Bangladesh is ready to compete globally

In an exclusive interview with The New Nation’s Tasnuba Akhter Rifa, Zillur Rahman
discussed Rahman Group’s initiatives, particularly its efforts to expand the market for Bangladeshi products in the Middle East. He also shared his perspectives on Bangladesh’s business environment.

SM Zillur Rahman, a prominent business leader, is prioritising the expansion of markets for Bangladeshi products abroad. Zillur is the Chairman and CEO of Rahman Group, President of the Bangladesh Bamboo Cane and Mate Crafts foundation ( BBCMF), and Director at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Zillur Rahman is actively working in two key sectors that generate substantial foreign exchange for Bangladesh: ready-made garments (RMG) and manpower exports. Additionally, he is a Senator of the World Business Angel Investment Forum and President of the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME).

During a recent visit to Bahrain, Zillur Rahman highlighted his company’s efforts to popularise Bangladeshi products, particularly clothing, in the Middle Eastern countries. He stated, “I recently met Sameer Abdulla Nass, the Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a former President of the Gulf Chamber of Commerce, at a business event. Several Gulf ministers were also present, and we discussed various aspects of business collaboration.”
He added, “I informed Bahrain’s business leaders that Rahman Group will soon launch new products, including garment items, in the Middle Eastern market. We are introducing our brand of men’s inner garments in the region, which currently lacks Bangladeshi brands. We are confident that our products, offering superior quality, will stand out against those from other countries.”
Zillur Rahman stressed the group’s ambition to demonstrate that Bangladesh is capable of producing high-quality goods, with the goal of establishing a strong and significant presence in the Middle Eastern market.
On the subject of employment visas, he highlighted the need to reinstate visas for Bangladeshi workers in Bahrain. “Employment visas for Bangladeshi workers in Bahrain have been suspended due to the misconduct of a few individuals. However, most Bahraini businesspeople are keen to reopen visas as they value Bangladeshi workers for their loyalty, dedication, and reliability,” he said.
The Chairman explained how Rahman Group contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings through manpower and garment exports, while also supporting the country’s economy through its involvement in construction and restaurant businesses.
“Western countries are increasingly interested in hiring skilled workers from Bangladesh, and we must seize this opportunity promptly,” he noted. According to Zillur Rahman, European and Middle Eastern countries will require approximately 40 million skilled foreign workers by 2030. “This is a golden opportunity. We need to start preparing to capitalise on it now,” he emphasised.
To strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global labour market, he called for improved manpower training facilities.
The CEO reaffirmed Rahman Group’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and excellent service, which have earned the trust of its clients. He also shared insights from his recent business tour of Saudi Arabia, where he engaged with chamber members and encouraged them to streamline processes for Bangladeshi manpower, aiming to create a more efficient and supportive environment for workers.
Discussing Rahman Overseas’ manpower export efforts, Zillur Rahman mentioned that employers from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Libya, Bahrain, Jordan, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore rely on the company for its reliable practices.
“Although employer representatives are not present during worker selections, we ensure the highest standards, as if they were there themselves. This trust has been key to our success,” he said.
The company has been recognised with several accolades, including two gold medals and numerous crests, for its significant contributions to the business sector.
“To maintain our reputation and deliver exceptional service, we strive to serve our clients with the utmost sincerity and responsibility,” the business icon concluded.