A remembrance ceremony was held to celebrate the birth centenary of the late Samson H Chowdhury, founder chairman of Square Group, at the St Mary鈥檚 Cathedral at Kakrail in Dhaka on Thursday.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, family members, colleagues, well-wishers and top business representatives, said a press release.
It was reflected that Samson H Chowdhury stood as an example that a business empire could be built on a foundation of ethics, integrity, honesty and courage, without resorting to improper means. This enduring legacy is said to continue guiding the Square Group.
The ceremony commenced with Christian hymns and prayers. This was followed by a special prayer for the family. Blessings were conveyed by Cardinal Patrick D鈥橰ozario, CSC, through a sermon.
Offering tributes to Samson H Chowdhury, Abdul Muktadir, chairman and managing director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals, stated that even in his later years, he was full of life and incredibly active. 鈥楬is leadership was exemplary, and he helped us move the pharmaceutical industry forward.鈥�
Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, reflected, 鈥楬e was my inspiration and guide during my time working at the TIB with him. He would always say 鈥渃hallenges will come in our work, but we must never give up鈥�.鈥�
Tributes were also paid by Mahbubur Rahman, president of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh; Dennis Dilip Datta, a church leader and social worker; Rasheda K Chowdhury, an educationist and former adviser to the caretaker government; and Mohammed Farashuddin, former governor of Bangladesh Bank.
Farashuddin noted, 鈥楬e was an economic philosopher. I have benefited greatly from my long discussions with him on various policy matters.鈥�
On behalf of the family, a tribute was given by his granddaughter, Sanchia Chowdhury.
In his vote of thanks, Tapan Chowdhury, son of Samson H Chowdhury and the managing director of Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, said, 鈥楤efore being a legendary industrialist, he was an ideal human being. He never compromised on his honesty, morality, integrity and philanthropy.鈥�
During the ceremony, a video on Samson Chowdhury鈥檚 life was presented, along with an AI video based on his life and another on Square Group鈥檚 new mobile healthcare initiative, 鈥楥hhappanna Hazar Square Mile Jure鈥�.
Additionally, a song was performed by popular Rabindra Sangeet artiste Shama Rahman, while a dance performance was given by the Gethsemane Baptist Church Choir.