A Distinguished Entrepreneur in Florida

A Distinguished Entrepreneur in Florida

any ambitious and visionary individuals from Bangladesh have achieved success as entrepreneurs abroad through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Among them is Alamgir Kabir, a notable entrepreneur based in Florida. Hailing from a respectable Muslim family in the Char Bhadrashan area of Faridpur district, Alamgir is not only a pride of his local community but also a respected figure in Bangladesh.In Florida, he stands out as one of the leading entrepreneurs in the mainstream business community. Alamgir owns several expansive shopping malls and runs a thriving real estate business, alongside a product marketing venture. Born to Haji Abdur Rahim and Rabeya Khatun, Alamgir displayed brilliance and industriousness from a young age. After completing his SSC from Faridpur District School and his HSC from Government Rajendra College, he participated in the 'DV Lottery' in 1995, which opened the doors for his journey to America.Determined to change his fortune, Alamgir moved to Florida after winning the DV Lottery. There, he began his venture into retail business, motivated by the teachings of the Holy Quran, particularly the belief that those who strive to change their fate will receive God's support. His hard work soon paid off, allowing him to establish a successful enterprise, which has now grown few shopping plaza, apartment complex and petroleum business.Alamgir's journey to success is marked by an unwavering commitment to his roots, particularly to his homeland of Bangladesh and the Char Bhadrashan area. He possesses a deep sense of patriotism and recognizes the struggles faced by many in his hometown, particularly those living in poverty and areas affected by river erosion. Driven by a desire to uplift his community, he has initiated various programs to support education, healthcare, and housing for those in need.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alamgir extended his help to neglected imams, muezzins, and teachers in mosques and madrasas across his local area and beyond, providing them with essential relief services. As a socially conscious organizer, he prioritizes the welfare of others and is actively involved with the Association of Florida. He extends his support to cultural events in South Florida and assists those looking to start businesses in America. Alamgir emphasizes that success in business requires hard work and adherence to legal frameworks, stating that the system in the U.S. is efficient and transparent.Having lived in America for nearly 29 years, Alamgir has achieved significant business success, which he generously invests back into the welfare of his community in the area known as 'OrthoKontho - 27.' He is well-known as a philanthropist, contributing to the development of his community. A patriotic businessman, Alamgir has been involved in politics since his student days, having led the Nationalist Student Party. He believes that the late President Ziaur Rahman introduced a new paradigm in Bangladeshi politics, advocating for production-oriented politics that aim to improve the lives of ordinary people. Following this vision, Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in food production.Currently, Alamgir serves as the advisor of Amra BNP Poribar and also the International affairs secretary in krishok Dol Central…
A Beacon of Community and Business Leadership

A Beacon of Community and Business Leadership

In the vibrant tapestry of the British-Bangladeshi community, few figures shine as brightly as Mr. Ahmed Us Samad Chowdhury. Arriving in Britain in 1972 to pursue his education, Mr. Chowdhury quickly established himself as a trailblazer and a respected leader, becoming the first Asian Origin Student President at Bristol. His journey since then has been marked by a profound commitment to media, charity, and business, earning him the affection and admiration of many.As the founder of "Potrika," one of Britain’s leading Bengali newspapers, Mr. Chowdhury has played an instrumental role in amplifying the voices of the Bangladeshi community in the UK. Additionally, as the Chairman of Channel S Television, the most-watched Bengali channel in Europe, he has further solidified his status as a key figure in the media landscape.A Fellow of the Institute of Sales Marketing Management, the Chartered Institute of Management, and the Institute of Hospitality, Mr. Chowdhury is also known for his extensive experience as a restaurateur. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to the property sector, with ventures both in the UK and Bangladesh. Notably, he is the co-owner and chairman of Kushiara Composite Knit Industries, a 100% export-oriented enterprise that plays a vital role in earning foreign currency for Bangladesh. Mr. Chowdhury's commitment to community development is evident in his founding of several organizations aimed at supporting the Bangladeshi diaspora. In 1988, he became the Head of the Bangladesh Association (Bristol, Bath & West), and soon after, he established the Bangladesh Women’s Group in Bristol. In 1990, he founded the Bangladesh House, a drop-in center providing essential advice and information on housing and welfare. His efforts continued with the establishment of the Bangladesh Centre in Bristol in 1993, aimed at supporting women and youth.A champion for religious and cultural initiatives, Mr. Chowdhury was pivotal in establishing the South West’s only purpose-built mosque in 1998. He serves as a Trustee for the Bangladesh House, Bangladesh Centre, and the Shahjalal Jame Mosque Trust, demonstrating his enduring dedication to community service.Mr Chowdhury was an Advisor to the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair's NEW DEAL TASK FORCE on Ethnic Minority. His philanthropic efforts extend to healthcare, having raised funds for the Royal United Hospital and supported numerous charities. As a Justice of Peace since 1991, Mr. Chowdhury’s influence reaches into education as well, serving as a Governor at City of Bath College and a National Steering Committee Member for the Hospitality Training Foundation under the Ministry of Education.Throughout his career, Mr. Chowdhury has held numerous prestigious positions, including as a founder and director of the Bangladesh British Chamber of Commerce, Founder Chairman of the Britain Bangladesh Friendship Society, and Senior Vice President of the National Heart Foundation in Sylhet. His advisory roles with various national and international organizations further highlight his commitment to fostering collaboration and support for the Bangladeshi community.In 2000, Mr. Chowdhury was instrumental in establishing the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) office in Sylhet, the only such office outside Britain. His contributions to Bangladesh include the foundation of a…
Abul Hossain

A Visionary Bridging Bangladesh and Africa

Abul Hossain, a distinguished Bangladeshi businessman and diplomat, stands as a true visionary whose work transcends personal success to focus on national and global development. As Vice President of NRB World, President & CEO of Fazila Group, and President of Diplomacy for World Peace (DWP), Hossain’s portfolio reflects a profound commitment to advancing Bangladesh’s presence on the international stage.One of his most notable roles is serving as the Honorary Consul of Uganda in Bangladesh, a position he has held since 2009. This appointment, personally proposed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during bilateral talks, underscores Hossain’s reputation as a trusted bridge between nations. Tasked with fostering trade and diplomacy between Bangladesh and Uganda, Hossain took on this role with vigor, establishing a consulate that has significantly strengthened bilateral relations over the past decade.Hossain’s advocacy for exploring Africa’s potential for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs is rooted in a deep understanding of the continent’s untapped resources and markets. Uganda, for example, boasts fertile agricultural land, abundant natural resources such as gold and oil, and a population of over 40 million. Hossain highlights the stark contrast in soil fertility between Uganda and Bangladesh, emphasizing Uganda’s capacity for high-yield crop production. He envisions Africa as a new frontier for Bangladeshi investment in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, technology, and infrastructure. “Africa is the second largest continent with 54 countries and a population exceeding one billion,” Hossain points out. “It is rich with opportunities in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and industrial development.” Countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia, and Ghana, he notes, are now politically stable and welcoming to foreign investment. Hossain underscores that Africa’s investment policies are remarkably flexible, offering duty-free and tax-free benefits to foreign investors, creating an attractive business climate.Hossain believes that Bangladesh’s burgeoning industries—garments, ceramics, jute products, and pharmaceuticals—can thrive in African markets. Companies like Pran Group have already found success there, paving the way for others. However, he stresses the need for the Bangladeshi government to simplify policies and remove bureaucratic barriers to facilitate more investments.Beyond trade, Hossain sees Africa as a land of opportunity for the younger generation, particularly in IT and high-tech industries. With African nations embarking on their development journeys, he envisions a bright future for Bangladeshi software and technology firms to expand their global footprint.Hossain also addresses the challenges of manpower export to Africa, advocating for targeted policies to send skilled workers to support Africa’s growing agro-industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. He believes that a focused effort in this area could yield significant benefits for both regions. Abul Hossain’s optimistic outlook and proactive initiatives position him as a vital advocate for fostering Bangladesh-Africa ties. His efforts highlight Africa as not only a trade partner but also a development ally, offering untold opportunities for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and workers. As he says, “Africa can be a haven for Bangladeshi enterprises, and together, we can create a future of mutual prosperity.”
Abdulaziz-Khan CIP

A Visionary Entrepreneur in Qatar’s Real Estate Sector

Abdulaziz Khan, CIP, is a shining example of how determination, perseverance, and an unwavering pursuit of goals can turn dreams into reality. As a prominent expatriate entrepreneur based in Qatar, he has made significant contributions to the real estate industry while maintaining strong ties to his homeland, Bangladesh.Born on February 1, 1965, in Ishwardi, Pabna, Bangladesh, Abdulaziz Khan grew up in a business-oriented family. His parents, the late Mohammed Abul Hossain Khan and the late Surja Banu, instilled in him a sense of community and compassion. Honoring their memory, Abdulaziz Khan has established a trust in their name to assist the underprivileged in times of need.In 1989, he ventured to Qatar with the dream of exploring new horizons. After working for Qatar Petrochemical Company for five years and running a food business for six years, his entrepreneurial vision led him to the real estate sector. Recognizing the universal need for housing, Abdulaziz Khan founded Abdulaziz Khan Real Estate W.L.L in 2001.With his forward-thinking approach, Abdulaziz Khan has become a trusted name in Qatar’s real estate sector, especially within the Bangladeshi community. His business specializes in providing apartments in prime locations like Lusail City, The Pearl City, and Doha City. By buying, selling, and renting apartments tailored to diverse needs, he has made housing more accessible for many.Abdulaziz Khan’s understanding of his clients’ requirements and his commitment to quality have earned him widespread popularity. His company has become a go-to destination for individuals seeking a reliable and customer-focused real estate partner.Despite his success abroad, Abdulaziz Khan remains deeply connected to his homeland. A true patriot, he contributes significantly to Bangladesh’s economy by sending remittances, which play a vital role in strengthening the country’s foreign exchange reserves. His efforts, along with those of millions of expatriates, have helped Bangladesh’s reserves surpass $35 billion.For his contributions as a successful entrepreneur and a proud representative of Bangladesh abroad, Abdulaziz Khan has been honored as a Commercially Important Person (CIP) by the Government of Bangladesh four times—in 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2019. Beyond his business ventures, Abdulaziz Khan serves as the Assistant General Secretary of the NRB CIP Association and is an advisor to the Bangladeshi community in Qatar. His leadership extends to fostering unity among expatriates and advocating for Bangladesh’s development.Abdulaziz Khan’s vision for Bangladesh is rooted in progress and unity. He believes that if political parties set aside differences and work collaboratively against corruption, Bangladesh can achieve its development goals.Abdulaziz Khan’s journey from Ishwardi to becoming a respected entrepreneur in Qatar exemplifies the power of hard work, vision, and community spirit. His contributions to real estate, his commitment to Bangladesh’s economic growth, and his unwavering dedication to helping others have cemented his legacy as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Roquia Haider

A Trailblazing Journalist and Voice for Bangladesh Roquia Haider

Roquia Haider’s life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and excellence in journalism. Born in Kolkata in 1946, her journey from a vibrant childhood in India to becoming the Chief of the Bangla Department at the Voice of America (VOA) is a story of unwavering determination and remarkable achievements.Growing up in Kolkata’s bustling streets, Roquia’s early years were shaped by her father, a businessman, who instilled in her a sense of purpose and perseverance. Married while still in high school, she embraced the dual roles of wife and mother at a young age. However, with the steadfast support of her family, she pursued her education, completing her Master’s degrees in political science and economics at Dhaka University in 1968.Her journey into media began in 1968 when she joined Chattogram Radio as a news presenter. Despite her talents in drama, dance, and singing during her youth, Roquia found her true calling in journalism. Her sweet and commanding voice resonated with audiences, earning her widespread recognition. By 1974, she was presenting news for Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, becoming a household name in Bangladesh. Roquia’s life took a tragic turn in 1971 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Her husband, who worked in a shipping company, was killed during the conflict, leaving her a widow at just 24. This profound loss shaped her character, fueling her determination to succeed and make a difference.In 1981, she moved to the United States, marking the beginning of her illustrious three-decade career at the Voice of America. Starting as a journalist, Roquia rose to become the Managing Editor of the Bangla Department in 2001. Her role extended beyond news presentation, encompassing writing, translation, editing, and producing content that connected the Bengali-speaking diaspora with global news.Roquia’s work at VOA went far beyond the confines of the newsroom. As a correspondent, she covered international events, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Cups in football and cricket. She earned the moniker “Sportscaster in Sari,” becoming a symbol of cultural pride while reporting from global arenas. Among her career highlights was interviewing Nobel laureate Mother Teresa—a moment that remains deeply cherished.Her contributions extended beyond journalism. In 1990, Roquia received the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Award under the “Thousand Points of Light” initiative for her dedication to social development work. Her efforts exemplify her commitment to using her platform to uplift communities and foster positive change. Throughout her career, Roquia Haider has been a beacon of inspiration for Bangladeshis around the world. As the Chief of the Bangla Department at VOA, she elevated the representation of Bangla journalism on an international scale, bridging cultural and informational gaps. Her voice carried stories of hope, resilience, and progress, resonating with millions.Roquia’s life reflects her love for her homeland, her passion for journalism, and her commitment to excellence. Whether as a pioneering journalist or a social worker, her journey showcases the power of determination and the ability to transform personal tragedy into professional success.Today, Roquia Haider’s legacy continues to inspire journalists, social workers, and…