To build a successful career, you have to step out of your comfort zone. I started at a stock brokerage house, then worked briefly at an audit firm before making my first foray into manufacturing at Action Group, a manufacturer of sports shoes. Having started in procurement, over the next 10 years I worked my way up to become the company’s chief operating officer.
Even though I was successful in that role and knew the sector inside out, after a couple of years I was ready for a new challenge in a different industry. In 2021, I ventured into the world of renewable energy at Bangladesh Petrochemical Company (BPCL), becoming head of its plastic bottle recycling unit. Last month I was also appointed head sustainability and external affairs, an expansion of my responsibilities that will see me divide my time between sustainability matters and business-centric decision-making and finance.
It gives me great satisfaction to work in this sector because of the environmental benefits of recycling
BPCL’s plant has so far recycled 25,000 metric tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with the recycled PET (rPET) used to make plastic bottles and food containers. That’s equivalent to 1.8 million discarded PET bottles, and in the process we have prevented 21,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from being discharged into the Earth’s atmosphere. That gives me great satisfaction.
South Asian countries are generally less conscious about recycling than others due to a lack of knowledge. People and businesses need to become aware of what they are consuming and how they can reduce waste. The European Union has imposed a tax on carbon emissions, which promotes energy efficiency and raises revenue that can be used to invest in clean energy and other environmental initiatives. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has yet to impose strict laws, so manufacturers aren’t motivated to recycle, but companies are starting to change.
I feel like a warrior who is helping to save the planet by reducing emissions and combating climate change
If I had law-making powers I would take action on several fronts. Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change so one of my priorities would be to introduce strict environmental protection laws to mitigate its effects. We also have a history of labour exploitation, so regulations are required to ensure fair wages and the protection of workers’ rights. Then with corruption a major problem in our country, regulations are needed to promote transparency and accountability in government and business, including strong whistleblower protection. Finally, with the rapid growth of technology, Bangladesh has also seen an increase cybercrime, so we need laws to protect citizens from online fraud and cyber threats.
I enjoy my job because it is unpredictable, with many different assignments and problems to solve. I feel like a warrior who is helping to save the planet by reducing emissions and combating climate change. If I weren’t a finance professional, though, I would like to have been a genetic engineer, solving problems of a different kind.
I have had some high points in my career, including being an award winner in my ACCA examinations. I was also selected as a member of the ACCA Bangladesh Member Advisory Council in 2021, and the following year was recognised by ACCA Bangladesh for my advocacy work in supporting members and future members.
In my spare time I love to watch movies of all genres. I follow English Premier League football and am a diehard fan of Manchester United. I also enjoy travelling and would love to roam the world exploring new countries and cities; so far, I’ve been to four continents, 16 countries and 40 cities.
