New AmCham leadership pledges strong Bangladesh-US business ties

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) celebrated the installation of its newly elected Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term at the Sheraton Hotel in the capital’s Banani.

The election ushered in a new chapter of leadership and commitment to advancing Bangladesh-US business relations, said a press release.

At the helm of the newly elected Executive Committee are Syed Mohammad Kamal, vice president of Mastercard Bangladesh, who assumes the role of president; Ala Uddin Ahmad, chief executive officer of MetLife Bangladesh, as vice president; and Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, managing director of Philip Morris International Bangladesh, as treasurer.

The newly elected office bearers bring extensive leadership experience across diverse sectors.

Syed Mohammad Kamal combines 35 years of leadership experience across financial services, FMCG, Remittances, and digital payments. He has held senior roles at Western Union, Berger Paints Bangladesh, and ACI Limited, and previously served as vice president of AmCham Bangladesh and director of FICCI.

He is perceived as the country’s top thought leader for the financial industry.

Ala Uddin Ahmad brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across Asia. He is recognised for strong policy advocacy, driving trade and investment growth by aligning global investor priorities with Bangladesh’s economic landscape.

A fellow chartered accountant and member of CAANZ, he has served in key leadership roles within AmCham, FICCI, and BEF.

Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud has over 22 years of experience in finance, strategy, and public affairs, with leadership experience at DHL Express and Banglalink.

He has led impactful policy advocacy initiatives and pioneered Bangladesh's first smoke-free product manufacturing facility. He is a fellow chartered accountant, chartered secretary, and CMA (Australia).

Joining the Executive Committee are Al-Mamun M Rashel, managing director of NATco Bangladesh Ltd; Habib Bhuiyan, country manager of Excelerate Energy Bangladesh; Sazzad Hossain, general manager of Avery Dennison Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; and Ataur Rahim Chowdhury, chief executive officer and co-founder of ShopUp Bangladesh.

Their collective expertise across diverse sectors further strengthens the Committee’s leadership and broadens its industry representation.

The newly installed Executive Committee pledged to strengthen AmCham’s role in advancing trade, investment, and policy advocacy.

Key priorities include deepening Bangladesh-US economic ties, positioning Bangladesh as a preferred investment destination, relaunching the US Trade Show, expanding membership and engagement, empowering sector-focused subcommittees, championing forward-looking policy reforms, and building a more accessible and influential Chamber that is closer to members, stronger in stakeholder engagement, and delivers greater value to the business community.

In his farewell remarks, outgoing president Syed Ershad Ahmed reflected on the Chamber's significant institutional progress during his tenure.

The newly-elected Executive Committee expressed its deep appreciation for his leadership and legacy, and recognised the outgoing Executive Committee members for their dedicated service and contributions to AmCham's growth and success.

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The Chamber also formally recognised the outgoing Executive Committee, along with the members of the Election Board and Appeal Board, through commemorative plaques honoring their exemplary service and invaluable contributions to upholding the integrity, transparency, and credibility of AmCham's governance process.

The evening brought together a distinguished gathering of AmCham members, senior government officials, representatives of the US Embassy and other diplomatic missions, chamber and corporate leaders, policy scholars, development partners, and media professionals.

Brent T Christensen, ambassador of the United States to Bangladesh, conveyed his confidence in and continued support for AmCham's new leadership as it advances the Chamber's mission of strengthening bilateral economic ties.

The memorable evening was capped by a soulful musical performance featuring popular American and Bangladeshi songs, celebrating the longstanding friendship, cultural affinity, and strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.