Samson H. Chowdhury's honesty, integrity, contributions lauded

The honesty, integrity and perseverance of late Samson H. Chowdhury have been lauded on his 100th birth anniversary.

Speakers at a memorial service at St Mary's Cathedral in the capital on Thursday also described him as a pioneer of Bangladesh's industrial sector, a builder of institutions and a role model for future generations.

"Samson H. Chowdhury was not just an example but an ideal. If we follow his values, we can take Bangladesh forward," Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC, B) said.

Mr Rahman also said late Chowdhury and his family built Square into one of the country's largest conglomerates, setting benchmarks in pharmaceuticals, textiles and other industries.

Business leaders, economists, academics and civil society members also paid tribute to late industrialist and Square Group founder Samson H Chowdhury on the occasion.

Former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin called Chowdhury a "guiding light" for business and the economy, crediting his support in establishing the Central Depository System (CDS) during the 1990s when loan defaults plagued the banking sector.

He also said Samson H. Chowdhury was a man of extraordinary humanity and inclusiveness, who embraced people of all backgrounds.

Former adviser to caretaker government Rasheda K Chowdhury also remembered him as a pioneering entrepreneur who also valued family deeply.

"Beyond his achievements, what inspired me most was the way he honoured his wife and family," she said.

In his speech, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Chairman Abdul Muktadir said: "He (late Samson H. Chowdhury) never asked others to draft solutions-he would sit down himself and work with us until a decision was finalized."

Lauding the roles of late Chowdhury, Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said: "With his passing, Bangladesh's anti-corruption movement lost a guardian."

While sharing memories of Samson H. Chowdhury, his granddaughter Sanchia Chowdhury recalled him as a disciplined guide for the younger generation, while his son Tapan Chowdhury described him as a man of faith, integrity and dedication whose contributions remain unforgettable.

jasimharoon@yahoo.com