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Founder Story

The Footprint of a Visionary

In the history of Bangladesh, M. Noorul Quader stands out as a visionary. He wasn't just a business magnate; he played a vital role in shaping the country's future. His journey is proof of how innovation and the actions of one person can transform an entire industry.

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M. Noorul Quader had many roles - a Bangladeshi freedom fighter, a dedicated government officer, and a successful entrepreneur. He also served as the first Establishment Secretary of the Mujibnagar Government, a Civil Servant in Pakistan, and the DC of Pabna during the liberation war. He established the nation's 100% export-oriented ready-made garments industry and was the founder chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. His impact on Bangladesh's history is immeasurable, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence the nation's course.

Born in 1935 in Tongibari, Bikrampur, M. Noorul Quader excelled in multiple fields. He was one of six siblings, born to Abdul Latif Khan and Kulsum Begum. After graduating from the Armanitola Government High School in 1950, he continued his education at Dhaka College. In 1952, he joined the Pakistan Air Force, and in 1954, he enrolled at Dhaka University, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics. As part of his education and training to become a CSP, Mr. Quader was also studying at Trinity College in Cambridge University in 1962.

A Patriot’s Roots

Noorul Quader's role in the Bangladesh Liberation War set him on a path of undeterred patriotism. Serving as the district commissioner of Pabna during the war, he played a crucial role in keeping his district free from the clutches of the Pakistani military. Mr. Quader was also the first establishment secretary of the Mujibnagar Government which was set up in Calcutta as the makeshift government of Bangladesh during the liberation war. Noorul Quader was not just a government officer; but rather was a patriot willing to risk everything for his country's freedom.

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Social Warrior

M. Noorul Quader's dedication to Bangladesh extended beyond his role in government and business. His vision propelled him to establish ventures that would open new opportunities for Bangladesh. His deep respect for women enabled him to empower them. Mr Quader initiated a silent revolution by employing women in the RMG industry. He sent 130 individuals, including 18 women, to Daewoo of South Korea for training, marking a step toward women's empowerment. Today, women constitute 60% of the RMG industry's workforce.

Noorul Quader Social Warrior

Career Blueprint

M. Noorul Quader's career was marked by distinction and dedication. He began his career in the air force and later joined the civil service of Pakistan. He also served as a civil servant in 1961, where his exceptional administrative skills allowed him to move quickly up the ranks. During the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh, he served as a true patriot and valiant freedom fighter, following which he finally decided to become a visionary and an entrepreneur. He served in various ministries, including the Establishment Division of Cabinet Affairs, Communication, Railways, Shipping, Waterways, and Airways. He was also the founder and chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, the official tourism organisation in Bangladesh.


Career Breakthroughs

  • Established Desh Group in 1974
  • Established Desh Garments Ltd. in 1977
  • Signed the joint venture agreement with Daewoo Corporation of South Korea in 1978
  • Provided training in technical and marketing for 130 young men and women in the RMG industry at Daewoo Corporation of South Korea
  • Pioneered the 100% export-oriented RMG industry in Bangladesh
  • Introduced the innovative Back-to-Back Letter of Credit system for financing raw materials
  • Convinced the Bangladeshi government to create a special duty-free bonded warehouse system at the factory level

The Birth of the Revolution

M. Noorul Quader's visionary approach brought a revolution in the RMG industry. He pioneered the 100% export-oriented RMG industry in Bangladesh, transforming the country into a global manufacturing hub. His collaborative agreement with Daewoo Corporation in 1978 marked a turning point, as Desh Garments Ltd. became the first 100% export-oriented garments industry in Bangladesh. He then sent 130 young men and women to South Korea for technical and marketing training, paving the way for rapid industry growth.

Many employees went on to establish their garments export factories, spreading the know-how and diversifying the industry into various products. By 1985, Bangladesh boasted over 700 garment factories.

Noorul Quader Revolution