Ashik Chowdhury is a distinguished Bangladeshi banker and the current Executive Chairman of both the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). Notably, he is the first private sector leader to head these key investment promotion agencies under the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Early Life and Education
Born in Chandpur and raised in Jessore, Ashik’s academic journey began at Sylhet Cadet College. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the Institute of Business Administration at the University of Dhaka and later completed a Master’s in Finance from London Business School. Additionally, he holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Professional Career
Ashik commenced his career as a Territory Officer at British American Tobacco in 2007. He then transitioned to Standard Chartered Bank, serving as a manager in the Lending Strategy and Financial Planning Division until 2011. His international experience includes a tenure at American Airlines in London, where he advanced to the position of Head of Finance for Europe and Asia. Before his appointment at BIDA and BEZA, Ashik was the Associate Director of Infrastructure Finance Investment Banking at HSBC Singapore.
Leadership at BIDA and BEZA
In September 2024, Ashik was appointed as the Executive Chairman of BIDA, succeeding Lokman Hossain Miah.Shortly thereafter, he also assumed the role of Executive Chairman at BEZA, taking over from Md Sarwar Bari. His dual leadership roles underscore his commitment to enhancing Bangladesh’s investment climate.
Under his guidance, BIDA unveiled the FDI Heatmap, a strategic blueprint targeting 19 high-potential sectors to drive targeted investments. Ashik emphasized that this initiative serves as the foundation for future engagements with investors.
Personal Pursuits
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ashik is an avid skydiver. In May 2024, he achieved a remarkable feat by jumping from 41,795 feet with the Bangladesh flag, setting a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance freefall with a banner or flag.
Bangladesh Investment Conference 2025: A New Chapter for FDI
On April 9, 2025, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the Bangladesh Investment Conference 2025 during the ongoing BIDA Investment Summit in Dhaka. In a heartfelt speech, he urged foreign investors to explore Bangladesh — a land where “strange ideas” have changed the world.
Yunus reflected on the country’s journey from the devastating 1974 famine to today’s booming investment climate, highlighting success stories like Grameen Bank and Grameenphone. He inspired attendees to blend profit with purpose, saying, “Making money brings happiness. But making others happy brings super happiness.”
Hosted by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the summit features global speakers including Óscar García (Spain), Rosie Winterton (UK), and Nasim Manzoor (Bangladesh).
BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun also presented a powerful paper on the nation’s growing trade and investment potential.
Important Link of Ashik howdhury
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BIDA Website
WiKipedia Profile of Ashiq Chowdhury
LinkedIn Profile of Ashiq Chowdhury (আশিক চৌধুরী)
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