Interview With B M Zahid Ul Haque
Interview With B M Zahid Ul Haque

"Good leadership is communication, being able to reach out to the team during good times and bad times. You have to be a people person so that you can bring people closer to you.”

B M Zahid Ul HaqueHead of Information Security 
BRAC Bank Limited
Bangladesh

IMBA Batch 2020

We would like to hear about you, your family, work and interests

I have over 20 years of experience as a multi-certified Information Technology (IT) professional with strong expertise in Digital Strategy, Cyber Digital Transformation, and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC). I have demonstrated expertise in establishing and implementing large information security programs and designed and implemented automated tools-based vulnerability management framework that continuously monitor and detect cyber security threats and vulnerabilities. I have also performed evaluation and selections of advanced technologies and successfully implemented that at enterprise level. I consider myself as a highly skilled, dedicated and enthusiastic team player with excellent leadership and communication skills. 

I am married and blessed with one son. 

A member of various national and international security expert groups and committees on cyber-security and transformation, I am also a keynote speaker and panelist at several national and international conferences. In addition, a global Cyber security trainer (PECB, Canada) and writer, and a proctor (Mile2, USA). As Head of Information Security, I am responsible for the overall Information Security strategy and improvement initiatives for the top bank in Bangladesh. I have been awarded National and International awards for Cyber Security Contributions among others..

Cyber security and digital transformation interest me most. I love the fact that I am constantly working to secure enterprises from cyber-attacks. People sometimes consider me as a kind of cop that helps to arrest criminals (cyber threat and malware) targeting corporate assets 

Why did you plan to go for studies? What was your motivation for taking up studies at this point of your life?

In my opinion, an MBA is a source of much required cross-functional knowledge. It transforms a person. When your technical knowledge and experiences are combined with an MBA, it lets you take more control of your career and helps you to understand different business areas and perspectives better. An MBA makes you stay ahead of your competitor. The different areas taught in an MBA program improve personal skills and professionalism, enabling students to develop into exceptional communicators and advisers. In fact, these are the prime reasons I planned to go for an MBA degree. You can implement the knowledge gained through an MBA programme in real life faster.

Name something you are passionate about. How do you pursue this passion?

Cyber Security is my passion. I have worked in multiple domains, like Business Analysis, System Architecture, Software Development, Quality Assurance, Project Management, Core Banking, Infrastructure and so on. I have implemented myriad cyber security technologies, developed cyber-security frameworks and achieved numerous professional credentials in this area and this is a continuous journey. In my opinion, it is most exciting to work in this ever-evolving field of cyber security when it is your passion. The cyber security field is innovative and fast-paced, something that I find very appealing. Even Cyber security has a great purpose to protect my family, friends, organization, colleagues, nation and everyone from threats most people are not even aware of. Working towards a safer cyber space for all means having an impact on lives. Moreover, I enjoy the fast changing environment and the surprises that come along with it. It is a challenge but it keeps me on my toes and it awakens a spirit of discovery.

Why did you plan to go for studies? What was your motivation for taking up studies at this point of your life?

In my opinion, an MBA is a source of much required cross-functional knowledge. It transforms a person. When your technical knowledge and experiences are combined with an MBA, it lets you take more control of your career and helps you to understand different business areas and perspectives better. An MBA makes you stay ahead of your competitor. The different areas taught in an MBA program improve personal skills and professionalism, enabling students to develop into exceptional communicators and advisers. In fact, these are the prime reasons I planned to go for an MBA degree. You can implement the knowledge gained through an MBA programme in real life faster.

Does the course you are studying at Athena helping you to achieve your goals? Does it have a direct impact on the business or job you do? If yes, please elaborate.

Yes, indeed. The IMBA is fully accredited and it is recognized globally. As a working professional, timing is very crucial. Athena has that flexible learning option. A dual degree from top European awarding bodies like Guglielmo Marconi University, Italy and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), UK, and Additional Certification from Chartered Management Institute (CMI), UK have increased its value. It’s curriculum and method of study is of international standard.
Yes, it has an effective impact on my job. As I am responsible for cyber security, I need to set a goal for the cyber security strategy of the organization which must be aligned with business objectives. This course has helped me to gain a better understanding of how the business world meshes with technology. It has imparted to me a strong business acumen and has made me understand better the business and financial implications of technical decisions and overall strategy.

What’s the most valuable advice anyone has given you/you’ve read?

To get positive results from positive thinking, you should also take positive action. Positive thinking will make you happy, good-natured and optimistic. It will also make you aware of opportunities. Positive action makes positive thinking work for you and bring the results you want. Take action to make things happen. This is positive thinking in action.

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