Remembering an icon of ethical business practices

Samson H Chowdhury will always be remembered for his hard work, dedication and research for excellence in entrepreneurship. A self-made man, he should be the role model for those entrepreneurs who aspire to attain innovation, leadership and perseverance not only for the cause of business but for social good also. His successful endeavour to build a business kingdom from a humble background with clean slate image and high ethical standard will always be remembered.
Samson H Chowdhury was one of those very rare individuals who touched many hearts he came across. I remember him with deep gratitude as I knew him very closely since my days in the Board of Investment (BOI). I had the honour of having his audience during the span of my tenures in various official capacities as Director- BOI, Additional Secretary Banking- Finance Division, Member- Planning Commission and finally as Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). He used to visit these offices to pursue his business and investment proposals, but in return, I must acknowledge, I learnt a lot from him. Like a father, friend and philosopher he used to proffer guidance on being a pro-business, pro-investor, pro-tax payer official. With all my humility, I salute and pay my highest tributes to this great son of the soil.
I fondly remember, he frequently visited me in the NBR to share his ideas on how the tariff regime could prop up a self supportive economy, help the shift from trading to industrial base. He presented me the voluminous Indian Tariff Index for my study. Every time I met him, I had the occasion to discuss with this pundit of trade and industry the intricacies of tax and tariff laws. I was immensely inspired by him in the execution of tough and complex tax laws. Even after my retirement from government service, he used to invite me to his office to converse on fiscal and economic policies.  With his death, we must put in record, Bangladesh lost a visionary and committed business leader.
Chowdhury was an embodiment of creativity and simplicity, an icon of ethical business practices and the highest standards in all business affairs, a pioneer in vertical integration and horizontal diversification in industrial conglomerate. He was a keen learner, a good employer, a straightforward and a friendly person. His unique mark as a philanthropist is well known. With his innovative ideas, tireless efforts and dedication, Samson H Chowdhury led the Square Group from the front to become the leading manufacturer of quality medicines, toiletries, healthcare products, textiles etc. It is true, maintaining high ethical standards is sometimes a self imposed limitation for entrepreneurial success, as it does not always guarantee material success. For Chowdhury, ethics reinforced by innovation paved a straight path. No one can force anyone to be upright and maintain benevolent business practices. These are but innate qualities that only great souls like Samson Chowdhury are capable of nourishing.
He was found extremely passionate, while he spoke on ethics in entrepreneurship at North South University's School of Business in April 2010. He served as the Chairman of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in 2004-2007. He always respected the laws of the country. He had been always straightforward, never faltered of speaking the truth even to the face of the powerful. 'Quality, quality and quality' was his motto.
Chowdhury cared a lot for his employees. All of his employees were provided with good lunch everyday, which his successors still maintain with good stead. He used to have the same lunch at the same venue with the employees. Labour strikes never took place in his factories.
The great Chowdhury had no enemies although his company became one of the biggest conglomerates in the country. According to Dun and Bradstreet Rating Agency Bangladesh, Square Group had an annual turnover of $781 million and over 33,000 employees in 2009-10.
Samson H Chowdhury had a firm devotion to developing his work. The prolific business magnate participated in numerous executive training courses around the world, including a management training courses jointly conducted by the University of Dhaka and Harvard University.
He was a recipient of ICAB National Award, Best Published Accounts and Reports 2006 in the Manufacturing Sector. Because of his remarkable entrepreneurship, he was awarded the Best Business Personality Award in 2007.  It is always refreshing to remember him although he is no more amongst us.
Dr Muhammad Abdul Mazid, former Secretary to GoB and  Chairman NBR.
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