Today marks the 100th birth anniversary of Samson H Chowdhury, the founder of one of Bangladesh’s largest conglomerates, Square Group. Born on September 25, 1925, in Aruakandi, Gopalganj, Samson H Chowdhury began his business journey in 1958 by establishing Square Pharma with three friends and an initial capital of just BDT 17,000. He later expanded the enterprise into Square Group, which today spans pharmaceuticals, textiles, consumer goods, and media, with investments extending beyond Bangladesh’s borders.

Samson H Chowdhury, who served as the group’s Chairman until his death on January 5, 2012, was laid to rest at his residence, Estras, in Kashipur, Pabna. At the time of his passing, Square Pharma and Square Textiles, two publicly listed companies, recorded a combined net annual revenue exceeding BDT 21.48 billion.

Throughout his career, he held leadership positions in numerous trade and industry organizations, including serving as president of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industries (MCCI) and as Director of FBCCI. He was vice president of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh, and chaired Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) from 2004 to 2007. Recognized for his contributions to industrial growth, employment creation, and export earnings, Samson H Chowdhury received numerous awards, including the Ekushey Padak, the American Chamber of Commerce’s Business Executive of the Year, and recognition as a Commercially Important Person (CIP).

Samson H Chowdhury’s family continues his legacy: his eldest son, Samuel S Chowdhury (Swapan Chowdhury), is Chairman of Square Group; his middle son, Tapan Chowdhury, serves as Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals, Square Hospital, and Square Textiles; and his youngest son, Anjan Chowdhury (Pintu), manages Masranga Television, Square Toiletries, and Square Food & Beverages. His only daughter, Ratna Patra, is vice chairman of the Square Group.