Project Draft on Legendary Entrepreneurs of Bangladesh

Legendary Person- Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Chairman & CEO, Azad Products
Private Limited, Bangladesh
Course: HRM 645- Interpersonal Relations and Group Dynamics

Submitted To:
Mohammad Khasro Miah Ph.D (KsM)
Professor in HRM
North South University

Submitted By:
Group-E
1.
2.
3.
4.

Mohammad Safaetullah Khan

Tanvir Ahmed
Rokon Uddin Ahmed
Adnan Ahmed

Date of Submission: 24th July, 2016

- 143-0851-660
- 143-0989-660
- 142-1373-660
- 143-0264-660

1. Introduction of Legendary Person

Mr. Abul Kalam Azad is the Chairman & Managing Director of Azad Products Pvt Limited, Bangladesh.
Azad Products Pvt Ltd was the Hallmark of gift-card and poster manufacturers in the mass market
during the 70s and 80s in Bangladesh. Mr. Abul Kalam Azad was born in 20 th September, 1954 in a
Muslim family. The desire to start his own business brought him to the capital, Dhaka city. He earned a
meager living as a lodging tutor and used his free time to wander through the city looking for business
ideas.

After

completion

of

his

BA

(Bachelor

of

Arts)

degree

from

Sheikh Borhanuddin Post Graduate College, he was not interested at all to work under someones
supervision by being a government or private job holder which was very much unlike the thoughts of
majority of students of Bangladesh. He was searching for an appropriate opportunity to start a business
where he could see his comfort-zone which leads to the potentials to be successful in life. His encounter
with street hawkers gave him the idea of selling posters. The trade experience helped him gain an edge in
terms of price and volume which soon attracted jealousy from the competition. However such drawbacks
did not dampen his spirit and he continued to push his business forward. Today Mr. Abul Kalam Azad is
heading large corporations like Azad Printing and Packaging, Grand Azad Hotel and A to Z Computers.
He is considered as one of the leading entrepreneurs of our country who started from zero and became a
role model for the youths who want to be a successful entrepreneur to not to be dependent on others.
Various projects and campaigns are being made on Mr. Abul Kalam Azad to encourage people to find
entrepreneurship business very interesting and become self-dependent. Many articles and reports are
being published on Mr. Abul Kalam Azad in the national dailies to invent the secrets of becoming hugely
success on entrepreneurship business. His moral of becoming successful is, being honest and maintaining
simplicity in both personal and professional life. He never compromised with any evil-strengths and
always tries to be fair with his business partners and employees work in his organization. He has
reputation in maintaining good relation with his employees and very good payer of employees hard-work
for his organizations. Countrys top government and private institutions are the regular clients of Azad
Products Private Limited. (Biography of Abul Kalam Azad, 2006)

2. Biography
Mr. Abul Kalam Azad was a simple and ordinary boy from village came to Dhaka to search a business
scope. It was never easy for him to start anything in a big and unknown city like Dhaka coming from a
small village.

a) Background of Early Life

Mr. Abul Kalam Azad was born in Chadpur district and in his very childhood he lost his mother. After his
mothers death, his father decided to keep child Azad with him where he worked so Azad was brought to
Shariatpur to stay with his father. There he started his school newly in class-two then in class-six he
joined Nagerpara High School in Shariatpur. While going to different markets (haat) for household
shopping he found there is a difference in price of coconut in different markets (haat). From this incident
he got the idea of doing a business. By selling coconut from one market to another market in 3 months he
earned about 18000 to 19000 Taka but his capital was only 18 taka. He fulfilled his small childhood
dreams from a portion of that money. From this little business he got the inspiration to do business to
become a successful man in life. He failed to marry the girl he loved because of not being an established
rich man, from that incident he promised to be successful in life and felt a force to be somebody someday.
That drives Abul Kalam Azad to be what he is today. (RJ Kebria, 2014)

b) Personal Life (Marriage and Family)

He was born in Chadpur and spent his childhood in Shariatpur. He came from a Muslim family in a
village of Chadpur district. His father was a pious (Maulana) man and was a teacher in village school at
Shariatpur. His father was a Ula (Madrasah degree) passed Maulana in that village, used to be involved in
all kind of pious activities and was very famous in surrounding villages in conducting prayer of Janajah.
He lost his mother in his very early age due to unavailability of treatment and missed the love of mother
in his childhood. He was the only son of his parents. After his mothers death his father again got married.
He is father of one son and two daughters. They are well-educated and well-established in their own way.
His elder daughter did Ph.D and now lives in Sweden. His son Zia Azad did his MBA from North South
University, now acting as IR Manager of Azad Products (Pvt) Limited. His younger daughter also
completed her education from North South University. (RJ Kebria, 2014)

c) Particular philosophy/spirit
Honesty! Honesty! Honesty! The only word that Abul Kalam Azad always maintained in his whole life as
well as in his business timeline. He never compromised with any unethical things, always tries to be fair
to all. In his own words, I am a self-made man. I believe Honesty is the best policy. If anyone changes
himself with the time and decades, success is sure!!
Even he closed his very profitable project Hotel Grand Azad, which was the first three-star hotel in
Dhaka because of not willing to keep any unethical products like- Alcohol or supporting any unethical
activities of the customers of that hotel. It was his moral philosophy learnt from his father in childhood.
He treats every employee equally. He has a reputation in maintaining fair practice in his organization,
always cares about the necessities and betterment of his employees. He is considered as a fair payer, good
payer of employees effort and hard work.
He totally dislikes politics and never involved with any political activities or political parties. (RJ
Kebria, 2014)

3. Academic Background
In his early life he started school in local school of Chadpur, after his mothers death he was shifted to
Shariatpur and newly joined in class-two in Shariatpur. Then in class-six he joined Nagerpara High
School and passed Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination in 1970. He was not a very good
student regarding earning grades in examinations. He never got a first class marks in his whole academic
career. After completing SSC his father offered him to get admission in a college to earn a PTI degree.
His father wanted him to be a teacher like him. But Mr. Azad had different mind-set from the inspiration
he got from coconut business. Then he joined Purbo Madarpur College to complete his Higher Secondary
Certificate (HSC) degree. He was a lodging teacher in the house of a relative of local MP Mr. Abdur
Razzak. He successfully completed his HSC from there. Then he flew away from his house as he did not
want to be a teacher with PTI degree. He came to Dhaka and got himself admitted into
Sheikh Borhanuddin Post Graduate College in 1973 for Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. He used to be a
lodging teacher in Alubazar of Puran Dhaka and worked as private tutor in different houses besides the
lodging house. He got pass in BA examination in 1974. Only 6% of students got pass in BA examination
on that time, out 452 colleges in whole country students from only 65 colleges got pass in BA. He got
highest marks from his college, out of 55 students only 11 students got pass from

Sheikh Borhanuddin Post Graduate College. Then he started Law at Agamachi Law College, but after
completing first year due to financial barrier he left the college. (RJ Kebria, 2014)

4. Business Development (Vision of business development)

Mr. Abul Kalam Azad was born to do business. From very childhood he started thinking about business
opportunities and was very intelligent in identifying business scopes where he saw a chance of making
profit. He is very much intelligent guy to find out business potentials and achieve high efficiency in
Business development with his innovative ideas, differentiated features, and leadership capability. He
made his initial capital by doing a smart business of selling coconut from one market to another that small
business had a capital of 18 Taka and end up with a profit of 18000-19000 Takas in just 3 months which
shows his potential as business developer. From that profit he found the initial capital for doing business
in Dhaka city, by selling posters in the streets of Dhaka city he became owner of Azad Product Private
Limited which is the leading institution in printing posters, calendars, diaries, wedding cards, greeting
cards, etc.
Business development comprises a number of tasks and processes generally aiming at developing and
implementing growth opportunities within and between organizations. It is a subset of the fields of
business, commerce and organizational theory. Business development is the creation of long-term value
for an organization from customers, markets, and relationships. In the limited scholarly work available on
the subject, business development is conceptualized as or related to discrete projects, specific modes of
growth, and organizational units, activities, and practices. Sorensen integrates these different perspectives
with insights from chairmen and managing directors, senior business developers, and venture capitalists
from successful high-tech firms worldwide, which is adopted in the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Strategic
Management:
Business development is defined as the tasks and processes concerning analytical preparation of
potential growth opportunities, and the support and monitoring of the implementation of growth
opportunities, but does not include decisions on strategy and implementation of growth opportunities.
Azad Products (Pvt) Ltd. is the most popular and famous printing industry in Bangladesh. Established in
1982 and situated in the heart of capital city Dhaka, Azad Products has a glorious success story, in making
a modest customer service in the commercial market as a printing house over three decades. They always
rise to the expectation and calling of their customers. In brief, Azad Products- A complete one stop
printing solution. (RJ Kebria, 2014)

PRINTING ACTIVITIES

Calendars (Wall, Desk and Table) Business Cards

Diaries (All Varieties and Sizes) Telephone Index & Note Book
Poster & Post Cards Letterheads/Leaflets
Wedding Cards Restaurant/Take-Away Menus
Greeting Card Catalogue, Brochure & Annual Report, Etc.

For variety calendars, we have huge range of pictures, like landscape, flowers, scenic beauties, bridges,
fruits, fish and vegetables, flora and fauna, mosque, Arabic and Bengali calligraphy, super range of
vintage and latest cars, tribal culture, art & architecture and portraits.
Azad Products provides their customers with a unique service. It is a shop that sells different cards for
different occasions, for example, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, parties, etc. The employees here are
very active and make their customers feel comfortable while browsing. Azad Products offers a cozy but
simple ambiance, making the card shop a frequently visited spot. (RJ Kebria, 2014)

CLIENTS THEY SERVE

Their clients are their greatest testimonials. For the last three decades, they have been working efficiently
and effectively with the leading business houses, diplomatic missions, donor agencies, educational
institutions, government, nongovernmental and community based organization in both local and
international levels. To mention some of them by name will read as follows:
BANKS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES: N.G.O.s:

Southeast Bank Limited

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited
Social Islami Bank Limited
Janata Bank Limited
Prime Bank Limited
The City Bank Limited
Phoenix Insurance Limited
Padma Islami life Insurance Limited
Bangladesh Co-Operative Insurance Limited
Express Insurance Limited
Meghna Insurance Limited
Marie Stopes
Muslim Aid-UK
PRIP Trust

Gano Unnyan Prochesta

Proshika Manabik Unnyan Kandra

GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS:

Chittagong Port Authority

National Board of Revenue (NBR)
Dhaka District Commissioner Office
Ministry of Finance

They are specialized printer to cater for all at highly competitive and moderate prices. They have huge
range of choice to suit customers individual need - the choice is always of their customers and they
believe in specialty & quality. (Azad Products Private Limited, n.d.)

5. Timeline of Business Development

Business development comprises a number of tasks and processes generally aiming at developing and
implementing growth opportunities within and between organizations. It is a subset of the fields of
business, commerce and organizational theory. Business development is the creation of long-term value
for an organization from customers, markets, and relationships.

Year
1970
1974
1975
1977
1982
1987

Business Development
Coconut business
Poster business
View card business
Poster printing
View Card Printing
Azad Products became a formal company
in the name of Azad Printing &
Packaging
Established Grand Azad three star hotel
Azad Products became a private limited
company
Formation of A to Z Computers as a
sister concern
Established Caf Entro in Banani

1992
1997
2005
2010

6. Professional Development
Professional development refers to the process of identifying goals and learning new skills to help you
grow and succeed at work. Professional development may lead to a promotion or change in job, or simply
to doing better in a current position. Abul kalam azad chairman and director of Azad products are very
concern about professional development of his own and as well as his staffs too. His common stra tegy is
when any staff recruit in his office HR department of Azad products arrange a training session for all new
staff. Sometimes employees, training is often irrelevant, dull, and compliance-oriented, and leaders
sometimes make the mistake of thinking training is a waste of time and money when they dont see
dramatic results right away. But when professional development programs work, they help
companies attract and retain top talent, increase employee engagement and satisfaction, and boost
innovation. Most importantly, when your team is excited about professional development, your
employees are more likely to gain and retain knowledge that they can translate into real business results.
As a director he always believes that after getting professional development all new staffs and existings
employer knowledge increase and they can produce more products which help the organization to find
more positive results. Abul kalam Azad always believe In these points:

REPETITIVE AND BORING

We need variety. My employees can only watch so many videos and attend so many seminars before
theyre bored out of their minds. Its important to find fresh ways to challenge even superstar employees
and give them more than an excuse to fly out of town for a conference .

DEVELOPMENT ISNT PERSONAL

Employees often view training as something thats mandatory and irrelevant to their personal needs. This
can happen when training just offers more of what they already know or when it doesnt take their life
stage into account. For instance, an employee fresh out of college will probably be more enthusiastic
about career development than an industry veteran whos 30 years into his career.

BE CANDID ABOUT YOUR OWN GROWTH

You have to show employees how the leadership team values reflection, growth, and development. When
employees see firsthand that its okay to be imperfect (and our team can tell you the many ways that Im
imperfect), theyll be more likely to admit their own shortcomings and take advantage of opportunities to
improve.

LET STAFF SHARE EXPERIENCES

We host brown bag lunches and encourage team members to share anything they think would be
interesting or relevant to the team. Our "brown bags" are a way for our team to come together for an hour
around a dedicated topic, which can be company-related or completely separate from work. Weve had
presentations about everything from professional poker careers to Nobel Prize-winning physicists.

We still have plenty of work to do to make professional development relevant and useful to all
employees. But if professional development is a priority for your company, you can either waste
a lot of paper on meaningless certificates or use training to energize your workforce and improve
your company in the long run. By personalizing your efforts and encouraging your team to be
candid and proactive, your business can start singing a new tune.
Abul kalam azad always believe in professional development. (RJ Kebria, 2014)

7. Success stories
Situation 1: After S.S.C examination he started coconut business.

Abul Kalam Azad was born to do business. From very childhood he started thinking about business
opportunities and was very intelligent in identifying business scopes where he saw a chance of making
profit. He is very much intelligent guy to find out business potentials and achieve high efficiency in
Business development with his innovative ideas, differentiated features, and leadership capability In 1970
after his S.S.C examination with one of his brother Hasan he started coconut business. At the end of the
examination all of the student got 3-months time before published result of that examination. On that
time he went a bazar on their village with his father and saw per 2 piece coconut was sold at 50 poesa.
then another day he went another bazar which was located on the other side of their village and he noticed
that on that market every 2 pcs coconut was sold their only 10 poesa price. Then he shared this story with
his brother and their were no money and boat to start their business. On that situation he gives 10 takas
and his brother Hasan gave 8 taka then they start to buy coconut business. On that business they used a
damaged boat which was not used by Hasans family. They buy 50 pcs coconut from one market then go
to other market and sell these coconuts at a higher price. Day by day they buy more coconut and sell and
making money. After 3 months they saw they have 18 thousands taka at their pocket. After giving S.S.C
result his father wanted him to go with him for higher study. His father doesnt loved business but he said
that after getting that amount of money I was always thought different types of business plan. His father
said him to study PTI and join their school as a teacher but after making some money by doing business
he bought a bicycle and a watch. He said that he never forgets that incident that by doing business he
makes more money. It was his 1St success in his life and he mentioned he was never a good student and
never got any first division marks in any examination in his life. just 3 months which shows his potential
as business developer. From that profit he found the initial capital for doing business in Dhaka city, by
selling posters in the streets of Dhaka city he became owner of Azad Product Private Limited which is the
leading institution in printing posters, calendars, diaries, wedding cards, greeting cards, etc. (RJ Kebria,
2014)

Situation 2: After B.A exam he started Poster business in Dhaka

He came to Dhaka with no money determined he sold his only assets his books and take some money
from his friend and accumulated 450 takas, with which he bought posters from hawkers and started his
own business of selling posters.
He saw a poster businessman who sell poster on the west gate of the national stadium. One day he went to
that salesman and said uncle from which place you collect poster please let me know. Then that poster
seller said that go out. After that day he started to follow that seller from where he came and from which
place he collect these posters. After following 3 days he noticed that seller go to a shop named Jahangir

glass house. Now court is situated in that place but on that time there were some different shop. Then he
went that shop and asked that seller of that glass house he came from village and he want to do poster
business. He is a big son of their family after listen all these things that seller gave 500 takas poster but
he paid only 450 takas only. That day was rainy day thats why he doesnt open his store. on the next day
he started to open his store and many customers went to but from his store. After sometime existing seller
come to him along 3 persons and said him to stop his business and ruined his all poster. Next day when he
opened his store some policeman came and said dont open any store on that place. Then with a boy name
mokbul he started to sell poster by walk from here and there. Then he came baitul mokarorom and open
his store by using clip in front of L. Rahman Jewelers and the proprietor of that store anisur Rahman
dulal was give him permission to open his store. Mr. abul kalam azad said that it was a turning point of
his life and he go ahead from that day. After doing business on that place his profit was more than 40
thousand taka. Then he thought that he need to print these cards and if he can do it he can made more
profit from 1 poster as well as can increase his amount of money to do new business. (RJ Kebria, 2014)

Situation 3: Poster and Cards print from Bangkok.

After doing business in baitul mokarorom and getting some money he thought that if he can print our
national hero/heroine poster and view card then he can earn more money and as well as our national
artists will go to the mass peoples home by these posters. Then he thought how he can manage our
national television stars photo to make posters and view cards. Then he went a magazine office to contact
with the editor to collect photo. Then after 1week he get permission as well as photo without any cost.
Then he went Bangkok though he doesnt know anything that where and which person he need to meet to
print these photos in the poster and view cards. Then he can manage a shop and noticed 1poster cost is 6/7
taka including vat. In Bangladesh he had to buy these posters at 12 taka. Day by day he managed a lots of
money and then he thought that if he can print by setting up a machine in Bangladesh he can manage a
good profit. It was another life changing decision on that time he took.
Now For variety calendars, Azad products have huge range of pictures, like landscape, flowers, scenic
beauties, bridges, fruits, fish and vegetables, flora and fauna, mosque, Arabic and Bengali calligraphy,
super range of vintage and latest cars, tribal culture, art & architecture and portraits.
Azad Products provides their customers with a unique service. It is a shop that sells different cards for
different occasions, for example, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, parties, etc. The employees here are
very active and make their customers feel comfortable while browsing. Azad Products offers a cozy but

simple ambiance, making the card shop a frequently visited spot. Their clients are their greatest
testimonials. For the last three decades, they have been working efficiently and effectively with the
leading business houses, diplomatic missions, donor agencies, educational institutions, government,
nongovernmental and community based organization in both local and international levels. They are
specialized printer to cater for all at highly competitive and moderate prices. They have huge range of
choice to suit customers individual need - the choice is always of their customers and they believe in
specialty & quality. (RJ Kebria, 2014)

8. Traits
Personal Traits
Honesty

Professional Traits
Empowering

Focus

Collaborative

Passion

Shared vision and actions

Self-motivated

Supportive

Standards

Time management

Confidence

Creativity

Commitment

Optimism

Communicate

Responsible

a. Personal Traits:

Honesty: The only word that Abul Kalam Azad always maintained in his whole life as well as in his
business timeline. He never compromised with any unethical things, always tries to be fair to all. In
his own words, I am a self-made man. I believe Honesty is the best policy. If anyone changes
himself with the time and decades, success is sure!! Even he closed his very profitable project
Hotel Grand Azad, which was the first three-star hotel in Dhaka because of not willing to keep any
unethical products like- Alcohol or supporting any unethical activities of the customers of that hotel.
It was his moral philosophy learnt from his father in childhood.

Focus: Mr. Abul Kalam Azad always focus in every work he do. From his childhood, when he sold
coconut to village haat, he focused on this job. So that after many incident happened he earned about
18000 to 19000 Taka but his capital was only 18 taka. After came to Dhaka he also focused on
business and tried to find new profitable business. So he found to selling posters in the streets of
Dhaka city and after that he became owner of Azad Product Private Limited which is the leading

institution in printing posters, calendars, diaries, wedding cards, greeting cards, etc.
Passion: Mr. Abul Kalam Azad have a passion to do business. From very childhood he started
thinking about business opportunities and was very intelligent in identifying business scopes where

he saw a chance of making profit.

Self-motivated: Mr. Abul Kalam Azad always motivated by himself. When any occurrence

happened, he find the problem and motivated himself to do the work perfectly
Commitment: Mr. Abul Kalam Azad is very concern about his commitment. When we took his
interview, he had an important meeting. But he gave us time because he committed us to give an
interview.

b. Professional Traits:

Empowering: Mr. Azad maintain empowering in his professional life. He has some techniques to
empower in his professional life. Those are Create alignment and rhythm, Ask for help, Trust who

you hired, Provide face time etc.

Collaborative: Mr. Azad always create a collaborative environment in every work. Although he is the

Chairman of Azad Products Ltd. but he works with the lower level of the company
Supportive: Mr. Azad also very supportive with his employees. If any problem face by the employee

he always give suggestion and motivation to the employee to solve the problem.
Time management: Mr. Azad is very conscious about the time management. He always maintain

time to do every job

Creativity: Mr. Azad is very creative in his professional life. As he is in the printing business he

always try to create new theme for his product. He also accept new theme from his employees
Communicate: He always communicate with his business person although the person is his
competitor in his professional sector. He build up a good relationship with the business professional.
(Abul Kalam Azad, personal communication, June 24, 2016)

9. Interpersonal Relationship Style

Expanding networking relationship :

As an entrepreneur, Abul Kalam Azad always try to expand his network. To expand networking
relationship he follows some techniques that boost his networking skills. The techniques are:
Host events: Mr. Abul Kalam Azad always host many events like Ratnagarva Ma
Award. As a host, he invited many important person who has contributed for the
society and introduce with them.
Network based on products: In today's digital world, an entrepreneur may actually
be able to connect with the person who involve with the product if he/she reach out in
the right way. As an entrepreneur, Abul Kalam Azad also make a great connection
with whom are involve with his company.
Network through the industry: Mr. Abul Kalam Azad not only networking with
valuable person but also with the person who are in printing business (his competitor)
like Ideal products Ltd. He always maintain a good relationship with them.
Network with Customer: Mr. Azad takes the customer as the most important
consideration. He always ensures the highest quality of his products to reach
customer satisfaction. The company tries best to motivate and attract customers to
buy its products. The employees of the showrooms are very efficient to deal with the
customers with care and responsibility.
Interacting With Employees: Mr. Azad always interact with his employees. He
always contact and motivated his employees. He never give them any wrong
suggestions. He never lash out at others under pressure.
Seminar attendance Seminars are another great place to meet people of like interest
to add to network. In the seminar, common interest establishes a purpose for the
relationship, which is then easy to build upon. Mr. Azad always take the time to talk
to people he meet at these seminars, seeking those who would be useful contacts in
his network

Effective workplace relationship:

Establishing and maintaining good work relationships is the key to a positive workplace. Effective
businesses encourage the development of positive relationships between managers and employees as well
as amongst coworkers. All businesses can foster positive workplace relationships by creating a strong
mission statement and an upbeat team-based environment. Strengthen workplace relationships by setting
clear expectations, practicing constant communication and offering timely responses to both positive
workplace behavior and employee issues or concerns.

Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Chairman & Managing Director of Azad Products Pvt Limited, also concern about
effective workplace relationship. He maintain this workplace relationship by some secrete techniques.
The techniques are:
Clear and concise company mission statement: Mr. Azad create a Clear and concise
company mission statement and distribute a copy of the statement to each employee. The
mission statement has outline the purpose of the business. He also discusses how the mission
statement fits with employees' personal values and roles in the company. He holds regular
staff meetings to highlight recent company activities as well as discuss how employees are
working toward or upholding the business's mission.
Communication: Without effective communication, numerous problems can arise in a
workplace. So Mr. Azad clearly communicate the company's vision and strategies to
employees, and his employees also communicate any issues or difficulties in implementing
measures to achieve the business's vision.
Equality: Mr. Azad believe that for a workplace to function effectively, equality must be a
cornerstone of the company's principles. He create equality in his workplace by taking several
forms; employers and employees alike must view people of different ages, genders,
nationalities and sexual orientations as equal
Show people a positive attitude: Mr. Azad always shows positive attitude and respect to his
employees. He never criticize his employee for any work.
Ask employees to share their feedback and concerns: Mr. Azad always ask his employees
to share their feedback and concerns. He holds regular staff meetings to highlight recent
company activities and also get feedback and concern about it. (Abul Kalam Azad, personal
communication, June 24, 2016)

10. Leadership Development Skill

The ability to lead effectively is based on a number of key skills. These skills are highly sought
after by employers as they involve dealing with people in such a way as to motivate , enthuse
and build respect.
Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, director and chairman of azad products ltd. Always try to increase his
leadership skill. He says that take the time to share your vision, your mission and your goals with
your team. Your job as a leader is to provide a clear path that your team can follow. Your team

also must understand why the goals you have set are valuable for them. Take the time to explain
to them,in detail,why and how your vision will not only improve the business,but how it will
benefit them in return. (Abul Kalam Azad, personal communication, June 24, 2016)

11. Achievements
a. International Star for Leadership in Quality (ISLQ) Award
The International BID Quality Award is designed to recognize the prestige of the outstanding companies,
organizations, and leaders in the business world. The BID Quality Convention will be attended by leaders
from different business fields, professionals from the worlds of economics, the arts and corporate image,
quality experts, as well as academic personalities and representatives from the diplomatic corps. The
awards will be presented in the following three general categories: 1- Gold 2- Platinum 3- Diamond
Criteria on which the BID Award is based: Excellence in Leadership and Business Management
Quality and Excellence Business and Brand name Prestige. (International Star for Leadership in
Quality Award, n.d.)
Azad Products Private Limited got this ISLQ award in gold category in 17th International convention of
Leadership in Quality program in the year of July, 2013. For great recognition & high public awareness,
Azad Products is honored by this award in Paris. This is the most prestigious international award that
Azad Products ever received in its lifetime. (Facebook profile of Mr. Abul Kalam Azad)

12. National/International Contribution

a. Ratnagarva Maa Award
Ratnagarva Maa award is one kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) type activity of Azad
Products Private Limited. They started it in 2003 & over the passage of time it has become a renowned
program to give a tribute to those mothers whose sons or daughters are established & famous for their
contribution towards their country or community through their professional career. Every year they make

a short list of such kind of mothers & honor them by recognizing their remarkable contribution which
they made for their famous childrens success. (Ratnagarva Maa, n.d.)

b. Established various Schools, colleges, Mosques & Madrasahs

He established so many schools, colleges, mosques & madrasahs in Chandpur & Shariatpur as he is a
very education friendly personality. He believes that only education can enlight & proceed a backward
nation from the darkness of illeteracy.

13. Recommendation for Future Leadership Development

a) Though leadereship is learned primarily by doing, with reinforcement from informal coaching &
formal training.
b) Mr. Abul Kalam Azad belives that if someone doesnt wait for a job but starts his own venture at his
own affort, then it will be better for his betterment & also for the country economy. He narates that still
there is 80% scope of expanding business in different sectors in our country. So, every young & talented
entreprenuer has to contribute in this unknown & backward new sectors to give a huge punch in our
business sector & also contributing for booming economy.
c) To improve ones leadership skills, he needs a starting point.
d) First thing first, take a minute & spend some time thinking about how you behave under stressful
situation.
e) In order to be a effective leader, you need to be passionate about what you do.
f) Another really important part of being a successful leader is putting together the right team.
g) Understanding personality dynamics & how different types work togethrer will enable you to be a
strong team member, regardless of your actual position.
h) Finally, remember that the best leaders also reflect on their own weekness & see people who have
different strengths as important contributors. (Abul Kalam Azad, personal communication, June 24,
2016)

14. Discussion Questions

Do you think Azad Products can continue its business success by following only its present
techniques?

What type of problems Bangladesh printing industry is facing now a days?

Does your organization pay extra bonus to the employees for outstanding performance?

Do you believe the current employee policy is good enough to motivate them to better performances?

Would you please tell us some of your exciting experience which you have applied to creating an
ideal group & team development process? Would you please tell us some example?

As a successful leader in your business would you please provide uswith some real life examples &
techniques which had helped your dynamic leadership skills in your life & organization?

Would you please state your opinion about the empowerment of your organization?

Did Azad Products took help from other institutions to become what it is today?

As a entreprenuer, is it essential to apply task delegating techniques in an organization?

Is there any method of active collaboration involved in life of an entreprenuer, which can help in
success of entreprenuership business?

15. References

Biography

of

Abul

Kalam

Azad.

(2006).

Retrieved

July

22,

2016,

from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entrepreneurship

International Star for Leadership & Quality Award. (n.d.) Retrieved July 23, 2016, from
http://www.islq.org/islq-award/

RJ Kibria (Anchor). (2014, 16 April). Hello 8920 [Radio]

Ratnagarva Maa. (n.d.) About Ratnagarva Maa Award. Retrieved July 23, 2016, from
http://www.ratnagarvamaa.com/index.html