Tribute to Samson

Acombination of ethics and innovation is quite an unusual one in the world of business. But for Samson H Chowdhury it became a recipe for a consistent ascent in entrepreneurial success.
The story of Samson's remarkable rise in the corporate world is an inspiring one indeed. The son of a medical officer of an outdoor dispensary in Pabna, Samson, in 1952, began with a small pharmacy in a village called Ataikula in the same district. In 1958 he started a pharmaceutical company with three friends. The four partners ended up calling their company 'Square' signifying both the number of partners and as Samson put it, "accuracy, perfection, meaning quality."
With this motto, Square Pharma became a market leader among both national and multinational companies.
Being a natural in building up a business and making it profitable, Samson ventured into a wide range of industries textiles, consumer goods, banking, insurance, agro-vet products, information technology, media, herbal medicine etc. Thus his contribution to the growth of local products was significant.
His long list of credentials include being president of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chairman of Transparency International, Bangladesh and the highest positions in many local and international organisations.
But perhaps Samson Chowdhury's most important achievement has been the love and respect he has won from people. His approach to business centred around public welfare; his was one of the first family-owned businesses to go public. He was a benevolent employer, an ideal client for banks. He was a quiet philanthropist and a charming friend to many.
His passing away marks the end of an era and a legacy of taking entrepreneurship to the highest level and giving it an honest face. He proved, and this proof is sorely needed, that you can remain honest and ethical, and yet be hugely successful in business in Bangladesh. No doubt he will be a great inspiration for the younger generations of entrepreneurs.