There are many Bangladeshi Americans who have managed to establish business establishment in America through their own thinking, initiative and efforts. One of them is Rafiq Khan. A visionary and self-confident Rafiq Khan is the founder and president of AVS Group USA, Inc., one of the leading US business conglomerates.
Comprised of Architectural Signs, Exhibits Fixtures, Digital Graphics and Retail Branding, Marketing, this leading business group operates not only in the United States but also in countries around the world. Rafiq Khan, the entrepreneur and CEO of AVS Group, is an expert figure in modern business culture. He has over three decades of experience in visual work, graphics design and project management.
Hardworking and work-loving Rafiq Khan is closely involved in any project from its inception to its completion. As a result, the work is completed smoothly. He plays an active role in being connected in all aspects of the work. Thus, Rafiq Khan has become a careerist by dint of own effort. At the same time he founded the AVS Foundation and serves as the president.
Visionary Rafiq Khan began his visual business career as an advertising agency owner and art director in the mid-1990s. He joined a large visual and signage company in New York City in early 2000 as Vice President, serving until 2011. As a result, he got the opportunity to gain extensive experience and skills. He founded this company in 2012 called Architectural Visual Solution (AVS).
Rafiq Khan, a highly talented figure, has completed courses in Electric Signs, LED Signs, HID Signs, Neon Signs and others from Ul University with merit. That’s why there is a distinctive feature in his work. He is also experienced in World Class Flow Master CAD Programming and Direct Drive Pump HP Maintenance. He has also received training in Superwide Format VUTEK Printing Machine Operation and its management.
Rafiq Khan has received training in occupational safety and health from the US Department of Labor and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, as well as expertise in construction sector safety and health. He is an Accredited Member of the Secure Worker Access Consortium (SWAC).
Rafiq Khan, a proud Bangladeshi American, has been able to combine his experience and talent to bring the creative arts company AVS to a special position in the international arena. Here is what Rafiq Khan, President of AVS Group USA, Inc. said in a recent interview with Business America:
Business America: As a Bangladeshi American, you have been in the US for over 25 years. You are the President of AVS Group. You cherish Bangladesh deeply despite staying abroad. In your view, how fast has the current economy of Bangladesh been?
Rafiq Khan: You are right, even in America, I can never forget that I am a Bangladeshi. Bangladesh is my motherland – which is our roots. Naturally, our compassion, love and desire to do something for Bangladesh works every moment. It is true that before independence in 1971, the socio-economic condition of the country was quite deplorable. The annual per capita income was only $150. Education rate was 21% to 22%. Many people would have died without treatment.
The people of Bangladesh are energetic and hardworking. In 50 years of independence, Bangladesh has overcome poverty and stood on the threshold of self-reliant Bangladesh. More than 1 crore 2 million people of this country are engaged in business and employment in different countries. As a result, a lot of foreign currency is coming to the country as remittances. Apart from this, the export income including the textile sector has also increased manifold. Currently the amount of foreign exchange reserves in the country exceeds 44 billion US dollars. Per capita income rose to more than USD 22. Due to the availability of roads and electricity facilities at the village level, industries have developed even in remote areas. It has created massive employment and increased national production. Bangladesh has been able to transform from a poor country to a lower middle income country. It is expected that Bangladesh will become a middle income country soon.
Though we are expatriates, Bangladesh is our heartbeat and we hold all its good and bad in our hearts.
Business America: Even if you are abroad, you know that Bangladesh has built large structures like the Padma Bridge with its own funding. Many other establishments exemplify country’s development trend. How do you feel as a Bangladeshi?
Rafiq Khan: Every man likes the progress of his or her country as it gives him or her the pleasure of being proud. Bangladesh’s large infrastructures, especially the Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge, the newly constructed Padma Bridge, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, and numerous infrastructures including seaports are now showing our development. It’s really proud.
These establishments have brightened our image many times abroad. Ever since we have been able to become self-sufficient in food and have been able to turn our fortunes through exports of ready-made garments and manpower, our respect and prestige among foreigners has increased. The role of the members of Bangladesh’s law and order forces in the United Nations peacekeeping mission has been appreciated worldwide. Once upon seeing the passport of Bangladesh, the eyes of the foreign airport workers would be narrowed, the scorn would emerge; Now that doesn’t happen. Instead, a different brightness is seen.
Bangladesh is being reviewed by the world’s economic observers – Bangladesh is a role model for development. Even former American President Barack Obama advised other developing countries to follow Bangladesh for development.
Business America: There is a lot of talk about corruption and irregularities in Bangladesh. Terrorism, rape, disappearance and murder are also talked about – what is your take?
Rafiq Khan: People prefer to be proud of their family, relatives and country. We are no exception. When we hear bad things about Bangladesh in the diaspora, see corruption-terrorism in the media, rape incidents on the TV screen, then we feel very disappointed. Let me say, the liberation war wasn’t fought for such heinous activities – millions of people didn’t sacrifice their lives for this. It’s really unfortunate. I believe that if the country is governed in the light of the spirits of the liberation war, corruption, irregularities, terrorism and rape can be eradicated from the country.
We are proud as a nation. We have a great Language Martyr’s Day on February 21; we have a brave history of liberation war – then why should we be corrupt! My point in this regard is that the rule of law must be established in the country. Whoever is the culprit must be punished. Every citizen should be proud of his rights. It must be ensured that the society doesn’t fall under the hands of some godfathers. I think, whoever has the responsibility in the state system should properly be performed. The administration should be kept free from party influence.
Business America: As the founder leader of AVS Group, you are ensuring the aesthetics of construction work through advanced technology in the construction sector, as well as making the construction beautiful and comfortable. Will you have any initiative to display aesthetics of high-quality construction in Bangladesh?
Rafiq Khan: Rightly said. AVS Group works with the best architects, contractors and designers to ensure high quality products and construction to customers. We work with the aim of ensuring the design as per the customer’s needs and completing it within the budget.
Besides, the construction becomes aesthetic at the next stage by combining dimensional characters, use of logos, illuminated signboards and floor displays etc. You will know – our made signs have been able to attract people’s attention. If someone or any organization in Bangladesh wants to use our AVS, then they will definitely work according to their needs. AVS Group has been able to gain huge trust of customers in real estate sector.
Business America: What kind of support did expatriate Bangladeshis do for country’s people during Covid-19 pandemic?
Rafiq Khan: We expatriates used to help the troubled families of the Bangladeshi community in various natural disasters. Besides, we help the helpless relatives of our country through institutional initiatives or other international organizations including Red Cross. Hopefully, the government of Bangladesh is continuously gaining capacity to deal with natural disasters. This activity of the government is widely appreciated in the country and abroad.
Business America: What kind of initiatives are you taking so that the next generation can practice the culture of Bangladesh in America?
Rafiq Khan: Many schools, cultural institutions and club training centers have been established here in Bangladeshi communities. Through these institutions, our children are getting opportunities to practice the traditional culture of Bengal such as dance, poetry recitation, singing etc. Besides, here we observe the national days of Bangladesh like Great Language Day, Independence Day, Victory Day, Pahela Boishakh etc. and pleasant cultural events are organized on these occasions. Through these programs and initiatives, our children are getting opportunities to know about the history, traditions and cultural activities of Bangladesh.
Business America: How optimistic are you about Bangladesh?
Rafiq Khan: The people of Bangladesh have proved that Bangladesh is a country of immense potential. Once we didn’t have much, we had to resort to foreigners if any slightest disaster was taken place. But things have changed. We provide various types of assistance including food and medicine to other countries during any natural disasters. This is because we have already achieved that capability. Bangladesh is now on the path of development.
Business America: In which sector has Bangladesh made more development?
Rafiq Khan: Bangladesh has made development in many areas which is noticeable now. But for me women development and women empowerment is really surprising. Our garment industry is now globally recognized by the hands of uneducated and neglected village women. At the same time, the poor and destitute women have now become an economic force with the help of micro-loans, i.e. NGOs. Women’s empowerment has accelerated in the country, which really excites me. I am optimistic – Bangladesh will overcome all obstacles and become a developed country soon.
