Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation

17/04/2026

In Memory of Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
(1968 – 17 April 2026)

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) announces the passing of Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, who left us on Friday, 17 April 2026, at the age of 58. He breathed his last at 6:25 AM at Square Hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.

Mr. Mahbubur Rahman joined the Ministry of Commerce as Secretary on 25 February 2025, having been promoted from the position of Additional Secretary (Planning and Development) in the Information and Communication Technology Division.

He entered the Bangladesh Civil Service in April 1994 as a member of the 13th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Customs & Excise) Cadre. He began his career as Assistant Commissioner under the National Board of Revenue, Internal Resources Division, Ministry of Finance. Until December 2010, he served in various capacities — Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, and Additional Commissioner — in different Custom Houses, Customs, Excise & VAT Commissionerates, and at the National Board of Revenue.

A dedicated and visionary civil servant, Mr. Rahman brought exceptional expertise in customs procedures, valuation, risk management, customs intelligence, trade facilitation, and public finance. His leadership as Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce played a significant role in advancing Bangladesh’s trade policies, export promotion, and international commercial engagements.

Born in 1968 into a respectable Muslim family in Mathbaria Upazila, Pirojpur district, Mr. Mahbubur Rahman was a loving husband and devoted father. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Farhana Alam, and their three beloved daughters. His personal life was a beautiful example of warmth, happiness, and strong family values.

The Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation had the honour of inviting Mr. Mahbubur Rahman on several occasions as a distinguished guest. He was particularly supportive of initiatives promoting sustainable aquaculture, fisheries development, and export diversification. Notably, he was invited to the inauguration of the Seabass harvesting initiative — a joint pilot project involving Agri-Technologies and Innovation Limited, BSFF, and the Business Promotion Council under the Ministry of Commerce. Though his busy schedule prevented him from attending in person, we deeply valued his consistent support and goodwill.

Mr. Mahbubur Rahman’s sudden departure is an irreparable loss to his family, the civil service, and the broader economic community of Bangladesh. His legacy of integrity, dedication, and selfless service will be remembered for years to come.

Namaz-e-Janaza was held at Sachib Nibash this afternoon, after which he was laid to rest at his ancestral village in Pirojpur.

May Almighty Allah grant his soul Jannatul Ferdous, forgive his sins, and bestow patience and strength upon his grieving family — especially his wife Dr. Farhana Alam and their three daughters — to bear this profound loss.

Syed Mahmudul Huq
Chairman
Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
17 April 2026

30/12/2025

Tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia (1945–2025)

Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and an iconic leader who profoundly shaped the nation’s modern political landscape, passed away this morning (December 30, 2025) , at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. She was 80 years old.

Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia entered politics following the tragic assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman—the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence—in 1981. Rising to lead the BNP, she achieved a historic electoral victory in 1991, becoming the first female Head of government in South Asia. She served three terms as Prime Minister (1991–1996, briefly in 1996 and 2001–2006), steering the country through democratic transitions amid intense rivalry with Sheikh Hasina.

Her administrations championed economic liberalization, tax reforms including introduction of VAT, infrastructure development focusing on enhanced road connectivity between urban and rural areas , and export-led growth, transforming key sectors such as ready-made garments, manpower exports , shrimp, and frozen foods into pillars of the economy. Under her leadership, Bangladesh emerged as a major global exporter in RMG, Manpower, aquaculture and seafood.

A steadfast advocate for democracy, Begum Zia endured significant political adversities, including imprisonment and house arrests for as many as 7 times. Released in 2024 following the fall of the Awami League government and acquitted of all charges in 2025, she remained an enduring symbol of resilience for millions.

Her passing marks the end of a defining era in Bangladeshi politics. The nation has declared three days of state mourning, with funeral prayers scheduled for December 31, 2025, in front of the parliament, followed by burial beside her late husband in Chandrima Uddyan.

During Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenures as Prime Minister—particularly in the challenging years following the devastating 1991 cyclone—her governments, through the dedicated leadership of the late Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, Mr. Abdullah Al Noman, played a pivotal role in rebuilding and sustainably developing Bangladesh’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

As President of the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) from 1991–1994, I had the privilege of convincing her of the potential of the fisheries sector and she formed a 6 member cabinet subcommittee for the purpose, which came up with forward-thinking recommendations, including the intensification of culture systems, establishment of commercial shrimp hatcheries to halt wild post-larvae collection, creation of service centers for improvements post-harvest handling of shrimp to maintain its desired quality until processing , zoning with lease agreements, and credit facilities for small-scale farmers under contract farming models.

In 1994, Mr. Abdullah Al Noman signed the historic Border Trade Agreement (in absence of ailing Commerce Minister ) with Myanmar on behalf of Bangladesh, unlocking vital cross-border commerce opportunities under the leadership of the then Honourable Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

In recognition of my contributions to the fisheries and aquaculture sector for the initiative to integrate different actors in shrimp value chain , I was handed over a National Award in 1994 by the Honourable Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Additionally, in 2003, I was honored to receive an award from the United Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UMCCI) for my ‘Outstanding contributions ’ (as cited mentioned in the award certificate ) to the development of economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Myanmar from the hands of Begum Khaleda Zia during her official visit to Myanmar in 2003.

I was also privileged to serve as a member of the National Export Committee headed by the Honourable Prime Minister during 1991-94.

I have also had the privilege to accompany her as a member of her entourage on several official overseas visits, including to South Korea (May, 1995), Thailand (December, 2002) and Myanmar (March, 2003).

These milestones underscore Begum Zia’s visionary commitment to economic resilience, export growth, and the livelihoods of millions in the shrimp and fisheries industries.

Her enduring contributions to national development and democracy will continue to inspire generations. On behalf of the fisheries and export community, I extend heartfelt condolences to her family—including her son Tarique Rahman—the BNP leadership, and her countless devoted supporters.

May Allah grant her Jannatul Firdaus and strength to the bereaved.

Syed Mahmudul Huq
Chairman, Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation
Chairman, Bangladesh Myanmar Business Promotion Council
Former President, Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association

28/06/2025

(March 21, 1930 – June 24, 2023)
Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation family shares the grief at the sad passing away of
Mr. Taher Sobhan

It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of sorrow that all members and associates of the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation join in grieving the sad passing away of Mr. Taher Sobhan. He breathed his last breath at 4:15 am today, June 24, 2023 in Chittagong.

Mr. Taher Sobhan was born on 21st March, 1930 in Chittagong in a renowned Muslim family. He was the eldest son of Dr. Rahim Daad, a veteran of WWII and Amatun Nabi Khanam, a school teacher.

Mr. Sobhan graduated from the College of Aeronautics and served the Airforce during his earlier life. He then pursued for higher education in Business Management in the UK, USA, Belgium and Switzerland. He also received a Bachelor degree in Law (LLB).

He had been involved in the fisheries industry since 1963 when Mohammad Ali Meghani established the first ever fish processing plant in the country in the name of Bay Fishing Corporation at Chittagong and Mr. Sobhan was appointed as its Manager. After the independence of Bangladesh, the company was taken over by Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation and Mr. Sohban became its General Manager and CEO. Under his able leadership, the Bay Fishing, became a leading exporter of seafood to the USA, Europe, Japan and the Middle East. The company was awarded the President Export Trophy in 1978
He mobilized the exporters of frozen foods under the umbrella of Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters’ Association (BFFEA) and became its founder President.

Later, he also ventured into Textiles and was the Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Exporters of Terry Towel and Linen Manufacturer’s Association. He also served as the Director of FBCCI for Two Terms.
While he was active in business and social activities, he was attracted to the spirituality and became Bayat with Hazrat Sheikh Mawlana Muhammad Abdul Jabbar (R.A) in 1976.

He was survived by his family members, many friends, business associates and well-wishers. His son-in-law Mr. Mahmudul Hasan, Managing Director of Conception Seafood was also a leading seafood exporters of the country and was Vice President of BFFEA.

I offer my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and may Allah grant them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May Allah (SWT) grant him maghfirah, the rank in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Ameen.

27/06/2025

https://www.facebook.com/100007484854098/posts/4025089337750522/?app=fbl

03/11/2024

https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/metro-news/move-to-set-up-climate-smart-research-centre-1730566653

Making a great stride towards strengthening Bangladesh's agricultural sector and export capabilities, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Agri-Food Associations & Industries of Bangladesh on Saturday to establish a research centre for climate-smar...

02/11/2024

Agro-Industry Consultation Workshop/ MoU Singing Ceremony for Strengthening Agricultural Tertiary Education Project (SATEP)