Kanu Saynal
Today is the eight death anniversary of Samson H Chowdhury, the founder of Square Group. On this day in 2012, the visionary entrepreneur and industrialist passed away at Raffles Hospital in Singapore at the age of 86.
Samson Chowdhury left behind an unmatched legacy of entrepreneurship and industrialization.
He built up from scratch Square Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Bangladesh, and set an example of ethical business that is certain to inspire many others in the years to come.
Born on February 25, 1926 in Pabna, Samson H Chowdhury was the eldest child of Eakub H Chowdhury and Latika Chowdhury. Educated in Mymensingh and Kolkata, he also obtained a diploma in management from a Harvard University school.
Samson Chowdhury, son of a medical officer in an outdoor dispensary, started a small pharmacy at Ataikula in Pabna in 1952. It was beginning of the country's one of the leading pharmaceutical companies that eventually became the Square Group. He was awarded the Best Entrepreneur of the Country for the year 2000-2001 by The Daily Star and DHL. The American Chamber in Bangladesh honored him as Business Executive of the Year in 1998.
In 1988, Square group has established new industries with medicine. During that time, Square Toiletries Limited has been introduced as the separate division of Square Pharma. Later, new institutions have been established serially. In 1995 Square had invented in garments sector. At present, under the ownership of Square there are several institutions like: Square Pharmaceuticals Limited, Square Spinning, Square Toiletries,
Square Food and Beverage
Ltd, Square Informatix Limited, Square Knit Fabrics, Square Hospital, Square Agro, Square Herbal and Neutricitical, AEGS Services, Maasranga Production, Bornali Printers Limited and Maasranga Television.
Besides, they have also the share in real estate organization Sheltech, Pioneer Insurance Company, Mutual Trust Bank, National Housing Finance and Investment.
He was founder president of Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies and vice-president of International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh. He was also the chairman of Central Depository Bangladesh Ltd. He opened an orphanage in 1985 for poor Christian children at his ancestral residence in Ataikula in 1985.
Pabna people will remember Samson H Chowdhury today. Daylong programmes, including a discussion at Pabna Press Club, is going to be held, marking his eight death anniversary.
