6 Bangladeshi Women in Business you should Know

Bangladesh has witnessed some remarkable women in business and entrepreneurship.

These visionary women are breaking stereotypes, shattering glass ceilings and reshaping the landscape of Bangladesh’s economy.

From pioneering startups to leading multinational firms, they stand as shining examples of resilience, innovation and determination.

We shine a spotlight on six extraordinary Bangladeshi women who are making waves in the business world.

Their stories are not just inspiring but also serve as a testament to the transformative power of women’s entrepreneurship.

Join us as we celebrate their achievements, explore their journeys and learn from their invaluable insights.

Humaira Azam

Humaira Azam stands as a trailblazer in Bangladesh’s business world, becoming the first female CEO of a commercial bank in the nation.

Her appointment as CEO of Trust Bank marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Azam’s journey in the financial sector began in 1990 when she embarked on her professional odyssey as a management trainee at ANZ Grindlays Bank.

Through dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence, she swiftly ascended through the ranks, garnering invaluable experience along the way.

Her expertise and leadership prowess didn’t go unnoticed, leading her to traverse various reputable institutions within the banking sphere.

However, it was her tenure as the Managing Director and CEO of IPDC Bangladesh, which began in April 2009, that truly underscored her capabilities.

Under her leadership, IPDC Bangladesh experienced a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity, solidifying Azam’s reputation as a visionary leader within the industry.

With her extensive background, marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation, Humaira Azam has not only shattered glass ceilings but has also paved the way for aspiring women leaders in Bangladesh’s banking sector.

Sonia Bashir Kabir

Sonia Bashir Kabir stands at the forefront of Bangladesh’s tech industry as a pioneering figure, becoming the first female tech venture capitalist from the country.

Her focus mainly lies in nurturing tech startups across emerging South Asian countries, a mission she passionately pursues through her ventures, SBK Tech Ventures and SBK Foundation.

Kabir’s journey to prominence in the tech world is paved with academic excellence and relentless determination.

With a BSc from California State University, East Bay and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Santa Clara University, she embarked on a trajectory marked by unwavering success and innovation.

Kabir enjoyed a tenure as Microsoft’s Managing Director for Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Laos, spanning from June 2014 to May 2019.

This role showcased her exceptional leadership skills and strategic acumen.

During her time at Microsoft, Kabir’s visionary approach earned her recognition, including the prestigious Founders Award from Bill Gates in 2016.

Beyond her corporate endeavours, Kabir’s commitment to driving positive change extends to her roles as a board member of prominent institutions.

She currently serves on the boards of IPDC Finance, a non-banking financial institution, BRAC University Bangladesh and the Shakti Foundation.

Maliha M Quadir

The founder of Shohoz, Maliha M Quadir stands as a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s entrepreneurial landscape.

With a distinguished academic background, she earned her MBA from Harvard Business School, solidifying her foundation for a future marked by innovation and leadership.

Before founding the digital services company Shohoz, Quadir honed her skills through a decade-long tenure in the United States and Singapore.

During this period, she worked for the likes of Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank, Nokia and Vistaprint.

Shohoz has gone on to become one of Bangladesh’s biggest Super Apps, offering various services, including food delivery, ride-hailing, ticketing, healthcare and logistics.

Quadir’s remarkable contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. She has received the prestigious Best Female ICT Entrepreneur award from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Quadir has also been recognised as the Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, the Daily Star’s Best ICT Startup of the Year award and the Top Ten Award by Ananya magazine.

Tina Jabeen

In Bangladesh’s business world, Tina Jabeen was the first CEO of Startup Bangladesh, an initiative launched by the Government of Bangladesh in 2016.

It is aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the country.

As CEO, Jabeen played a pivotal role in shaping the startup ecosystem of Bangladesh.

Her leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in providing vital funding and support to aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to transform their innovative ideas into successful startups.

Under her guidance, Startup Bangladesh has emerged as a catalyst for economic growth and technological advancement, driving forward the country’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Jabeen’s journey to leadership in venture capital and policy advisory is underpinned by a solid academic foundation.

She completed her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Accounting and Finance from the esteemed Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, equipping her with the skills necessary to excel in her role.

Tina Jabeen continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem.

Ivy Huq Russell

Former investment banker Ivy Huq Russell founded the online health company Maya in 2011 after giving birth for the first time.

She realised the importance of having useful, accessible information about pregnancy and the female body, as well as being able to interact with other women going through similar experiences.

This led her to start a blog with women-centric content, “dedicated to empowering women through access to information and a shared community”.

In 2014, the company started working in partnership with BRAC and a year later, the Maya Android app was launched.

Russell pursued her higher education in England, studying at the University of Warwick.

Shammi Quddus

Shammi Quddus is currently a Product Manager for Google and is a leading Bangladeshi woman in the world of business.

She has a degree in Environmental Science from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Driven by a passion for youth leadership, Shammi co-founded the BYLC Graduate Network, a prominent youth leadership program aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in Bangladesh.

Following her undergraduate studies, Shammi embarked on a career path focused on creating positive social impact, spending three years at WaterHealth International (Bangladesh).

At WaterHealth International, she actively contributed to initiatives aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation in underserved communities.

Seeking to further expand her knowledge, Shammi made the bold decision to pursue advanced degrees simultaneously.

She applied for admission to both Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business for an MBA and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government for a Master’s of Public Administration.

Upon receiving offers, Shammi pursued both degrees.

Shammi Quddus’s story is one of determination, resilience and a commitment to excellence.

The stories of these six Bangladeshi women in business serve as beacons of inspiration and empowerment for aspiring entrepreneurs and future leaders alike.

Their resilience, determination and innovative spirit have not only propelled them to success but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape in Bangladesh.

It is clear that these women are not just making strides in their respective fields but are also breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a leader in Bangladesh’s business community.