Salman F. Rahman

Co-founder of the Beximco conglomerate and, until 2024, Sheikh Hasina’s private-industry adviser with cabinet rank. The textbook case of a fortune fused to the state.

Born near Dhaka in 1951. Co-founded Beximco with his brother in 1972, building one of Bangladesh’s largest conglomerates (pharmaceuticals, textiles, ceramics, banking, media). A senior Awami League figure and MP; PM Sheikh Hasina’s adviser on private industry (cabinet rank) 2019–2024. Arrested in August 2024 after Hasina’s ouster; facing multiple pending corruption and money-laundering cases (unproven).

Notable achievements

• Co-founded Beximco (1972), a pioneering Bangladeshi conglomerate.
• Built Beximco Pharmaceuticals into a major generics exporter; first Bangladeshi firm on London’s AIM.
• Co-founded AB Bank (1982).
• Served as PM Sheikh Hasina’s private-industry adviser with cabinet rank (2019–2024).

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