Remembrance ceremony honours Samson H. Chowdhury’s legacy
A remembrance ceremony was held in Dhaka on 25 September to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the late Samson H. Chowdhury, founder chairman of Square Group. The programme took place at St. Mary's Cathedral in Kakrail, attended by family members, colleagues, well-wishers, leading business representatives and distinguished guests.
Speakers reflected that Samson H. Chowdhury had demonstrated how a business empire could be built on ethics, integrity, honesty and courage, without resorting to improper means — a legacy that continues to guide Square Group.
The ceremony began with Christian hymns and prayers, followed by a special blessing for the family delivered by Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario, C.S.C.
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Paying tribute, Abdul Muktadir, chairman and managing director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals, said: "Even in his later years, he was full of life and incredibly active. His leadership was exemplary, and he helped us move the pharmaceutical industry forward."
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), recalled: "He was my inspiration and guide during my time at TIB. He would always say, 'Challenges will come in our work, but we must never give up.'"
Other tributes came from Mahbubur Rahman, president of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB); Dr Dennis Dilip Datta, church leader and social worker; Rasheda K Chowdhury, educationist and former caretaker government adviser; and Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, who noted: "He was an economic philosopher. I gained immensely from my long discussions with him on various policy matters."
On behalf of the family, his granddaughter Sanchia Chowdhury shared a tribute.
In his vote of thanks, Tapan Chowdhury, son of Samson H. Chowdhury and managing director of Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, said: "Before being a legendary industrialist, he was an ideal human being. He never compromised on honesty, morality, integrity and philanthropy. On behalf of our family, we extend our sincere thanks to all friends and well-wishers who joined us today to celebrate his centenary."
The event featured a video on Samson H. Chowdhury's life, an AI-based presentation about his journey, and a film on Square Group's new mobile healthcare initiative, Chhappanno Hazar Square Mile Jure. Popular Rabindra Sangeet artiste Shama Rahman performed, alongside a dance presentation by the Gethsemane Baptist Church Choir.
