Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, widely recognized as Ashik Chowdhury, is a distinguished Bangladeshi investment banker, economist, and public servant. In September 2024, he was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), holding the rank of Senior Secretary. Notably, he is the first individual from the private sector to lead these pivotal investment promotion agencies under the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Early Life and Education
Born in Chandpur, Bangladesh, Ashik Chowdhury spent his formative years in Jessore, influenced by his father’s professional postings. He attended Sylhet Cadet College, graduating as part of the 21st batch. Pursuing higher education, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at the University of Dhaka. Furthering his academic credentials, he obtained a Master of Science in Finance from the London Business School, where he was honored with an Alumni Scholarship. Additionally, he holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Professional Career
Early Career
Ashik’s professional journey commenced in February 2007 as a Territory Officer at British American Tobacco. Later that year, in August, he joined Standard Chartered Bank, serving as a manager in the Lending Strategy and Financial Planning Division until March 2011.
International Experience
In October 2012, Ashik transitioned to American Airlines in London, initially as a financial and strategic analyst. Over nearly seven years, he ascended to the role of Head of Finance for Europe and Asia, departing in May 2019. Subsequently, he joined HSBC Bangladesh before relocating to HSBC Singapore, where he served as an Associate Director in the Real Asset Finance Division.
Academic and Advisory Roles
Complementing his corporate endeavors, Ashik contributed to academia as a visiting assistant professor at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) from 2020 to 2021. He also provided advisory services to the Grameen Telecom Trust and the Brunel Business School in London.
Appointment as Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA
In September 2024, following the formation of an interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Ashik was appointed as the Executive Chairman of BIDA, succeeding Lokman Hossain Miah. He also assumed the role of Executive Chairman of BEZA, replacing Md Sarwar Bari. His appointments were formalized through a government gazette, stipulating a two-year term and the relinquishment of affiliations with other organizations. On April 7, 2025, Ashik was granted the status of Minister of State.
Personal Life and Achievements
Family
Ashik is married to Nabila Jabeen Khan, and together they have a son and a daughter.
Skydiving and Aviation
An avid adventurer, Ashik is a certified skydiver and holds a private pilot license in the UK. He achieved a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance freefall with a banner or flag by jumping from an altitude of 41,795 feet in Memphis, USA, on May 25, 2024, while holding the Bangladeshi flag. This feat was sponsored by United Commercial Bank PLC. He has completed over 30 jumps since 2012 and plans to set a new Guinness record by parachuting with 70 other jumpers carrying the national flag.
Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025
In April 2025, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), played a pivotal role in orchestrating the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. Held from April 7 to 10 at the InterContinental Dhaka, the summit aimed to position Bangladesh as a prime destination for global investment.
The event attracted over 2,300 participants, including more than 550 foreign investors from 50 countries, with significant representation from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Singapore, and Japan. Chowdhury emphasized the importance of providing a realistic portrayal of Bangladesh’s economic landscape, stating, “We want investors to see the real picture of Bangladesh. This is about showcasing the opportunities without creating false expectations.”
A notable feature of the summit was the collaboration with Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, which powered the main event on April 9. This initiative marked a test launch of Starlink services in Bangladesh, symbolizing the country’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance its investment appeal.
Chowdhury also highlighted the government’s intention to make unused areas of closed state-owned industrial factories available to investors, leveraging existing infrastructure like gas and electricity connections. This move aligns with the broader strategy to streamline investment processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
The summit featured visits to key economic zones, including the National Special Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram, and the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj. These tours provided investors with firsthand insights into the country’s industrial capabilities and potential.
Chowdhury’s leadership in the summit underscored his commitment to fostering a transparent and investor-friendly environment in Bangladesh. By addressing critical issues and showcasing the nation’s economic potential, the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 served as a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable economic growth.
Ashik Chowdhury’s multifaceted career, spanning finance, public service, and adventure sports, underscores his dynamic contributions to Bangladesh’s development and global recognition.