Samson H. Chowdhury’s enduring legacy honoured in remembrance ceremony

A remembrance ceremony was held in Dhaka to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Samson H. Chowdhury, founder chairman of Square Group.

Family members, colleagues, well-wishers, and leading business representatives gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral in Kakrail to honor his enduring legacy.

Speakers reflected that Samson H. Chowdhury stood as an example of how a business empire can be built on ethics, integrity, honesty, and courage without resorting to improper means—a philosophy that continues to guide Square Group today.

The ceremony opened with Christian hymns and prayers, followed by a special prayer for the family. Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario, C.S.C., conveyed blessings through a sermon.

Several tributes highlighted Chowdhury's contributions. 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."

Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, recalled, "He was my inspiration and guide during my time working at TIB with him. He would always say, 'Challenges will come in our work, but we must never give up.'"

Mahbubur Rahman, president of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh; Dennis Dilip Datta, church leader and social worker; Rasheda K. Chowdhury, educationist and former caretaker government adviser; and Mohammed Farashuddin, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, also paid tribute. Farashuddin said, "He was an economic philosopher. I have benefited greatly from my long discussions with him on various policy matters."

On behalf of the family, his granddaughter Sanchia Chowdhury delivered 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 his honesty, morality, integrity, and philanthropy. On behalf of our family, we extend our sincere thanks to all of his friends and well-wishers who joined us today to celebrate his centenary."

The programme also featured a video on Samson H. Chowdhury's life, an AI-based video presentation, and a showcase of Square Group's new mobile healthcare initiative "Chhappanno Hazar Square Mile Jure." Performances included Rabindra Sangeet by Shama Rahman and a dance by the Gethsemane Baptist Church Choir.