Feature

Or are you talking TO the leaders?” was the punch line of AIESEC's 'Meet the Leaders 2008' tag line on the flyers that grabbed the attention of hundreds of students, for a seminar which was held on the 1st of April in the indoor games room of BRAC University. This is the first time students of BRACU belonging to the student organisation AIESEC organised such an event. It featured an eminent leader who stood as a shining example for the students and shared his personal experiences as a leader and the role he plays in the society, articulating about his career and goals which were expected to inspire the students present in the occasion. Mr. Abdul Muktadir, the Managing Director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was the featured speaker. Ms Farzana Choudhury, career counselor opened the seminar by marking the remarkable feats that ensued in the field of public health and pharmacy in the country and how its demand is increasing with passing days, after which the key speaker Mr. Abdul Muktadir took the floor.

He started with the example of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH), and emphasised sharing one's dreams with others and have a true passion for the cause he stands for as a leader. “Whatever you believe and decide should benefit the society. And a true leader should not only be passionate about his goal but also should be able to take up challenges and be adventurous.” said Mr Muktadir. “Contrary to what everyone says nowadays, I think it is very important to be true to one's self to become a good leader and follow his heart. He should not only stick to working hard but be very smart about how he should bear the burdens. And most importantly 'Think'. One should learn the job before he takes up the responsibility to lead other people.” Mr Muktadir believes this country is very cohesive and homogenous in terms of population and has exactly the elements that are needed to succeed as a nation.

After sharing one or two anecdotes about how he excelled as a leader he was asked how he got inspired to take up leadership in this particular field. “I believe I had the required experience and knowledge in this field that could be utilised in a better way. But apart from that, I consider my wife to be the most important person behind my success as she has always guided me and stood beside me during my success and failures.” When asked about his times of failures and frustration and how he deals with them, he replied “I always recite Sura Yasin and Sura Mulq whenever I get time. I turn to God and pray when I can't find the right answers; this has undoubtedly helped me overcome a lot of my frustrations.”

Finishing his speech Mr Abdul Muktadir accentuated the need to safeguard oneself and be somewhat selfish to excel in the competition. But at the same time make sure the society is benefited in a larger sense.

Professor Iftekhar Ghani Chowdhury, Dean of BRACU Business School also spoke on the occasion. “There are two types of blood groups in the society, G types-the givers and T types- the takers” said the Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed of BRACU while describing the traits that should be in a true leader. The evening was wrapped up with huge rounds of applause for the featured speaker and the organising team of AIESEC in BRACU and the presentations on the screen by the AIESEC team. Channel I was present to cover the event.