Walton's founding chairman SM Nazrul Islam’s 8th death anniversary today

Today marks the 8th death anniversary of SM Nazrul Islam, the founding chairman of Walton Group and a pioneer of Bangladesh’s electronics manufacturing industry.

On the occasion, Milad Mahfil and special prayers are being held on Wednesday at Walton’s headquarters, corporate office, service centres, plazas, and distributor showrooms across the country, seeking prayers for the repose of his soul, according to a press release. 

SM Nazrul Islam passed away on the night of December 17, 2017, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. He was 93. He was laid to rest the following day beside his parents’ graves in his native village Gosai Joair, in Tangail’s Sadar Upazila.

Born on May 7, 1924, Nazrul Islam began his business journey after Bangladesh’s independence. In 1977, he founded Rezvi and Brothers, later known as the Arabic Group, to supply affordable electronics to local consumers. The group was later renamed Walton Group, following the launch of the Walton brand.

Under his leadership, Walton established its own manufacturing facility in Gazipur and began producing refrigerators in 2008. The company later expanded into televisions, air conditioners, mobile phones, laptops, and industrial components, exporting products to more than 50 countries.

Beyond business, Nazrul Islam was involved in cooperative banking, trade associations, and philanthropy. He founded the SM Nazrul Islam Technical School in his village and supported mosques, educational institutions, orphanages, and welfare programs for the elderly and disadvantaged.