Samson H. Chowdhury: A Legacy of Vision and Integrity

A Tribute on His Birth Centenary

Some lives are so impactful that they change the course of history and inspire future generations. Born on September 25, 1925, in Aruakandi, Gopalganj, Samson H. Chowdhury demonstrated how an individual can reach the highest levels of success through a combination of vision, courage, and integrity. On the occasion of his birth centenary, we reflect on his remarkable life—the journey of a pioneer, a determined leader, and a humanitarian.

Instilled with the values of human service from a young age due to his father’s medical profession, he dreamed of becoming a doctor himself after completing his matriculation in 1943. However, his family’s financial circumstances, particularly the education and future of his four younger brothers and two sisters, made this path unfeasible.

At just 17, he left for Mumbai to join the Royal Indian Navy, where his innate willpower was first revealed. By defying protocol and insisting on a position as a radar operator, he was jailed for four days, yet his indomitable will ultimately compelled the authorities to yield.

After the war, he returned home and joined the Postal Department in Pabna. However, his ambitious spirit could not be contained. After leaving his job, he took charge of his father’s ‘Hossain Pharmacy.’ This was more than a simple medicine shop; it was the first stepping stone of his entrepreneurial journey. In 1956, with an initial capital of just five thousand taka, he established a small medicine factory at his home, naming it 'Esons'.

His professional partner and sole assistant was his wife, Mrs. Anita Chowdhury. ‘Esons’ was the small seed of a dream that, through sheer diligence and conviction, grew into the huge corporate entity known as ‘SQUARE’.

In 1958, he founded ‘SQUARE’ with three friends. The name carried a profound philosophy: the four equal sides of a 'Square' not only represented the four founders but also symbolized perfection and integrity.

His famous maxim, “There is no shortcut to success,” became his lifelong guiding principle. Despite making no profit for the first three years, his unwavering dedication led SQUARE to unprecedented success. In 1985, SQUARE Pharmaceuticals surpassed all multinational companies to become the market leader, a position it has maintained to this day. Beyond national borders, SQUARE's products are now also marketed internationally.

Following its success in pharmaceuticals, Samson H. Chowdhury expanded the company further. In 1988, Square Toiletries; in 1994, Square Textiles; in 1997, Mediacom Ltd.; in 1998, Agro-chemicals and Veterinary Products; in 2000, Square Spinning; in 2001, Square Knit Fabrics, Square Fashions, Square Consumers Products, Square InformatiX, and Square Hospitals Ltd.; and in 2011, Maasranga Television. Through these consecutive ventures, he brought about a revolutionary change in the country's industrial landscape.

As a highly successful industrialist, he never abandoned his humanitarian values. He was a generous philanthropist who contributed to various developmental causes. He embraced human service as his life’s mission.

Samson H. Chowdhury’s greatest success was his ability to pass on his vision and ideals to his successors. Under the leadership of his children, the SQUARE Group has not only maintained its market dominance but has also expanded into new sectors, guided by his foresight.

The same commitment to human service that motivated him to establish institutions like Square Hospitals is being upheld by his successors, who continue to ensure service quality. According to his philosophy, business is not merely a tool for profit but a powerful means of contributing to the welfare of society. This promise is evident in every endeavor of the SQUARE Group today.

On January 5, 2012, this remarkable man passed away at the age of 86 while undergoing treatment. His passing cast a shadow of grief over all segments of society. The nation’s top business leaders, political figures, and distinguished citizens gathered to pay their last respects. He was laid to eternal rest two days later, on January 7, in Pabna. His successors and the 81,000 members of the SQUARE family continue to follow the path of his ideals and values, proving that Samson H. Chowdhury lives on through his work.