Samson H. Chowdhury’s enduring legacy honored in remembrance ceremony

A remembrance ceremony was held on 25 September (Thursday) in the capital to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the late Samson H. Chowdhury, Founder Chairman of Square Group.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, family members, colleagues, well-wishers, and top business representatives at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Kakrail, Dhaka, according to a press release.

It was reflected that Samson H. Chowdhury stood as an example that a business empire can be built on a foundation of ethics, integrity, honesty, and courage, without resorting to improper means. This enduring legacy is said to continue guiding the Square Group.

The ceremony commenced with Christian hymns and prayers. This was followed by a special prayer for the family. Blessings were conveyed by Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, C.S.C., through a sermon.

Tributes were also offered by a number of speakers. Abdul Muktadir, Chairman and Managing Director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals, stated, “Even in his later years, he was full of life and incredibly active. His leadership was exemplary, and he helped us move the pharmaceutical industry forward.”

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), reflected, “He was my inspiration and guide during my time working at TIB with him. He would always say, ‘Challenges will come in our work, but we must never give up.’”

Tributes were also paid by Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB), Dr. Dennis Dilip Datta, a church leader and social worker, Rasheda K. Chowdhury, an educationist and former advisor to the caretaker government, and Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, former Governor of Bangladesh Bank.

Dr. Farashuddin noted, “He was an economic philosopher. I have benefited greatly from my long discussions with him on various policy matters.”

On behalf of the family, a tribute was given by his granddaughter, Sanchia Chowdhury.

In his vote of thanks, Tapan Chowdhury, son of Samson H. Chowdhury and the Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, said, “Before being a legendary industrialist, he was an ideal human being. He never compromised on his honesty, morality, integrity, and philanthropy. On behalf of our family, we extend our sincere thanks to all of his friends and well-wishers who joined us today to celebrate his centenary.”

During the ceremony, a video on Samson H. Chowdhury’s illustrious life was presented, along with an AI video based on his life and another on Square Group’s new mobile healthcare initiative, “Chhappanno Hazar Square Mile Jure.”

Additionally, a song was performed by popular Rabindra Sangeet artist Shama Rahman, while a dance performance was given by the Gethsemane Baptist Church Choir.