From my childhood, I have been strongly connected with the maritime sector. My father, a renowned Maritime Expert and Lawyer, graduated from Bangladesh Marine Academy as a Cadet and subsequently from Hong Kong Polytechnic University as a Master Mariner. He sailed onboard various ocean-going ships from Bangladesh Shipping Corporation and Chang Myung Shipping of South Korea as a Captain. I had the opportunity to sail with my father on numerous voyages across Asia and the South Pacific, which developed in me a special connection with the blue ocean.
Although I graduated with a BSc in Electronics & Communications Engineering from BRAC University, I chose to embark on a career in the Maritime & Shipping Industry when my father presented me with an opportunity to work for his venture, Interport Group.
My father sacrificed his lucrative sailing career and came back ashore to support my mother in raising me and my brother more closely. I felt the least I could do was stay beside him and support him to the best of my capacity in the business. However, the decision wasn't a difficult one, as my father has been a role model for me since my childhood. Staying close to him also meant that I could learn more quickly from his vast experience, knowledge, wisdom, and values.
Interport Group primarily specializes in Marine Claims Consultancy, Marine Survey services, Port Agency and Logistics solutions such as Transportation, Warehousing and Spare Parts Clearance,for ship owners, operators, and marine insurers, whose vessels call in Bangladeshi Ports for trade.
Starting as a Junior Claims Executive in the P&I Correspondent division of Interport, I handled various types of maritime claims across Hull & Machinery and P&I Insurance in Chittagong Port and Mongla Port. My responsibilities included managing various marine claims cases related to Cargo Damage, Collision, Contact Damage, Crew Injury, Fixed or Floating Objects (FFOs), Salvage, Stowaways, and more. I also took part in professional training programs abroad in P&I Insurance and Loss Prevention organized by the International Group of P&I Clubs. In addition, at the advise of my father, I pursued a graduate-entry Law degree (LLB) from the University of London (UOL) – International Programmes.
During my journey, I became a Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), International. In 2014, I founded the Next Generation (previously known as the Young Professionals Forum) of CILT Bangladesh, a special forum that provides enhanced networking and support opportunities for members in the early stages of their careers in the logistics and transport industry. I led the Next Generation team of Bangladesh, achieving the Runners Up (2nd Position) and Finalist award of the CILT International Young Achiever of the Year Award at the CILT International Convention in Macao in 2017 and CILT Centenary Convention in Manchester, UK in 2019, respectively. In 2018, I was awarded the Membership status of CMILT (Chartered Member) and became the Education Champion of CILT Bangladesh, introducing the CILT International Diploma and CILT International Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport in Bangladesh. In 2019, I was featured in the CILT International Centenary Success Stories for my significant contribution to the cause of the institute in Bangladesh. In 2021, I was elected as the Chairman of the Next Generation (NG) of CILT Bangladesh.
In addition to my involvement with CILT, my mother, who is my mentor, plays a significant role in the strategic management of our business. She is also the current Treasurer of WiLAT (Women in Logistics and Transport) Bangladesh, a special forum of CILT that provides a platform for women engaged in the supply chain, logistics, and transport industry to network and access opportunities for career advancement, aiming to become leading professionals in the field.
In 2020, I was appointed as the Managing Director of Interport Group. The following year, I was elected as the youngest board Director of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) for the term 2021-2023 and re-elected again for the term 2023-2025. I am committed to working tirelessly for the betterment of our association and the shipping industry. Contributing to the safe and sustainable development of our ports and shipping sector is my passion.
My unique experiences, from sailing with my father to working in shipping, marine claims management, and law, have prepared me to effectively advocate for our shipping industry as a whole. I am honored to have recently been appointed as a Member of the Standing Committee on Blue Economy and the Standing Committee on Industry/Academia at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI).
Alongside my professional pursuits, I am an avid soccer lover and actively participate in Corporate Soccer Tournaments such as the Ascent Cup and the Corporate Football Fiesta in Dhaka. Additionally, I feel privileged to be a part of various philanthropic and social initiatives such as JAAGO, JCI, Lions Club and the House of Volunteers. Recently, I partnered with the project "TaalGoal," a football tournament for slum kids organized by the Global Shapers Dhaka Hub – an initiative of the World Economic Forum. The mission of the project is to provide an alternative source of recreation to underprivileged kids (both male and female) and utilize sports as a tool to reduce crime and drug abuse among the most underprivileged children of Dhaka, offering them a platform to enjoy their childhood.
I have most recently been appointed as a Steering Committee Member of the YoungShip International IMO (International Maritime Organisation) Working Group. YoungShip is a professional non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and development of young people working within the global maritime industry. With over 5000 individual members worldwide and operations spanning over 30 countries countries, YoungShip aims to promote the voice of young professionals in the sector and empower them to have a positive impact in the sector.
I have been appointed as a member of the Standing Committee on Blue Economy at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in 2024. This appointment marks a significant milestone in my career and reflects my dedication and commitment to advancing the blue economy sector.
In summary, my journey in the maritime and shipping industry has been deeply influenced by my upbringing, sailing experiences with my father, and a passion for the blue ocean. Through my work at Interport Group, involvement with organizations like CILT Bangladesh and WiLAT, and role as board director at BSAA, I am dedicated to driving the safe and sustainable development of our ports and shipping sector. Furthermore, my commitment to philanthropy and active engagement in social initiatives stems from my deep spiritual belief in the importance of giving back to the community, driven by a greater purpose to serve the Almighty.