An Ode to go-getter
Antor Akhand is a young entrepreneur in a rather strange sector for his age. He is the Director of a Cinema Hall in Shahzadpur, Sirajganj. When most of the Business Graduates are dreaming of a lucrative job, this soon-to-be Business Graduate from North South University aims to carry on with his 40 years old forefather's business. He is also helping the local youths by creating a job market through his business. In a brief interview with the Star Youth, Antor shares his business story.
When asked how it all started, Antor replies, "It was my grandfather who started the business. He was well acquainted with some of the businessmen from Mumbai. He brought a projection machine from Mumbai and started the business in our hometown, 40 years back. My father took charge of the business after him and now I, along with my uncles, run the business. We used to have three cinema halls, two in Shahzadpur and one in Ullahpara. Now we have one in Shahzadpur. The others will be made into shopping malls with Cineplex."
Antor wanted to study film-making, but, his father did not encourage him towards it. The next plan was to learn how to market for this sector. Antor is currently majoring in Marketing and International Business from North South University.
Antor not only took charge of the family business, but also, he took steps towards involving the local youths into his business. "Most of the elder family members of these youths worked with our business for years. These young members are now educated. So, I thought recruiting them would be a good idea. They all are trust worthy. Since trust is a big issue in this business, it is also a strategic move from my end," expresses Antor. Youngsters as old as 20 years are running the business in Shahzadpur quite professionally. "They handle local issues very well, which the non-local professionals would not be able to control. It is important to recognise their strengths and channel it accordingly."
Antor wishes to pursue his Masters abroad. However, he wants to come back and continue with the business. He would like to be a producer someday, and have a production and distribution house of his own. A bright entrepreneur like Antor Akhand is much needed to inspire more film makers and young investors towards the cinema making sector and we can be hopeful about the revival of the cinema industry of Bangladesh.
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