Jahurul Islam redefined the concept of business and industry in Bangladesh. He was the king of the business sector of Bangladesh. The history books rightly declare him as the father of business in Bangladesh.
Business was in his blood as he came from a traditional business family. Jahurul Islam ventured into the business sector as early as 1964, with his company ‘Islam Group’. Since then, Islam Group has been divided into multi-dimensional sectors including engineering, construction, trading, and even manufacturing. The company, over the years, concentrated on other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, jute, aviation, ceramics, media, real estate, finance, construction and even something as vital as energy.
Through the variety of his concerns, Jahurul Islam has demonstrated a diversified thinking capacity that no one in his generation possessed. His unique way of thinking and leadership also resulted in Islam Group being one of the leading industries in Bangladesh.
Perseverance is one of the greatest qualities of man; Jahurul Islam had that quality. Naturally, he made him a great businessman and leader. He faced many problems during the three decades of his company’s dominance; however, his patience and brilliance together made Islam Group the number one company in the country.
In addition to being a good businessman, he was also a humanitarian. He founded Jahurul Islam Medical College and Hospital, for the betterment of the country. Although the institute officially started in 1992, the hospital service started in 1989. It had a large capacity to house patients, up to 500 beds with normal and emergency hospital facilities; no type of injury was ever rejected for treatment. A modern and intensive case has been offered since its establishment. The institution also gained a reputation abroad by admitting approximately 30 students each year.
Jahurul Islam’s philanthropic attitude was also reflected in the business environment as it provided the best working environment for the staff. Islam group and its sister companies offered the very rare facilities provided by any private company such as medical facilities, pension provision, accident compensation, on the job training etc.
Although the company has split into three different parts now: Islam Groups, Navana and Aftab Group, after Jahurul Islam’s death; the three companies enjoy the marks of being the leading companies in the country. All three groups still follow the philosophy, ethics and dedication left behind by the great Jahurul Islam.
Not only as a businessman but also as a human being, Jahurul Islam is an idol for the coming generations. He has left a great inspiration in his life story for future generations of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Their various mindsets that caused their success are rare. His power as a businessman in the market economy made him a great leader. His way of thinking about the world as a whole and the betterment of the country made him something of a philosopher. His leadership qualities were impressive, his philosophical outlook was exceptional; and the combination of both made him a successful man. He brought the business sector of Bangladesh to a higher level.