A. M. Zahiruddin Khan

Who was A. M. Zahiruddin Khan?

A. M. Zahiruddin Khan was a distinguished Bangladeshi freedom fighter, industrialist and politician. Mr. Khan comes from an old respectable Muslim family. He is the eldest son of Mr. A. K. Khan, able descendant of Sherbaz Khan, who was the son of Shamsher Khan, minister of Gaor in the 16th Century.

Mr. Khan, after schooling in St. Paul's School in Dajeeling, India, completed his education at Aitcheson College, Lahore, Pakistan. He entered business at an early age by becoming Managing Director of A K Khan & Company in 1958 and later Chairman in 1991. He was the founder Chairman of AKTEL and Chairman of COATS Bangladesh, Bengal Fisheries Ltd.

During his distinguished career, he played an active role in the development of the private sector in Bangladesh. He was elected President of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry from two consecutive terms. He was also elected President of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry in 1977. As President of FBCCI, he initiated the formation of Islamic Chambers of Commerce & Industry. He was also elected Chairman of the Working Group for drafting of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Industry Constitution in the Istambul Conference in 1977. He also participated in the International Labor Organization conference in Geneva in 1975 as representative of Bangladesh Employers.