Mahbubul Alam, a visionary entrepreneur and esteemed leader from Chittagong, has emerged as a transformative force in the Bangladeshi business landscape and took the Helm of FBCCI from yesterday, 3rd of August 2023. From his humble beginnings as a commodity trader to becoming the President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), his journey has been marked by dedication, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Over the years, he has not only elevated his own business ventures but has also spearheaded initiatives to empower businesses across Bangladesh. Here, we delve into Mahbubul Alam’s origin story, his rise to leadership, and his ambitious plans to revolutionize Bangladesh’s business landscape in the next two years.
Born on 1st February 1958, Mahbubul Alam hails from the picturesque region of Raozan, Gohira, which is an upazila of Chattogram District, Bangladesh. Raozan is a land steeped in natural beauty, with its two main rivers, Karnaphuli and Halda, flowing gracefully through its lands made the playground of this business icon who eventually became a spokesperson of the whole Chittagong Division of the country. And he is the second president, who is representing Chittagong, in the history of the organisation, and importantly after long 33 years to grace the crown chair of the leading trade body of the country.
Mahbubul Alam’s journey in the business world began in 1982 when he established Alam Trading Corporation. Starting in the bustling trading hub of Khatunganj, he took his first steps as an entrepreneur, trading commodities like Wheat, Oil and Sugar and laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable business empire. Slowly and gradually his immense popularity amongst traders of all kind from the wholesale market made him the president of Khatunganj Trade and Industries Association, also known as the business hub of Chittagong.
With unwavering commitment and an unyielding spirit, Mahbubul Alam steadily diversified his investments from trading commodities into nine different sectors, ranging from Energy Sector to Banks & Financial Services, Insurance, Tourism, and Infrastructure Development. Today, under his leadership, M Alam Group comprises of 19 enterprises employing over 3000 individuals, boasting an impressive cumulative annual turnover of USD 900 Million.
Throughout his journey, Mahbubul Alam’s core values have served as guiding principles for his business practices. He has remained committed to performing all activities with integrity and honesty, maintaining transparency, and being accountable to society, nation, and country.
Furthermore, his businesses actively promote equal opportunities to both genders and sustainable practices that prioritise environmental protection, women empowerment ,economic emancipation, and societal well-being. Mahbubul Alam’s emphasis on nurturing young talent in trade bodies and inspiring innovation has been instrumental in shaping his enterprises and preparing future leaders.
Mahbubul Alam and his decade long leadership in Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI):
After the years of relentless success, Mahbubul Alam’s outstanding leadership qualities did not go unnoticed, and he was elected as the President of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) for an impressive five consecutive terms from 2013 to 2023. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in transforming CCCI into an association of industries and businessmen in Bangladesh, with a strong focus on Chittagong’s development as a legendary port city and a vital international trade hub.
Under his visionary leadership, CCCI flourished, and its crowning achievement was the construction of a magnificent World Trade Center building in the heart of Chittagong City, offering high-quality trade services programs and promoting trade facilitation.
Mahbubul Alam’s exceptional leadership skills and dedication to serving the nation led to him being elected as the President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) for the 2023-2025 tenure. This apex trade body drafted a body 78 elected and nominated directors who recognized his outstanding contributions and vision and chose him as their president.
Representing Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mahbubul Alam brought with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.
Building Bridges with Japan and Other Endeavors:
In addition to his accomplishments in the business realm, Mahbubul Alam also served as the Honorary Consul of Japan in Chattogram. His amicable relationships with Japanese stakeholders in Bangladesh facilitated the influx of Japanese investments into several economic zones alongside organizations like JETRO and JICA. This collaboration opened new doors for Bangladesh’s economic growth and further solidified the country’s position as an attractive destination for foreign investments.
Awards and Recognitions:
In 2013, the Government of Bangladesh recognized Mahbubul Alam’s exceptional contributions to the industrial sector by awarding him the Commercially Important Person (CIP) award for industrial contribution. This prestigious honor, bestowed by the Ministry of Industries, acknowledged his significant role in fostering industrial growth and economic development in Bangladesh.
Two years later, in 2015, the Ministry of Commerce awarded him the Commercially Important Person (CIP) for trading in Bangladesh. This recognition celebrated his outstanding achievements and leadership in the realm of trading, affirming his position as a trailblazer in the country’s trading community.
Beyond the national level, Mahbubul Alam’s impact extended to the international arena. The World Customs Organization (WCO) honored him with a Certificate of Merit for rendering exceptional service to the international Customs community. This recognition highlighted his commitment to fostering international trade and cooperation, further solidifying his position as a global business leader.
As an astute entrepreneur, Mahbubul Alam serves as the chairman of several esteemed companies, each representing his diverse business interests. Notably, he is the chairman of Crown Steel Ltd., contributing to Bangladesh’s industrial growth by playing a significant role in the steel sector. Additionally, M. Alam Gas Station Ltd. reflects his engagement in the energy sector, addressing the nation’s growing energy needs.
His commitment to societal welfare is exemplified by the Anowara Alam Foundation, through which he channels efforts to uplift the less privileged and contribute to community development. Moreover, he chairs Diamond Life Insurance Co. Ltd., ensuring financial security for individuals and businesses alike.
Mahbubul Alam’s foray into the healthcare sector is evident through his chairmanship of Surgescope Hospital Ltd., which provides high-quality medical services to the community. His involvement in the insurance industry is further underscored by his chairmanship of Asia Insurance Co. Ltd., playing a vital role in securing the nation’s financial future.
As an entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio, Alam Trading Corporation represents his foray into commodity trading—the very sector where he initiated his journey to success. He also chairs R.M. Enterprise, A.M. Enterprise, Arufa Trading, Munal Trading, Remora Trading, and M.M. Trading, all of which showcase his entrepreneurial versatility.
His leadership in the food sector is evident through Aqua Foods Ltd., contributing to the nation’s food security and agricultural growth. Furthermore, his role as the chairman of Bengal Commercial Bank highlights his influence in the banking and financial services sector, fostering economic stability and facilitating trade and investment.
Revolutionising Bangladesh’s Business Landscape:
As the new President of FBCCI, Mahbubul Alam has laid out ambitious plans to revolutionize Bangladesh’s business landscape over the next two years. His primary focus areas include:
- Strengthening Trade Relations: Mahbubul Alam aims to enhance trade relations with other countries, seeking new partnerships and markets to expand Bangladesh’s export potential.
- Empowering SMEs: Recognizing the critical role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the economy, he intends to create a supportive ecosystem for these businesses to thrive, fostering innovation and job creation.
- Promoting Digital Transformation: Embracing the digital revolution, Mahbubul Alam plans to promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in businesses to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
- Sustainable Growth: He envisions sustainable economic growth that prioritizes environmental conservation, social welfare, and responsible business practices.
- Advocating for Business-Friendly Policies: Mahbubul Alam aims to engage with the government and relevant stakeholders to advocate for policies that promote a favorable business environment and facilitate growth.
Mahbubul Alam’s journey from a commodity trader to the President of FBCCI is a testament to his determination, leadership, and commitment to serving the nation. With a successful track record in diverse sectors and a clear vision for the future, he is poised to make a lasting impact on Bangladesh’s business landscape. Through his visionary leadership, focus on sustainability, and dedication to empowering businesses, we, the common people of Bangladesh hope Mahbubul Alam is set to leave an indelible mark on the nation’s economic growth and development in the years to come.
