Inside the Boardroom of S. Alam Group: How a Founder-Led Board Steers a Diversified Bangladeshi Powerhouse

The Board of Directors of s alam group sits at the center of one of Bangladesh’s most diversified business ecosystems. Chaired by founder and Managing Director Mohammed Saiful Alam, this board oversees interests spanning banking and finance, power and energy, media, steel and cement, edible oil, logistics, textiles, petrochemicals and insurance.

By combining founder-led vision with a tightly connected network of senior directors and managing directors, S. Alam Group has built a governance model that supports rapid growth, long-term stability and deep engagement with the country’s economic development.

A Founder-Led Board With National Reach

At the heart of S. Alam Group’s governance is Mr. Mohammed Saiful Alam, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of the Group. Beyond leading the parent company, he holds top positions across key financial, media and power entities, which allows strategic priorities to flow consistently across the portfolio.

Mr. Alam serves as:

  • Chairman of First Security Islami Bank Ltd., a scheduled bank in Bangladesh
  • Chairman of First Security Islami Capital & Investment Ltd., a merchant bank in Bangladesh
  • Chairman of Reliance Finance Ltd., a leasing company and non-banking financial institution
  • Chairman of Reliance Brokerage Services Ltd., a stock brokerage house
  • Chairman of Ekushey Television Ltd., a major electronic media channel
  • Chairman of SS Power I Ltd., an IPP coal power generation company and Sino–Bangladesh joint venture SPV
  • Managing Director of Norinco Engineering Limited
  • Chairman of Rangdhanu Media Ltd., an electronic media company
  • Director of Nexus Media Network Ltd.
  • Director of Northern General Insurance Company Limited, a general insurance company in Bangladesh

He is also a sponsor shareholder of Al-Arafa Islami Bank Ltd. and Padma Islami Life Insurance Ltd., and a life member of institutions such as International Islamic University, Chattogram and Kurmitola Golf Club. His role as a leader in business associations, including as a Vice President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI) and the Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industries, further strengthens the Group’s voice in national economic dialogue.

This concentration of leadership across banking, capital markets, media, power and insurance creates a powerful advantage: a unified strategic vision that can be executed consistently across sectors while maintaining accountability at the board level.

Centralized Governance for a Diversified Conglomerate

S. Alam Group’s Board is deliberately structured around cross-directorships. Many board members simultaneously serve as managing directors or directors in multiple subsidiary and associate companies. This creates an integrated governance framework where:

  • Strategic decisions are aligned across sectors
  • Risks and opportunities can be viewed from a group-wide perspective
  • Capital, expertise and relationships are shared efficiently across businesses

The result is a highly coordinated conglomerate that can move quickly in response to market changes while maintaining strong oversight.

Sectoral Reach: From Finance to Power, Media and Industry

Banking, Finance and Capital Markets

S. Alam Group’s board plays a leading role in Bangladesh’s Islamic banking and broader financial services landscape. Different board members hold senior positions in:

  • First Security Islami Bank Ltd.– chaired by Mohammed Saiful Alam, with other directors from the Group also serving on its board
  • Al-Arafa Islami Bank Ltd.– where Group leaders serve as Chairman, sponsor shareholders and directors
  • Union Bank Limited– chaired by Engr. Shahidul Alam and supported by other S. Alam directors
  • NRB Global Bank Ltd.– where Group directors serve on the board
  • Reliance Finance Ltd.– a leasing and non-banking financial institution chaired by the Group’s founder and supported by additional Group directors
  • First Security Islami Capital & Investment Ltd.– the merchant banking arm chaired by Mr. Alam and joined by several directors
  • Reliance Brokerage Services Ltd. and AIBL Capital Market Services Ltd.– stock brokerage entities with multiple S. Alam directors involved
  • Unique Investment & Securities Ltd. and Times Securities Ltd.– investment and securities firms led or backed by S. Alam Group directors

Through these roles, the Board shapes a well-connected financial ecosystem that supports the Group’s industrial operations, underpins its power projects and extends financial solutions to a wide base of clients. The benefit for the Group and its partners is clear: strong access to capital, deep capital market expertise and the ability to structure long-term financing for large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects.

Power and Energy: Driving Industrial and National Growth

Power and energy are central to Bangladesh’s growth story, and S. Alam Group’s board has invested heavily in this sector. Several directors hold leadership positions in energy and power related companies, including:

  • SS Power I Ltd.– an IPP coal power generation company and Sino–Bangladesh joint venture SPV, chaired by the founder and with multiple Group directors serving on its board
  • S. Alam Power Plant Ltd.– led by Vice Chairman Abdus Samad as Managing Director
  • S. Alam Power Generation Ltd.– where senior directors contribute oversight
  • Karnaphuli Prakritik Gas Ltd.– managed by Group leadership including Abdus Samad
  • Shah Amanat Prakritik Gas Co. Ltd.– managed by Director (Transport Division) Md. Osman Gani
  • C & H Power Management Co. Ltd.– a joint venture SPV company with Chinese partners, where Engr. Shahidul Alam is a director
  • Norinco Engineering Ltd.– where several Group directors, including the founder and others, hold senior positions

These interconnected roles enable the Board to coordinate fuel supply, power generation, project execution and financing in an integrated way. For Bangladesh’s grid and for industrial users, the benefit is a reliable, professionally governed private-sector partner capable of delivering large power projects in collaboration with international stakeholders.

Media and Communications: Amplifying Reach and Reputation

S. Alam Group’s media investments are also closely tied to its board leadership. Through companies such as:

  • Ekushey Television Ltd.– a leading electronic media channel chaired by Mr. Mohammed Saiful Alam
  • Rangdhanu Media Ltd.– an electronic media company chaired by Ms. Farzana Parveen, with the founder as Managing Director
  • Nexus Media Network Ltd.– where the founder acts as Director

the Board supports platforms that shape public discourse, entertainment and information. These media interests not only have commercial value; they also enhance the Group’s ability to communicate with stakeholders, build brand equity and contribute to Bangladesh’s growing creative economy.

Industrial and Consumer Businesses: Building the Real Economy

S. Alam Group has a wide industrial footprint, and its board members deeply embed themselves in operational companies across multiple value chains. Broadly, the Group’s board-linked businesses span:

  • Steel and metals– including S. Alam Steels Ltd., S. Alam Cold Rolled Steels Ltd., Galco Steels (Bangladesh) Ltd., Infinite CR Strips Industries Ltd., Chemon Ispat Ltd. and Kingston Flour Mills Ltd. through associated directors
  • Cement and building materials– such as S. Alam Cement Ltd., Portman Cement Ltd., S. Alam Bag Manufacturing Mills Ltd. and related trading companies
  • Edible oil, soya and sugar– including S. Alam Vegetable Oil Ltd., S. Alam Super Edible Oil Ltd., S. Alam Soya Seed Extraction Plant Ltd. and S. Alam Refined Sugar Industries Ltd.
  • Textiles, garments and accessories– such as Genesis Textiles Accessories & Apparels Ltd., Western Designers Ltd., C & A Accessories Ltd. and C & A Fabrics Limited
  • Petrochemicals and plastics– including Bangladesh Petrochemical Ltd.
  • Logistics and transport– through Sonali Cargo Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd., S. Alam Luxury Chair Coach Services Ltd. and marine and cargo businesses
  • Properties, resorts and hospitality– including S. Alam Properties Ltd., Modern Properties Ltd., Global Trading Corporation Ltd., Ocean Resorts Ltd., Prasad Paradise Resorts Ltd. and Hasan Abasan (Pvt.) Ltd.
  • Agribusiness and hatcheries– from S. Alam Hatchery Ltd. and Fatehabad Farm Ltd. to related agro-linked ventures

By holding managing director and director roles in these companies, board members maintain close oversight of production, supply chains, marketing and expansion. That proximity to operations gives the Board real-time insight into market conditions, costs and innovation opportunities, strengthening governance and accelerating decision making.

Key Board Leaders and Their Strategic Contributions

Mohammed Saiful Alam – Founder, Chairman & Managing Director

As the driving force behind S. Alam Group, Mohammed Saiful Alam combines entrepreneurial vision with institutional leadership. His simultaneous roles in banking, capital markets, media, power generation and insurance enable him to:

  • Align the Group’s long-term investment strategy across sectors
  • Secure financing and partnerships for capital-intensive projects
  • Strengthen the Group’s national and international reputation
  • Represent business interests in high-level trade bodies and chambers

For partners, lenders and customers, this founder-led stability provides confidence that S. Alam Group’s strategy is cohesive, long term and personally championed at the highest level.

Abdus Samad – Vice Chairman & Director (Finance)

Mr. Abdus Samad serves as Vice Chairman of S. Alam Group and plays a pivotal role in the Group’s infrastructure, industrial and financial operations. His leadership roles include:

  • Managing Director of S. Alam Power Plant Ltd., Marine Empire Ltd. and Karnaphuli Prakritik Gas Ltd.
  • Director of S. Alam Cold Rolled Steels Ltd., S. Alam Steels Ltd., S. Alam Cement Ltd., S. Alam Brothers Ltd., S. Alam Power Generation Ltd., Portman Cement Ltd., S. Alam Soya Seed Extraction Plant Ltd., S. Alam Properties Ltd., S. Alam Tank Terminal Ltd., S. Alam Luxury Chair Coach Services Ltd., S. Alam Hatchery Ltd., Fatehabad Farm Ltd., Sonali Cargo Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd. and Norinco Engineering Ltd.
  • Chairman of Al-Arafa Islami Bank Ltd.
  • Director of Northern General Insurance Company Limited, Reliance Finance Ltd., AIBL Capital Market Services Ltd. and SS Power I Ltd.

This broad portfolio allows him to connect finance, industry and infrastructure in a way that maximizes capital efficiency and risk management. His engagement in social and business organizations further deepens the Group’s relationships with key stakeholders.

Engr. Shahidul Alam – Director (Technical)

Engr. Shahidul Alam brings strong technical and engineering expertise to the Board. He serves as:

  • Managing Director of S. Alam Vegetable Oil Ltd. and Galco Steels (Bangladesh) Ltd.
  • Managing Director of Prasad Paradise Resorts Ltd. and Norinco Engineering Ltd.
  • Chairman of Union Bank Limited
  • Director of First Security Islami Capital & Investment Ltd., Reliance Brokerage Services Ltd., SS Power I Ltd. and C & H Power Management Co. Ltd.

By overseeing both industrial plants and large-scale financial and power ventures, he ensures that technical feasibility, engineering standards and operational efficiency are considered in every major investment decision. His involvement in social and business clubs also supports networking and stakeholder trust.

Ms. Farzana Parveen – Director

Ms. Farzana Parveen is a key figure across logistics, real estate, power and media. She serves as:

  • Director of S. Alam Vegetable Oil Ltd., Sonali Cargo Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd., S. Alam Power Plant Ltd., S. Alam Properties Ltd. and Norinco Engineering Ltd.
  • Director of Prasad Paradise Resorts Ltd.
  • Director of SS Power I Ltd.
  • Director of First Security Islami Bank Ltd.
  • Chairman of Rangdhanu Media Ltd.
  • Director of Reliance Finance Ltd., First Security Islami Capital & Investment Ltd. and Reliance Brokerage Services Ltd.

Her cross-sector role connects logistics, infrastructure, media and finance, supporting integrated branding, customer experience and capital allocation across the Group.

Morshedul Alam – Director (Marketing)

As Director (Marketing), Morshedul Alam focuses on brand and market growth while leading key industrial businesses. He is:

  • Managing Director of Chemon Ispat Ltd. and S. Alam Super Edible Oil Ltd.
  • Director of NRB Global Bank Ltd. and Reliance Brokerage Services Ltd.

This combination of operational leadership and marketing oversight helps S. Alam Group build strong brands in steel and edible oil while integrating financial and capital market perspectives into go-to-market strategies.

Md. Rashedul Alam – Director (Administration)

Md. Rashedul Alam strengthens the Group’s administrative and property-related governance. He serves as:

  • Managing Director of Global Trading Corporation Ltd. and Ocean Resorts Ltd.
  • Director of S. Alam Steels Ltd., S. Alam Hatchery Ltd., S. Alam Properties Ltd. and Bangladesh Petrochemical Ltd.
  • Director of Union Bank Ltd. and Reliance Brokerage Services Ltd.

By linking trading, hospitality, manufacturing, petrochemicals and banking, he helps ensure that administrative, regulatory and compliance matters are handled in a streamlined, group-wide manner.

Md. Osman Gani – Director (Transport Division)

Md. Osman Gani oversees transport and logistics, an essential backbone for a multi-sector group. His roles include:

  • Managing Director of Shah Amanat Prakritik Gas Co. Ltd.
  • Director of S. Alam Cold Rolled Steels Ltd., S. Alam Cement Ltd., S. Alam Bag Manufacturing Mills Ltd., S. Alam Trading Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., Prasad Paradise Ltd., Ocean Resorts Ltd. and Modern Properties Ltd.
  • Director of NRB Global Bank Ltd. and Reliance Brokerage Services Ltd.

His cross-involvement in transport, steel, cement, packaging, trading and banking ensures that logistics decisions support both industrial needs and financial performance.

Mohammed Abdullah Hasan – Director (Commercial)

Mohammed Abdullah Hasan brings a strong commercial and property focus to the Board. He is:

  • Managing Director of Hasan Abasan (Pvt.) Ltd.
  • Director of S. Alam Cement Ltd., S. Alam Soya Seed Extraction Plant Ltd., S. Alam Refined Sugar Industries Ltd., S. Alam Luxury Chair Coach Services Ltd., S. Alam Brothers Ltd., S. Alam Tank Terminal Ltd., Portman Cements Ltd., Karnaphuli Prakritik Gas Ltd., Fatehabad Farm Ltd., Sonali Cargo Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd., Hasan Abasan (Pvt.) Ltd., Modern Properties Ltd. and Marine Empire Ltd.
  • Director of SS Power I Ltd. and First Security Islami Capital & Investment Ltd.

With this portfolio, he blends commercial strategy with infrastructure, agribusiness, transport and energy, helping the Group expand its footprint while maintaining strong commercial discipline.

Ahsanul Alam – Director

Ahsanul Alam links the Group’s industrial and financial sides through:

  • Managing Director roles at Genesis Textiles Accessories & Apparels Ltd., Western Designers Ltd., C & A Accessories Ltd. and C & A Fabrics Limited
  • Directorships at Norinco Engineering Ltd. and Hasan Abasan (Pvt.) Ltd.
  • Vice Chairmanship of Union Bank Limited

His leadership strengthens the Group’s presence in textiles and accessories while reinforcing its position in banking and infrastructure projects.

Sharmin Fatema – Director

Ms. Sharmin Fatema contributes to the petrochemical, steel and financial segments. She is:

  • Managing Director of Bangladesh Petrochemical Ltd.
  • Director of Chemon Ispat Ltd.
  • Sponsor shareholder of First Security Islami Bank Ltd.
  • Director of First Security Islami Capital & Investment Ltd. and Unique Investment & Securities Ltd.

Her role supports the Group’s move into higher value-added materials and deepens its engagement with capital markets and Islamic banking.

Shahana Ferdous – Director

Ms. Shahana Ferdous supports edible oil, steel and finance. She acts as:

  • Director of S. Alam Super Edible Oil Ltd. and Galco Steels (Bangladesh) Ltd.
  • Director of Union Bank Ltd.
  • Sponsor shareholder of First Security Islami Bank Ltd., Al-Arafa Islami Bank Ltd., Reliance Finance Ltd. and AIBL Capital Market Services Ltd.

Her portfolio reinforces the Group’s strategy of linking core industrial operations with strong positions in Islamic banking and financial services.

Farzana Begum – Director

Ms. Farzana Begum adds capital market and industrial experience to the Board. She is:

  • Managing Director of Lion Securities & Investment Ltd.
  • Director of Global Trading Corporation Ltd., Shah Amanat Prakritik Gas Co. Ltd., Kingston Flour Mills Ltd. and Infinite CR Strips Industries Ltd.
  • Director of Union Bank Ltd. and Times Securities Ltd.
  • Sponsor shareholder of First Security Islami Bank Ltd.

Her involvement connects securities, trading, gas, milling and banking, giving the Board valuable insights into both industrial and financial cycles.

Marzina Sharmin – Director

Ms. Marzina Sharmin strengthens S. Alam Group’s capital markets presence. She serves as:

  • Managing Director of Unique Investment & Securities Ltd. and Times Securities Ltd.
  • Director of Kingston Flour Mills Ltd. and Infinite CR Strips Industries Ltd.
  • Sponsor shareholder of First Security Islami Bank Ltd.

Her leadership in investment and securities firms supports the Group’s access to equity and debt markets, which is essential for financing ongoing expansion.

How Cross-Directorships Strengthen Strategic Control

A defining feature of S. Alam Group’s board is that many directors simultaneously hold leadership roles in multiple subsidiaries. This cross-directorship model delivers several governance and performance advantages:

  • Holistic strategy– Directors see the entire business landscape, from banking and power to steel, cement and logistics, allowing for coordinated strategic decisions.
  • Faster decision making– With the same leaders sitting across boards, approvals and alignments can be achieved more quickly, enabling the Group to respond rapidly to market opportunities.
  • Integrated risk management– Board members understand how risks in one sector may affect another, improving oversight of credit risk, operational risk and project risk across the portfolio.
  • Efficient capital allocation– The Board can direct capital to the most promising sectors and projects, supported by in-depth, on-the-ground knowledge from managing directors and operational leaders.
  • Stronger stakeholder relationships– Directors who are active in trade bodies, business associations and social organizations carry the Group’s reputation into broader networks, making it easier to build partnerships and secure institutional support.

This centralized yet diversified governance structure is particularly well suited to large conglomerates operating in emerging markets. It helps balance entrepreneurial agility with institutional discipline, while keeping decision making close to the realities of operations and markets.

Engagement With Trade Bodies and the Wider Business Community

Beyond company boards, S. Alam Group’s leaders are actively involved in national and regional trade bodies, chambers of commerce and elite business organizations. This includes roles such as:

  • Vice Presidency at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI)
  • Leadership positions within the Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industries
  • Membership in various business clubs and social organizations across the country

Such engagement delivers tangible benefits:

  • Better understanding of policy directions and regulatory changes
  • Opportunities to contribute to national economic planning and sectoral policy
  • Enhanced credibility with government, regulators, investors and international partners

By combining operational excellence with strong external representation, the S. Alam Board ensures that the Group not only grows its own businesses but also actively contributes to Bangladesh’s broader economic progress.

What This Governance Model Means for Partners, Investors and Bangladesh

The Board of Directors of S. Alam Group illustrates how a founder-led, family-centric yet institutionally engaged leadership structure can drive a modern conglomerate in Bangladesh. With major stakes in banking, finance, power, media and industry, the Board’s decisions influence vital parts of the national economy.

For partners, investors and stakeholders, the benefits of this governance model include:

  • Continuity and stability– Long-term leadership and deep family involvement support consistent strategy over decades.
  • Sector-spanning insight– Cross-directorships provide a 360-degree view of the economy, from infrastructure to consumer markets.
  • Strong execution capability– Directors who are also managing directors of operating companies can translate board-level decisions into on-the-ground execution.
  • Integrated financing and capital markets access– A strong footprint in banking, leasing and securities creates robust support for growth and investment.
  • Alignment with national priorities– Active engagement with trade bodies and chambers aligns the Group’s strategy with the country’s development needs.

As Bangladesh continues its rapid economic transformation, S. Alam Group’s Board of Directors stands out as an example of how concentrated leadership, broad sectoral reach and proactive engagement with national institutions can create lasting value for shareholders, partners and the wider society.

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