Ashik Chowdhury stands as a dynamic figure in Bangladesh's evolving economic landscape. As the Executive Chairman of both the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), his leadership marks a significant shift towards integrating global best practices into the nation's investment strategies.
Born in Chandpur and raised in Jashore due to his father's postings, Chowdhury's early life was characterized by academic excellence and a drive for leadership. He attended Sylhet Cadet College, a prestigious institution known for cultivating future leaders. His academic journey continued at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics. Pursuing higher education abroad, he obtained a Master's in Finance from the London Business School, where he was awarded an Alumni Scholarship. Further solidifying his financial expertise, he achieved the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Chowdhury's professional trajectory is marked by diverse experiences across industries and geographies. He began his career at British American Tobacco in 2007, quickly transitioning to Standard Chartered Bank, where he worked in the Lending Strategy and Financial Planning Division until 2011. Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, he co-founded The Bench, Bangladesh's first sports bar. His international career includes roles at American Airlines in London, where he rose to Head of Finance for Europe and Asia, and at HSBC Singapore as Associate Director of Infrastructure Finance Investment Banking.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Chowdhury has contributed to academia and social enterprises. He served as a visiting professor at the Bangladesh University of Professionals and advised the Grameen Telecom Trust. His multifaceted career reflects a commitment to leveraging financial expertise for broader societal impact.
In July 2024, amidst political transitions, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus invited Chowdhury to return to Bangladesh and contribute to national development. Accepting this call, he was appointed Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA in September 2024, becoming the first private-sector professional to lead these pivotal agencies. His leadership aims to modernize Bangladesh's investment landscape, focusing on transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
Chowdhury's personal life is as dynamic as his professional one. An avid skydiver, he set a Guinness World Record in May 2024 by performing a freefall from 41,795 feet in Memphis, USA, while holding the Bangladeshi flag. This feat, sponsored by United Commercial Bank PLC, symbolizes his patriotic fervor and adventurous spirit. He also holds a private pilot license, reflecting his passion for aviation.
At home, Chowdhury is a devoted family man. He is married to Nabila Jabeen Khan, a fellow IBA graduate, and together they have a son and a daughter. Balancing a high-profile career with family life, he exemplifies the modern leader who values both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Under Chowdhury's stewardship, BIDA has launched initiatives to streamline investment processes, including the development of an integrated Investor Portal for online approvals and compliance management. Efforts to simplify bureaucratic procedures aim to enhance the ease of doing business in Bangladesh. Additionally, his focus on promoting climate-resilient infrastructure and clean energy investments aligns with global sustainability goals.
Chowdhury's vision for Bangladesh is ambitious. He envisions transforming the country into a hub for sustainable and inclusive investment, drawing parallels with the economic models of Singapore and Thailand. While some critics question the feasibility of such rapid development, his commitment to institutional reform and investor confidence remains steadfast.
In recognition of his contributions, Chowdhury was granted the status of State Minister in April 2025. This acknowledgment underscores his significant role in shaping Bangladesh's economic future.
As Bangladesh aspires to become a $1 trillion economy by 2041, Chowdhury's leadership at BIDA and BEZA is pivotal. His blend of global experience, innovative thinking, and dedication to national progress positions him as a key architect of the country's investment renaissance.
