About Ahmed Akbar Sobhan

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most influential business leaders. As chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global, he has guided the growth of one of the country’s most diversified and impactful corporate groups, contributing significantly to national development through consistent leadership and strategic foresight.

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Early Life in Dhaka’s Historic Quarter

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Ahmed Akbar was born on February 15, 1952, in Islampur, a culturally rich part of Old Dhaka. He was the youngest among five siblings in a household led by a father who served at the Dhaka High Court as a respected legal professional. Growing up in this environment instilled in him a deep respect for discipline, education, and civic responsibility.

 

This early grounding in values shaped his perspective on leadership and his approach to work. From a young age, he demonstrated a thoughtful approach to learning and a strong sense of personal responsibility.

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Academic Preparation and Personal Growth

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He attended the University of Dhaka, where he pursued a degree in Business Studies. During his university years, he was known for his focused academic approach and active participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities. These experiences helped him develop a practical mindset and taught him how to work collaboratively—skills that later supported his entry into the business world.

 

His academic training provided him with a solid foundation in economics, management, and organizational behavior, all of which contributed to shaping his early business thinking.

 

Entering the Business World

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In 1978, he began his professional career in the service sector. At the same time, he started engaging in local trade and business activities, where he closely observed market behavior and gained practical experience in commerce.

 

These early business endeavors provided him with a profound understanding of the local economy. He learned the importance of planning, timing, and maintaining consistency in operations—lessons that he carried forward into his larger ventures.

 

Real Estate Development: The First Major Step

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His entrepreneurial breakthrough came with the establishment of East West Property Development (Pvt) Ltd. The company focused on structured residential projects and quickly gained attention in the real estate market. Soon, it became widely known as “Bashundhara Housing.”

 

This success marked a turning point. By offering well-organized housing solutions, the company filled a crucial gap in the market. The project’s success reinforced his belief in the value of long-term planning and customer trust, providing a strong base for future business expansion.

 

Creating a Multi-Sector Business Group

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With a proven model in real estate, he gradually expanded into other industries, forming what would become the Bashundhara Group. Over time, the group expanded to include companies in the cement, paper, steel, LP gas, food production, dredging, and shipping industries. Each new venture was carefully planned and built on strong operational foundations.

 

The group eventually expanded to nearly three dozen business units, each managed under a structured leadership model. He introduced systems that emphasized clarity in responsibilities, effective delegation, and strategic decision-making.

 

Steering Safwan Bashundhara Global

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Today, Ahmed Akbar Sobhan serves as the chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global. His leadership has guided the group through periods of growth and transformation. The organization plays a vital role in several key sectors of Bangladesh’s economy, contributing to employment, industrial growth, and infrastructure development.

 

His focus has always been on stability and long-term impact. He avoids short-term speculation, instead building businesses that are resilient, well-governed, and aligned with national needs.

 

Giving Back Through Corporate Responsibility

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Alongside business growth, he has maintained a strong focus on social responsibility. Safwan Bashundhara Global supports a range of community-focused programs in health, education, and disaster assistance. These efforts reflect the company’s commitment to contributing beyond its core operations.

 

He is also personally involved in charitable work, supporting causes that benefit underserved communities. His approach to philanthropy is modest yet consistent, driven by a belief that businesses should strive to improve lives wherever possible.

 

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan’s journey is defined by steady leadership, careful decision-making, and a deep-rooted sense of service. As chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global, he continues to influence the future of Bangladesh’s business and social landscape.