RN Desk:  Asta Feed Industries Ltd. and Ibratas Trading Company, both playing a significant role in Bangladesh’s animal protein and feed industry, jointly organized an Iftar gathering. The event took place last Saturday (March 8) at Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort, bringing together leaders from various organizations in the animal protein sector, entrepreneurs, scientists, and high-ranking officials from both public and private financial sectors.

The event was graced by several esteemed guests, including:

• Mr. Md. Muslim Chowdhury – Chairman, Sonali Bank PLC; President, Chattogram Samiti – Dhaka (Former Finance Secretary & Former CAG, Government of Bangladesh)
• Dr. Md. Mohiuddin – Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh
• Agriculturist Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam – Former Member of Parliament, Former President of AHCAB, and Managing Director of Arham Agrovet
• Mr. A.T.M. Mostafa Kamal – Former Additional Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock
• Mr. Toufiqul Arif – Former Additional Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock
• Dr. Boyzar Rahman – Director (Admin), Department of Livestock Services (DLS)
• Mr. Md. Shamsul Arefin Khaled – President, BPICC & FIAB; Director, Nourish Poultry & Hatchery
• Mr. Md. Abu Zafar – Managing Director, The Premier Bank PLC
• Mr. Shamsul Arefin – Managing Director, NCC Bank PLC
• Mr. Abdul Kayum – Deputy Managing Director, The Premier Bank PLC
• Mr. Abdur Razzaq – Director (ICT), Bangladesh Bank
• Engineer Ujjal Mallick – Chief Engineer, RAJUK
• Mr. Shafiul Azam – Retired District Judge, Government of Bangladesh
• Mr. Tajmilur Rahman – EVP, UCB Bank PLC
• Prof. Dr. Ilias Hossain – Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University
• Prof. Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali – Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University

Additionally, executive committee members of organizations like AHCAB, WPSA, BAFIITA, FIAB, BPIA, BAPCA, BAB, FBCCI, BPICC, and the VET Association attended, along with nearly 800 guests.

The event began after the Asr prayer with a sermon by Hazrat Maulana Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Khatib of Banani Central Jame Mosque. His speech focused on the significance of Ramadan, self-purification, compassion, and social responsibility.

Short addresses were delivered by:

• Mr. Mosharraf Hossain Chowdhury, Chairman, Asta Feed Industries Ltd. & Ibratas Trading Company
• Mr. Gias Uddin Khan, Managing Director, Asta Feed Industries Ltd.
• Mr. Md. Jasim Uddin, FCA, Advisor
• Mr. G.H.N. Ershad, Executive Director

Other company executives, including directors, senior management, and department heads, were also present.

During the speeches, the speakers emphasized that the feed and animal protein industry is not just about business but plays a vital role in ensuring food security and nutrition in Bangladesh. They expressed their commitment to working together for business prosperity, national nutrition goals, and employment generation.

Special prayers were held for the departed members of Asta Feed Industries Ltd. and Ibratas Trading Company, as well as for the well-being of the sector’s workforce and stakeholders.

The event concluded with prayers for national peace, development, and collective well-being, followed by a communal Iftar, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Future Commitment

Chairman Mosharraf Hossain Chowdhury and Managing Director Md. Gias Uddin highlighted that such gatherings not only strengthen business relationships but also promote social and humanitarian values. Guests praised this noble initiative and encouraged similar events in the future.