Reza Ali M.P.

Reza Ali is such a name which itself carries the identity of an institution, which can be said trade center of Advertisement oriented publicity management of Bangladesh. Mr. Reza Ali is the Managing Director of Bitopi, this country’s pioneer business of Advertisement world. When during the decade of sixty’s, knowledge of people of this country regarding advertisement firms was limited within a few which could be counted by hand then by establishing such a firm he proved his irresistible attractions to innovations and the mentality to receive the challenge with farsightedness and prudence concurrently. At that time Bitopi was not only an advertisement firm, but turned into a platform of cultural workers (bearers of mass awareness), artists, litterateur, intellectuals stimulated with the awareness on Bengali nationalism. Advertisement is not only publicity of merchandises-according to one’s wish; the ruling principles  of productions of  Mr. Ali’s advertisements are to produce along with its artistic, pleasing, delighting and meaningful expressions, not  holding back the truth under the violent flow of lies. Extraordinarily creative Bengali talent Reza Ali never compromised with professionalism. Seizing time every moment he took his professionalism forward. Always ahead in competition with westerns, bright and smart Reza Ali has literally turned the then Bitopi to banyan tree in today’s advertisement industry in presence of time, through various disintegrations-integrations, experimentations-auditing. In country’s most modern publicity industry with the blending of tradition and glamour Bitopi and Reza Ali are unique and second to none. A creator who is exceptional one in confidence, reliance and consumer-service. Bitopi is the gigantic road of Bangladesh publicity medium, which is busy today, multihued and trust-worthy, in research and modernization, advancing with the most up-to-date time as well as expression of exceptionality of Reza Ali achieving customer satisfaction. This hero of advertisement world of Bangladesh, Mr. Reza Ali has been nominated as year’s top personality by wise Board of Juries of Arthokatha. We have warm greetings for him.

Rupali Chowdhury

Rupali Chowdhury-familiar name in the corporate sphere of the country, Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited.  Diligently laborious this top executive female personality joined Berger in the year 1990.From then on, she advanced ahead step by step. Her own competence and support of near one’s helped her reach the present stage of unprecedented success in work area. Ancestral homeland of this Chief Executive is in Chittagong’s Patya. Her father’s intention was that Rupali would be a Physician and her own intention was to become an artist. But in none of these choices she settled. She got herself admitted into the Department of Chemistry at the Dhaka University. And then in 1984 took MBA from this University. Joined multinational Ciba-Geigy, there she worked continuously for six years. At the end of 23 years of working life when today she is performing the responsibilities of CEO then she retrieves the memories of the past for close and intimate review. Rupali Chowdhury considers skill is the key to success; it is meaningless whether one is a male or female. Rupali Chowdhury says, ‘I can work very hard’ this particular theme helped me to stride ahead.

In her opinion, a female worker must face adversities. Circumstances and environment must be faced with resolve and firmness of mind. Otherwise it would be very hard to survive in profession. In her opinion Rupali Chowdhury, in recent year’s female workforce have advanced well and far in various professions. Not only as a Corporate Executive, but after gaining responsibilities as a Managing Director of Berger in a collective manner in the year 2007 she says, “ Now my plan is to develop this Company further” In this way my first duty is to prove myself competent  in new position. By honoring this work spirit of Rupali Chowdhury, Arthokatha honored her with an award in the year 2007 as Best Female Executive personality. Tomorrow this female personality will advance with more honor and dignity; we have such expectations. Best wishes and sincere greetings to her. With inspirations from Rupali Chowhdhury’s success, today’s female workers and entrepreneurs would endeavor more to make them more successful, we have such expectations.   

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.  

S.A.Farouqee

S.A.Farouqee is a celebrated personality of Bangladesh banking sector. ‘Make Oneself Prominent’- the subject is not at all within him. To a great extent unknowingly to all, he is working in the banking ocean. He is dear one to many today because he works staying in silence, solitude. Most of the new generation bankers, following his personality, practices in their own area of work. And in own organization, Standard Bank, S.A.Farouqee’s popularity is sky-kissing. From person to personality to everybody, S.A.Farouqee is a name of a guardian. S.A.Farouqee is performing the great vow to strengthen the future base of the country by co-operating and assisting young entrepreneurs of different sectors of the country, by embracing them. By staying in lanes, corners of banking sector for 33 years he is today seated in the position of the Managing Director of Standard Bank.

S.M.Kamaluddin

There are some people those who do not only dream, but turn the dreams into reality, accordingly make others understand that actually there is nothing called 'impossible'. Efforts of wish and concentration combined make everything possible. Such a dreamer and man of action is S.M. Kamaluddin, name of a rare genius in the engineering-construction sector of the country. The firm well-known in tourism infrastructure, construction sector: ‘Concord Group’, whose personality; Engr. S. M. Kamaluddin’s name is intimately blended with Concord along with creativity, competence and skill. This talented personality with own competence, talent and enriched experience accomplished quite a few construction projects of mentionable high standard at home and abroad successfully. The panoramic view depicting the change of the capital into a modern city with architectural art of towering high-rise buildings has sufficient contributions of S. M. Kamaluddin. First 20 storied Shilpa Bank Building, 22 storied Jiban Bima Tower, 24 storied Janata Bank Bhavan, ZIA international Airport, VVIP Terminal, Savar National Monument, Karnapfuli Fertilizer Factory, Mirpur Indoor Stadium, BTV??????Auditorium, Titas Gas Bhavan, International Conference Centre, IDB Bhavan, i.e., the buildings which  brought for Dhaka the recognition of city suitable for 21st Century, most of them all bears the testimony of Concord, the victorious journey of which started with the inaugural of dream township ‘Fantasy Kingdom’ in the year 2002. After this one by one Water Kingdom, Heritage Park, Motel Atlantis, Shahid Zia Complex of Chittagong, Country’s first revolving restaurant ‘Ananda Bhuvan’ ‘Concord Amusement World’-tourism centre of international standard at Foy’s Lake- all these created revolution in the world of  tourism of Bangladesh. Apart from that in Chittagong-famous as commercial capital concord raised ‘World Trade Centre’. Then, not only by construction variety in architectural work, man of methodical mind this entrepreneur personality, every moment experiments on the subject of construction. S. M. Kamaluddin had the opportunities to demonstrate his faculty outside the country. In joint venture with a   foreign company, they constructed 760 ft. second highest ‘Tower City’ telecommunication building in Singapore in two years. Concord took part in construction work in Middle East and Qatar also. For extra-ordinary contributions in different sectors, he received from Arthokatha year’s Best Discussed Personality Award for 1997 and 1998, Special Achievement Award for 2001 and 2002.In 2003 one of the year’s Top Entrepreneur Personality, in 2004 year’s best personality in tourism sector and in 2005 and 2006 received nomination for year’s Top Personality Award in tourism infrastructure sector.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury

Distinguished business entrepreneur and political personality Saber Hossain Chowdhury is the Managing Director of Karnaphuli Limited. Though the journey of this business started in the year 1954, at present this company is expanding in various sectors crossing various ups and downs. Capital Dhaka’s high rise shopping mall and residential edifice Karnaphuli Garden City has been built as associate of this organization. At present more construction works are going on of this company in capital Dhaka. By marketing ‘Yamaha’     brand of Japan, Karnaphuli Limited gained most extensive familiarization. Karnaphuli Limited’s role is of a long time in making Yamaha motor cycle popular in the market of Bangladesh. Though Saber Hossain Chowdhury took up the steers of this Company by family inheritance, he has much contribution behind attaining well-familiarization for the Company. Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury did not run after profit only as an entrepreneur with liabilities, progressive daily ‘Bhorer Kagoz’ was born also due to his direct patronization. At the very moment of birth, this paper became reader’s top ranking paper of choice. It became possible due to assistive role of Saber Hossain Chowdhury. Successful entrepreneur in other areas of business, once upon a time became elected to the parliament from one of the seats of Dhaka, later performed responsibilities as political advisor to Sheikh Hasina, Awami League President and former Prime Minister. Despite giving time in politics as a top ranking business man, he was able to keep himself clean. Being able to nominate him due to the reasons of dynamic role in trade and commerce of the country and indifferent political involvement Arthokatha is pleased. Everybody hopes this personality’s role would be brighter as a fit partner. Sincere greetings and wishes to Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury from Arthokatha.

Salman F.Rahman  

Beximco Pharma is one of the limited few enterprises in Pharmaceutical Industry, which crossed the boundaries of the country to get established in the international arena with their own identity, coverage and reputation. Wise circles at home and abroad labeled Beximco Pharma as one of the top pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises much earlier. In true sense, for transformation from that position of one of a few, to the country’s best pharmaceutical enterprise of today, the person whose talent, devotion, diligence, sincerity and far-sightedness are intimately blended, is the pioneer personality of the group Mr. Salman F.Rahman also the Deputy Chairman of the group. Today, due to his competent leadership, Beximco Pharma is considered                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               as a dependable pharmaceutical exporter to USA. After emergence as a successful exporter to U.S.A., another feather was added to their crown of success by way of inclusion of the enterprise as a member of London Stock Exchange. Through this event, not only a Bangladeshi Company entered London Stock Exchange for the first time but also any Company even from amongst the countries of the Muslim world entered London Stock Exchange for the first time. In this regard Mr.Salman F.Rahman says he started to think, when neighboring India could export Medicines worth Rs.1400 Cr. a year then why could not we be able? Such precise far reaching thoughts could bring BEXIMCO to today’s position. Not only his own enterprise but also the entire Pharmaceutical industry of Bangladesh got established in honorable position amongst world’s arena for which Mr.Salman F.Rahman’s role is undeniable. In recent past, his election to the position of the President of the Pharmaceutical Industry Association proves recognition of confidence of others in his leadership. Then not only in the field of trade and commerce but also Salman F.Rahman aroused with patriotism, plays an effective role in politics. With the resolve of serving the country, by not keeping his position direct, he is indirectly involved in politics. He is the Advisor to the President of Awami League on private sector related affairs. Beximco Group with employment of 25000 will expand far more with merit and intellect of Salman F.Rahman. Everybody expects reputation and business success of this enterprise will grow further and further in the interest of the country.

Samson H.Chowdhury

Samson H.Chowdhury is a successful industrial entrepreneur, an institution. He was born on 25th February in the year 1926 in a solitary village of Faridpur. Wrapping up the Childhood and boyhood recitals of lessons he went across to London and returned home acquiring degree from world famous Cambridge University. With other three friends as fellows he established ‘SQUARE’ at Shalgaria of Pabna. The start of Square was with 12 labors, a small semi-pucca dwelling and some machines. Meager capital, limited manpower, small entrepreneurship but sky-high outlook-the outlook, which he nurtured piece by piece into today’s big tree, the industrial group: SQUARE. Currently he is the Chairman of this group. The portrait of accountability has happened to be vivid in all his creations. Whose poetic expression has been opened up in the rhyme of Corporate Slogan “To save life, to organize Life: SQUARE”.

Bit by bit this business entity, stepped also into foreign markets. First syrup produced by Square Pharmaceuticals also used to be exported abroad. In 1987 expanded Square was successful in exporting some more items other than pharmaceuticals. Samson H.Choudhury’s thoughts expanded into Toiletries, Household items, Textile products and some more Industries. In 1994 Square was converted into a Public Limited Company. Square Pharma’s stock went enlisted with Dhaka Stock Exchange. Later two most ultra-modern units were established in Shalgaria, Pabna and Gazipore, Dhaka. Samson H. Chowdhury expanded his thoughts further. One by one came up Square Toiletries, Square Consumer Products, Square Spinning, Square Knit Fabrics, Square Fashions, Square Informatics, and Square Hospital. Apart from that he took up considerable shares in some other companies including Shelltech, Pioneer Insurance, Mutual Trust Bank, National Housing Finance, Midas Financing, Ekushey TV etc. His area of activities extended further and further. An assortment of various articles of everyday household needs such  as Mineral Plant, Juice Plant, Soybean Oil, Mixed Spices, Vermicelli, Noodles etc., were added into Square family. Reaching the year 2007 Samson H. Chowdhury, not only became mature in age but also crossed the limits of individuality and transformed himself into an institution.  Due to his significant entrepreneurship he received recognition of Best Business Personality Awards of 1994, 1997,1998,2002,2005 and thereafter in 2007. Open-hearted felicitations to this skilled craftsman of enterprises and ventures, entrepreneur personality illuminated with youth with the expectations to move ahead further and further.

Selima Ahmed

Women's empowerment and women in power, the subject is required to be analyzed in this way which to some extent falls into the type of rudeness. But looking under the assessment of reality, there is no scope to think in that way. In fact there are too many talks about women's empowerment but actual work is very low. It is very natural to have the question raised that in the country in which for three consecutive terms, female presence is in state power, in that country there is no necessity of so much talks about women's empowerment. Most mentionable is that, today on the top of state power and the outside, the woman leadership, this is not the symbol of social structure and social advancement. It is the manifestation of their competence. Exactly likewise at different stages of the society, who have come up as the competent women personalities or entrepreneurs that is also due to their own competence and firm mental strength. Society did not let them go ahead. Rather the rational social system is rather holding them pulled backwards. Even after that women are coming forward, coming up breaking the stairs. Education, art, culture, trade and commerce, in all spheres despite being low, the presence of women and activities are like eye catching. Despite many limitations, many daring women, have got themselves established as successful entrepreneurs in trade and industry. Coming out by breaking the circle, for getting established in own glory, a silent revolution has been accomplished. Those who hold the capacity to break the circle, they are undoubtedly being considered as pioneers of awakening the women, accompanied with sound. A few in numbers, role of women entrepreneurs are not less in the country. Until now, we can see quite a few desperate women entrepreneurs in country’s socio-economic sector. Not only that in this case in their competence they are capturing the seats of leadership also, overcoming in competition with males. Chairman and Managing Directors of different financial institutions are women now, which were not possible even 5 to 7years ago. We can see many competent women personalities as entrepreneurs and CEO of many big industrial groups. Selima Ahmed is one amongst them. Not just by education, aristocracy or inheritance, Mrs. Ahmed is established in her own competence. Not only as an entrepreneur herself, to create more entrepreneurs in light of experience at home and abroad, she structured Bangladesh Women Chamber of Business and Industry, in short BDWCBI.

Mr. Selima Ahmed after obtaining Honors and Masters, in Management, started working life alongside family. In combination of talent with intellect she raised herself as a successful business woman and industrial entrepreneur. By taking decisions compatible with the time and the age and skilled management as well, Nitol Group has raised a huge industrial empire in the country. Under dynamic leadership of Selima Ahmed, employment of many people has taken place in Bangladesh. She is the Managing Director of only export oriented artificial silk flower industrial enterprise of Bangladesh, Nalita & Company Limited. Apart from that she is Director of Nitol Motors Limited, Nita Company Limited, Niloy Motors Limited, Nikita and Company, Niloy Cement Industries Limited, Nitol Cement Industries Limited, Niloy Taxicab Company Limited, Central Properties Limited, Bengal Pipe and Sanitary Limited, Special Packaging Industries Limited, Nitol Construction Limited, Nitol Electricity Limited, Nitol Jalalabad Private Private Limited, Swan Clearing Agency Private Limited, Nitol Steel Private Limited and Nitol Insurance Company Limited.

In order to take Bangladesh ahead, which country is backward in Industry, trade and commerce, enterprising, courageous and creative entrepreneur like Selima Ahmed is very much necessary now. In our country participation of women folk is very insignificant in entrepreneurial roles. But dense mist covered by darkness has moved out.  Selima Ahmed has shown ways to the women entrepreneurs. Now remaining even within family surroundings a woman can play significant role in economy.  Women society is vociferous even against unreasonable acts, tyranny. Mrs. Selima Ahmed is sufficiently proficient as entrepreneur Director and this proficiency has been proved in work, talent, enthusiasm and hard labor.

In the year 2002 for significant contributions in national economy and for establishing women as entrepreneurs Aurthokatha’s wise Board of Juries has nominated him as the best of the year female entrepreneur.

Shafiul Islam Kamal

By adding new scale in modernism and view, performer of silent revolution in transport system of the country, and achiever of massive fame as pioneer personality in transport service of the country, a unique name is Shafiul Islam Kamal, Chairman of country-wide famous Corporate Navana Group. He himself has been transformed into an institution due to extra-ordinary contribution in transport sector and other activities. Shafiul Islam Kamal is a top ranking one amongst a few entrepreneur personalities who are having unique role to raise a developed transport sector in the country and to let this sector reach further developed stage of taste and technology. Mr. Shafiul Islam Kamal can be entitled with the title ‘A successful man behind the logo’. And the logo is ‘Navana’. Navana is a name to talk about in the transport sector of the country. Navana is the symbol of modernism and dependability. This modernism and dependability have not been limited within transport sector only but has been extended to all the constituent firms including Navana Real Estate and Navana Furnishers Ltd. Mr. Kamal is by heart and soul, a complete modern man. Development of standard of life and modernization has been taken up by him as a kind of welfare oriented work of the people. In line with such thoughts and continuity he established Navana Real Estate which by blend of taste and aristocracy brought within the reach of the people of this country information of dream-habitat, ultra modern furniture manufacturing firm Navana Furnishers Ltd., possessors of high-standard and taste, which has brought change in home decorations. Mr. Kamal has proved if one is endowed with honesty, devotion and sincerity he does not need to run after profit just like a mad rather a businessman gets established due to honest investment and commercial activities close to the society.

Apart from transport sector, Mr.Kamal is a successful entrepreneur of many streams. He is one of the sponsor-directors of IFIC Bank. Apart from that in Navana Group there are quite a few consumer products including Pharmaceuticals. For his contributions in a comprehensive manner particularly for rendering of services in transport sector in order to take the same to a unique stage he has been nominated as one of the top entrepreneurs of the year 2003 and best of the year personality in the years 2004,2005,2006.