Nasir A.Chowdhury

Country’s anecdote insurance personality Nasir A.Chowdhury was born in December 1934 at an aristocratic family of Sylhet. His father Late Khan Bahadur????? Chowdhury was a tenant-caring Landlord and development oriented politician. He was a member of Assam Legislative Council from 1937 to 1947. Meritorious and self-confident Nasir A.Chowdhury was arts and literature oriented in his childhood. He was also involved in journalism in his student life. His role in Sylhet’s literary-cultural domain is still memorable. After obtaining M.A. degree in Islamic History, he joined Pakistan Insurance Corporation as a Probationary Officer in 1958 through competitive examinations. The age of professional life of careerist Insurance expert Nasir A.Chowdhury is 50 meaning with the professional life of half a century not that only he got enriched but also enriched insurance sector and profession both. At the beginning of his career life he got the opportunities to get training in England and Germany on the subjects of Insurance and re-insurance. Enlightened with own radiance this man was able to get himself known in South Asia as one of the Insurance personalities in South Asia.  

After independence he played significant roles in reconstruction of insurance sector. He took up the initiatives to set up private insurance company by voluntary retirement during  the time of his carrying out the tasks as General Manager of Sadharan Bima Corporation. The outcome of his initiative, Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd., is now the country’s top, super-excellent insurance organization and he is the Managing Director and CEO of this company from the very beginning. He is also one of the sponsor Directors of this Company.   

He carried out tasks as President of Bangladesh Insurance Association twice. He is immediate past Director of FBCCI, President of Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sponsor-Director of Delta-Brac Housing Finance Corporation Ltd., one of the entrepreneurs of Ekushe television. He is   the Chairman of Jalalabad Telecom Ltd., entrepreneur of Green Delta AIMS Ltd., and Green Delta Financial Services Ltd., He is a Director of International Chamber of Commerce, MCCI and Chairman and Managing Director of Nescom(Pvt.) Ltd.

Mr. Nasir A.Chowdhury’s honesty, perseverance, patriotism and gentle manners are undoubtedly imitable. Nasir A.Chowdhury’s son Waqar A.Chowdhury is a young entrepreneur and singer and his daughter distinguished female personality Farzana A. Chowdhury is a high ranking executive of Brac Bank.

Nasreen Awal Mintoo

Nasrin Awal Mintoo is one of a few who are performing significant role, to give the identity of ‘women entrepreneur’ to the confined, domestic women folk of this country. Conservative Bengalism, which transforms a woman into a self centered domestic worker reluctant to work, breaking that tradition she stepped outside the circle, achieved the fame of industrial entrepreneur in greater neighborhood. This talented woman is now an imitable attractive personality of entrepreneur women who is conquering environmental eye-brows at ease in a carefree manner. As a successful entrepreneur, she has raised women society into the seat of prestige. Solid, self confident this courageous woman is discussed not only as an entrepreneur but also as a culturally enriched woman. She is working tirelessly, with the objective of empowering women, to make them self reliant economically and socially and also get them established. Though in the socio-economic background, Nasrin Awal Mintoo is of high class, she is performing pioneer role in the case of advancement of backward women folk. This meritorious and hard laborious Nasreen Awal Mintoo’s real name is Nasreen Fatima. She is the wife of FBCCI’s former President Abdul Awal Mintoo renowned industrialist of the country. Overcoming this identity Mrs.Nasreen is now on the top of fame. She is the founder Chairperson of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh. As an entrepreneur she is related with the custom of international business.  She has set bright marks of her own distinctions in marketing, distributions and customer relations. Managing Director of M.F.Consumers Ltd.,  Mrs.Nasreen is also active Director of many firms of Multimode Group, firmly awake woman personality of trade and industry domain Nasreen Awal Mintoo believes it is not possible to reach the targets of national development by keeping half of total population women unemployed. In her opinion, to let the women advance forward roles of state and government are significant. She has proposed setting up of a separate bank for women.

Nasreen Awal Mintoo received Arthokatha’s nominations for Arthoakatha’s year’s best women entrepreneur in the year 2001 and one of the top women entrepreneurs of the country in the year 2003. 

Nazrul Islam Majumder

A unique entrepreneur of new generation is Mr. Nazrul Islam Majumder. At present he is the Chairman of the biggest export oriented group NASSA of the country. Under his leadership, third generation top private sector bank Export-Import Bank Bangladesh Ltd., EXIM was established in the year 1999.At present he is the Chairman of this Bank also. In personal life, religious, modest, amiable, this entrepreneur personality is successfully providing leadership to commercial activities. Under his skilled leadership and direction, more than 28000 skilled workers, officers and employees have been employed in NASSA group. One after another firms have been added to the success of NASSA group to total 34 as it stands today. Recently he initiated materialization of two more firms. Firms added to the success of his enterprises are Star-light Knit-wears Ltd.,1 and 2; Nassa Apparels Ltd. 1 and 2;Sun Seeds Apparels Ltd. Kimia Garments Industries Kimia Apparels Limited, Kimia Washing Industries Ltd., Western Dresses 1and 2; Mam Garments Ltd., Nassa Wash Ltd., Nassa Embroidery Ltd., Native Packages Ltd., Toywoods Company Ltd., MNC Apparels Ltd., New World Apparels Ltd., Nassa Fashions Ltd., Nassa Taipei Textiles Ltd., Feroza Garments Ltd., Bay Pacific Enterprise Ltd., Nassa Knit Ltd., These firms by value additions of export activities are earning thousands of crores of united states dollars in foreign exchange.

As an entrepreneur personality Mr. Nazrul Islam Majumder did not only keep himself involved in export activities. In order to ensure greater contributions in country’s economy, introduced Shariah based progressive banking like Exim Bank. He was the helmsman in establishing this Bank. For having competent roles in establishing Exim Bank, he was elected Chairman twice subsequently after establishment of the Bank. That was 2004.Then after crossing some time; he took the steers of the Bank again.  Second march of Exim Bank, under his leadership, revealed with accomplishments overcoming political hindrances. In the year 2006 Exim Bank had pre-tax profit of Tk.1199.49 Million which was 12.81 percent higher compared to the earlier year. Apart from that achieved mentionable success in deposits, investments, exports and remittance income from overseas Bangladesh nationals. Exim Bank had mentionable roles during this time in performing Corporate Social Responsibilities. Expenditure in beatification of Dhaka, initiative to establish foot over bridge and by steps to establish most modern Hospital, instances of Banks’ Corporate Social Responsibility opened out. This entrepreneur personality was devoted for long by being in the leadership of such activities of Bank and making those successful. In recognition of unique contributions in export income, employment and national development Arthokatha is proud by being able to nominate him as one of the top personalities of the year 2007.In future years towards raising Bangladesh, contributions of Mr. Nazrul Islam Majumder would be more broadened such is hope of everyone. Let the economic success of Bangladesh, revealed by the success of this competent entrepreneur personality.

Niaz Rahim
Managing Director
Rahim Afroz Group Limited

An oldest name of the sub-continent: Rahim Afroz. In Motor Car Battery manufacturing it is such a name, which does not need any other adjective either in front or afterwards. In the home market it is unrivaled   indeed, in the foreign market also holds reputation. And who was able to institute Rahim Afroz as symbol of    dependability and faithfulness he is Niaz Rahim. Director of Rahim Afroz Limited is a countrywide famous entrepreneur personality. At home and abroad he and Rahim Afroz are considered as the two sides of the same coin. For long more than 50 years, Rahim Afroz is providing services to the people of this country and maintaining its reputation and fame as a top ranking business entity. Honesty in all areas, high quality service, full commitment to customer satisfaction, advanced thoughts and new initiatives, inter-factional compromise and with the commitment to enhance perfection regularly, they are all the time advancing ahead. The organization achieved ISO 9000 for qualitative standard in Accumulator Battery Industry and ISO 14000 certification for environmental standard. In the year 2006, by securing first position in Ashden Awards of Solar Energy, Rahim Afroz after being adorned with the honor of the highest standard of the entire world, honored Bangladesh in world audience. Amongst the constituent organizations of the Rahim Afroz Group followings are included: Excel Resources Limited, Rahim Afroz Distributions, Arzed Limited, Metronet, Rural Services Foundation Limited etc. Name of another feather in the crown of the success of the group is ‘Super Shop Agora’. By liberating the consumers in general from unhealthy, dirty  market system of continual customs with the mindset to    protect consumer interests they took the initiative to establish ‘Agora Super Shops’ for equal, balanced distribution and marketing of agro-based and other products. Agora always emphasizes domestic merchandises in its merchandise warehouse. Because simultaneously with business outlook and satisfaction of consumers, they are equally eager to enrich domestic agriculture. In this area, they train and provide guidelines to the producers for excellence in the qualitative standard. By keeping the government’s policy issues to the lead, following the BSTI’s quality control through setting appropriate standard and fixing price to protect consumer interests, Agora’s tireless efforts are being continued. By strengthening these efforts further, he established Bangladesh Super Market Owners’ Association and at present performing responsibilities as its President. Apart from that for long time as President of Bangladesh Accumulator Battery Manufacturers’ Association and during the term 1994-96 as EC Member of FBCCI, the highest forum of the businessmen of the country he performed significant responsibilities.

In personal life 100% honest to his profession, devoted and industrious Mr. Niaz Rahim, through establishment of highest professionalism, alongside institutional success is contributing to the country’s economy significantly for a long time. Aurthokatha Board of Juries nominated this dynamic entrepreneur and marketing personality as best entrepreneur personality for the years 2001 and 2002 and best business personality for the year 2006 for his special contributions in trade and commerce.

Nurul Islam Babul

Not only in trade and commerce sector, M.N.Islam is a name well-discussed recently in all circles. A valiant fighter of great liberation war, one of the initiating entrepreneurs of post-liberation Bangladesh M.N.Islam, the man behind Jamuna Group had always been in the light of feet lamp, but recently dream-touching project ‘Jamuna Future Park’ has besides shinning him afresh made each and every man of the country effusive. Mr. Islam, a dreamer materializing Jamuna Future Park with such huge program which has made every man dreamy. Everybody has started to think that a unique installation is emerging able to give Bangladesh a new identity in the world map. The main building of Jamuna Future Park is being built up on 33 Bigha land whereas the entire park area consists of 120 Bigha land. The whole installation can be called a shopping-cum-entertainment complex, containing Food Courts, Theme Park, Health Club and Gymnasium, Banquet Hall, Exhibition Center, Cineplex, Separate Swimming Pools for males and females, Broadband and Wireless, Internet Connection, On-line branch banking in each floor, ATM Booths. Not only that by the side of this installation, there would be a 5 star Hotel with 20 Bigha land, Hospital of international standard, a television complex, Daily Newspaper and mosque. The whole country is counting day and night in parts for splendid opening of entire Jamuna Future Park with 45 MW exclusive Power Plant for nonstop electric supply. Jamuna Builders Limited an associate organization of Jamuna Group is in charge of erection of the same. A progressive political personality, Mr. Islam dedicated himself from the time of independence to let the country advance ahead, through economic restoration. Starting journey with a small Import Substitution Industry, Jamuna Electric and Manufacturing Company Limited, is escalating today into a huge group in country’s industrial empire-behind which the undertone of Mr. Islam’s brain power, devotion, labor and perseverance is universally understood. Country’s widely circulated newspaper the daily Jugantar is a very successful and discussed initiative of the Jamuna Group. This meritorious entrepreneur never halted in his journey, carrying out all activities of his group despite many adversities, let his advancement get enriched with rebounded triumphs.

Oddvar Hesjedal

By taking the hands of which institution, a silent revolution took place in telecommunications sector of Bangladesh, that institution is Grameenphone. Breaking the shackles or chains of limited government initiatives in telecommunications sector and monopoly private cellular phones, this institution has become common man’s unavoidable support, village to village. During last time, this institution expanded its extent of service so much that today Grameenphone is running itself as an indispensable part of people’s life. By becoming constituent of success of this multinational institution, who is holding the helms of leadership, he is Oddvar Hesjedal. He is the competent successor to former CEOs Ola Ree, Erik Aas and Anders Jensen. During his term, Grameenphone’s ‘subscriptions count’ is going to set up new milestone crossing 20 Millions. Prior to his taking up responsibilities as CEO, Oddvar Hesjedal performed responsibilities as Chief Technical Officer. Before joining Grameenphone he performed various important responsibilities of Telenor Group. Even prior to that in Ukraine, Oddvar Hesjedal performed as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Kyivstor. Apart from that he has experience of performing as CTO of Consultant Firm in Norway and Sweden. In schooling life Oddvar Hesjedal took post graduation degree in Computer Science from University of Oslo. In family life Oddvar Hesjedal is the father of three child daughters. In the year 2008 when recession emanated from USA slowed down global economy, even then Grameenphone under his leadership shaped the stairs of advancement. Grameenphone floated the shares by enlistment in capital market under the very leadership of Hesjedal steering the development of capital market of Bangladesh. Under his leadership Grameenphone is devoted to the work to ascertain high speed 3G technology internet service in the running year 2010. Oddvar Hesjedal supposes in materialization of digital Bangladesh of present government, telecommunications sector is capable to have significant roles. For this reason endurable corporate tax and other assistance can have positive role in attracting foreign investment. Grameenphone has been able to hold the competitive top position by expanding the customer service constantly under his leadership. At present in Bangladesh, this multinational company’s investment amounts about Tk.15000 Cr. The important responsibilities, which Oddvar Hesjedal is performing to advance the pace of development of unprecedented development in telecommunications sector of Bangladesh, will always be remembered. Aurthokatha family is considering themselves commendable by bestowing the garland of honor to this corporate personality. Our sincere greetings and love to this Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grameenphone.

Rafiqul Haque               

A pioneer personality to run private sector radio station commercially is Mr. Rafiqul Haque. Due to deficiency of time be-fitting programs, variety, and various reasons when numbers of listeners of government radio are falling day by day then appearance of private radio has executed revolution. Manifestation of this revolution took place with the advancement of Radio Today. Entrepreneur of the first private sector radio station of the country is Rafiqul Haque. At present this radio station has achieved well-familiarization as a listener-favorite radio station. Rafiqul Haque is performing responsibilities as the Managing Director of this radio station. Success has come into the grips of his hands as a successful entrepreneur and management authority. Two more radio stations have been run following the track of Radio Today. After newspapers, one after one, new television channels in electronic media for last one decade, attracted viewers and listeners. Just after this, Radio Today stepped in. In the year 2005, this private sector radio station commenced its journey. From then on, to make it favorite to the listeners, various popular programs were introduced. Under the leadership of Rafiqul Haque, gradually Radio Today became popular commercially also. In an interview with the news media, Rafiqul Haque informed, in the year 1995 which was only a dream, he transformed it into reality in the year 2005.  Blending of talent, labor and far sight is today’s Radio Today to turn his thoughts into reality. Though the transmission of this radio station is limited at the moment within Dhaka and Chittagong, he wants to spread it all over the country in phases. This initiative of Mr. Rafiqul Haque is undoubtedly exceptional and challenging in the world of private sector radio. Arthokatha nominated Mr. Rafiqul Haque as one of the top personalities for this successful entrepreneurship in news media world of the country. This achiever and entrepreneur will set more examples in future to let the country and society advance ahead, playing the role of a pioneer, everybody expects so. We expect this also that ‘Radio Today 89.6’ will remain proudly active as an institution indicating directions in FM radio world of the country. Greetings and wishes for Rafiqul Huq.

Rajnish Kapur

Holcim is one of the big cement manufacturing companies of the world. Holcim has extent in more than 71 countries including Bangladesh. Amongst these position of Holcim is very firm in Asia, Europe, North America and South America. At present Asia is the fastest growing market of Holcim. Holcim first stepped in Bangladesh in the year 1998 by signing an investment contract under a joint ownership. In the month of September    2000 Holcim started its whole activities by the way of purchase of the then Hyundai Cement Bangladesh Limited. From then on, Holcim is one of the fastest growing cement companies of Bangladesh. In the year 2001 Holcim purchased United Cement Industries situated at Meghnaghat and in the year 2002 Saiham Cement Industries situated at Mongla. At   present in Bangladesh total cement production capacity of Holcim is 13 hundred thousand Tons per annum.

Rajnish Kapur, Managing Director of Holcim Bangladesh Limited, is a skilled Engineer and experienced Executive. He attained Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from famous Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Powai, Mumbai. During the time of attainment of this post-graduate degree, the subject matters of his research were published in various internationally famous journals; amongst them are Electronics Letter and IEEE. Silver Medalist in Bachelor of Technology, this Engineer achieved broad experience in different branches of management for twenty three years. He is a ‘six sigma belt’ of Indian Institute of Management and recipient of certifications on Lead Auditor I.S.O.-9000. Recipient of post graduate degree in Management, this experienced Manager, by taking the responsibilities as Managing Director of Holcim (Bangladesh) Limited, set many instances as a successful entrepreneur in the business domain of Bangladesh. Amongst many instances introduced by Holcim in this country one is Composite Cement. Up to some days ago in the recent past, consumers of the country were habituated to use only Portland cement. Price of Portland cement used to be relatively higher due to higher clinker content. Since clinker is required to be imported, so use of excess clinker forces negative pressure on foreign exchange reserves of the country. Holcim had pioneer role in the area of starting use of composite cement in Bangladesh. In the year 2001 Holcim first marketed composite cement in Bangladesh. Holcim signed an agreement on long terms for supply of fly ash with a thermal power plant located in India. This fly ash is being imported from India on road. Use of fly ash is having positive functions on the development of Bangladesh economically and environmentally.

Prior to 2004, the customers of Bangladesh were accustomed in using Portland or composite cement for plastering and fixing bricks or brick work. As a result entire cost of construction work used to be high. In 2004, Holcim introduced, for the first time use of specialized masonry cement, which is used only for setting in bricks and plastering.

Holcim as first Cement Company of Bangladesh achieved ISO certification 14001, which is provided for implementation of environmental policies and guidelines. Holcim firmly believes, alongside implementing environmental policies and guidelines it is also very much important to ensure safety of the workforce. Holcim is always on the go to provide safety to its workforce in workplace. In recognition to this work, Holcim as first Cement Company of Bangladesh, achieved international certification OHSAS 18001 on occupational health and safety.

In Bangladesh production capacity of cement is much higher than demand. As a result to let the Cement Industry survive at home there is no alternative to export outside Bangladesh. Holcim attained BIS certification for export of cement to India. At present Holcim through export of Cement to India, is having positive role in construction industry. Mr. Rajnish Kapur firmly believes that alongside doing business, a Company has many social responsibilities also. In the area of social responsibility, Holcim is performing the role of leading the way in Bangladesh. Holcim’s social responsibility program contains education extension program, development of comprehensive conditions of workforce and raising awareness in relation to environment. Holcim for the first time introduced insurance schemes for Masons in this country and, commenced education scholarships for their children. Holcim helped introduction of many positive changes in the area of business conducts and practices in Bangladesh, quite a few firms and companies of Bangladesh have started to follow environment policy and worker protection policy in particular as followed by Holcim. Mr. Rajnish Kapur supposes even in future, by maintaining this role of setting instances, Holcim would be able to have possible contributions in overall development of Bangladesh.

Rakesh Mohan

Devoted with the responsibility of country’s multinational-Unilever, a successful executive personality is Mr. Rakesh Mohan- at present performing responsibilities as the Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited. He joined this position on 1st January 2007.Prior to his taking up responsibilities in Bangladesh; he performed responsibilities as Chief Executive of Unilever Nepal. Though an Engineer in education life, he took MBA in marketing. By taking responsibilities of Unilever in Bangladesh, Mr. Rakesh Mohan achieved new success in products marketing of this company. Prior to that during his performance of responsibilities in Nepal, the Company achieved growth of 20% and 50%   respectively in sales and profit. As a result of the same the price of share of Unilever in Nepal’s share market rose by several times. He is putting up diligent labor to transform this company into a successful organization with Bangladesh Unilever. Under his robust and disciplined management, this company achieved dynamism in the mean time. Mr. Rakesh Mohan’s achievements are very much hopeful as a multinational business leader. We expect -he will have more signs of success to press forward activities of Unilever in Bangladesh. Mr. Rakesh Mohan is an instance to take corporate culture to an elevated level in Bangladesh. Sincere greetings and wishes to him from Arthokatha for his nomination as one of the best personalities of the year 2007.

S.A.Chowdhury

As Sonali Bank Limited have plentiful assets, deposits, skilled manpower, like that have huge net work at home and abroad. But due to lack of skilled leadership and professionalism, the bank could not achieve expected success. Enlightened, far-sighted, experienced banker personality Mr. S.A.Chowdhury could have realized this matter. Recently he has been appointed as CEO and MD of this Bank.

Mr. S.A. Chowdhury obtained MBA from IBA Dhaka University and Masters Degree from Asian Institute of Management of Manila, Philippines. He participated at many Banking and Management related training courses conducted by famous training institutes at home and abroad. He has experience of about four decades in banking and management which included his performance of responsibilities as CEO/Managing Director in leading local banks and financial institutions, in total eight, including Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, ICB, BSRS, and Jamuna Bank. He has extensive experience as Consultant of different organizations of government and the private sector. At present in conjunction with performing responsibilities as CEO and MD of Sonali Bank he is performing responsibilities at the Boards of Directors of eight more banks and financial institutions as Chairman/Director. In different professional journals and national dailies, many of his articles/write-ups has been published on the subject of banking and management. He is involved with different universities and training institutes such as IBA, BIBM, BIM, PATC, CMD, and BSTD as trainer / consultant. In the year 2007 he has been selected as one of the top personalities. Sincere wishes and greetings to him from the family of Arthokatha.