Legendary Duo Session, featuring Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, and Shehzad Munim, former MD of BATB. Together, they recounted their experiences in navigating leadership roles within multinational corporations, offering lessons on resilience and strategic thinking.
Another attraction was a discussion led by media veterans Jabed Sultan Pias, CDBO at Prothom Alo, and Md Tajdin Hassan, CBO at The Daily Star. They explored the challenges of sustaining growth in the media industry, emphasising the timeless adage, ‘Content is King.’

Adding a unique twist to the event was a live session of the 2 Cents Podcast. Hosts Nafees Salim and Sazzad Bin Ahsan Sourav captivated the audience with their blend of humour, storytelling, and invaluable life lessons.
The day concluded with a captivating musical performance by Minar Rahman and his band. In addition to performing uplifting tunes, Minar shared personal anecdotes about his cartoon creations, weaving a touch of artistry and individuality into his act.

As Rise Above All 2024 drew to a close, the energy and enthusiasm in the venue were unmistakable. Attendees left with fresh perspectives, renewed motivation, and a commitment to overcoming the challenges in their own lives. This year’s event not only set a new standard for personal development and empowerment but also solidified Rise Above All as a beacon of inspiration in Bangladesh.