A Biography of Abdul Awal Mintoo

Posted by

Abiography

Table of Contents

Introduction

Imagine a young boy walking barefoot through the muddy fields of Alearchar village in Feni. His eyes are fixed on the horizon — beyond the rivers, beyond the coastline, beyond the vast ocean. He dreams of becoming a ship’s captain, of commanding vessels that cross the seven seas. Decades later, that same boy would command not just ships but an entire industrial empire, shaping the economic destiny of his nation.

Abdul Awal Mintoo’s journey is the stuff of legend. From a modest farming family in rural Feni to the halls of the State University of New York Maritime College, from working on American shipping lines to returning to a war-torn, economically fragile Bangladesh, he built Multimode Group into one of the country’s largest conglomerates. He revolutionised agriculture with Lal Teer Seeds, pioneered private banking with National Bank, led the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) as its president, and ventured into politics as a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

This is not just a story of wealth accumulation. It is a story of vision, of risk-taking, of returning to one’s roots when comfort beckoned elsewhere. It is the story of a man who saw potential where others saw poverty, who turned soil into gold through science and determination.

In 2025, Abdul Awal Mintoo is 76 years old. He remains active — still overseeing his business empire, still working for the farmers who remain close to his heart, still dreaming of a better Bangladesh. This epic of 28 chapters unveils the complete story of this extraordinary entrepreneur, from the fields of Feni to the boardrooms of the world.

At a Glance —Life of Abdul Awal Mintoo

Information	Details	Special Note
Full Name	Abdul Awal Mintoo	Widely known by his nickname ‘Mintoo’
Birth	February 22, 1949, Alearchar, Feni, East Bengal (then Pakistan)	Son of a farmer family, second of seven brothers
Education	Feni Government Pilot High School (SSC 1964); Comilla Victoria College (HSC 1966); Bangladesh Marine Academy (Diploma in Nautical Science, 1968); SUNY Maritime College (BS, Marine Transportation Science, 1973); University at Albany (MS, Transportation Management, 1974)	An insatiable thirst for education; earned higher degrees in the USA
Profession	Entrepreneur, Industrialist, Politician	Founder, Chairman & CEO of Multimode Group
Companies	Multimode Group (shipping, automobiles, chemicals, fertilisers, IT, real estate, hospitality, plastic recycling, textiles, agricultural research, financial sector, FMCG, oil & gas exploration, etc.)	A diversified industrial empire
Agricultural Revolution	Chairman of Lal Teer Seeds Ltd. (1995–present) — hybrid & OP seed production, processing & marketing; first Bangladeshi Executive Committee member of Asia & Pacific Seed Association; President of Bangladesh Seed Association	Pioneering contribution to agriculture; enhancing economic capacity of small farmers
Financial Sector	Co-founder of National Bank Ltd.; member of Executive Committee of Association of Banks of Bangladesh	Played role in establishing one of the country’s first private banks
Trade Leadership	President of FBCCI (1998-1999 & 2003-2004) — rare industrialist elected for two consecutive terms	Exceptional leadership at the apex of Bangladesh’s trade body
Politics	Senior Vice Chairman of BNP; contested mayoral elections of Dhaka City Corporation multiple times	Bridging politics and business
Social Contribution	Founder of Iqbal Memorial College, Badrunnisa High School, Alhaj Safiullah High School; member of Board of Governors of Bangladesh Open University and Bangladesh Institute of Management	Outstanding contribution to education
Spouse	Nasrin Fatema Awal	Director of Multimode Group; founding president of women entrepreneurs’ organisation
Children	Tabith Mohammad Awal (Deputy CEO), Tafsir Mohammad Awal (Director), Tajwar Mohammad Awal (Director)	All highly educated and involved in the business
Awards & Recognition	President of Bangladesh Seed Association (first term); Executive Committee member of Asia & Pacific Seed Association (first Bangladeshi); multiple national and international honours	Pioneering role in agriculture and trade

1949 — The Beginning of a Destiny in Alearchar Village, Feni

The end of British rule, the beginning of Pakistan. On February 22, 1949, in a remote village called Alearchar in Feni, a child was born. Who knew that this child would one day become such a bright star in Bangladesh’s industrial and commercial sky, his light spreading from farmers’ fields to the offices of Wall Street?

February 22, 1949. Alearchar village, Feni district, then East Pakistan. Abdul Awal Mintoo was born as the second child of a middle-class farming family. His nickname ‘Mintoo’ became a major part of his identity. His father was an independent-minded and hardworking farmer who wanted his children to grow up educated. His mother was a homemaker.

There was no luxury in Mintoo’s courtyard — only stories of hard work. As a child, he saw his father working in the fields from morning to evening, depending on nature to grow crops. In those days, the lesson was etched in Mintoo’s mind: “Farmers are the true heroes of the country. We need to stand by them.”

The family had seven brothers, all highly talented and educated. Mintoo was the second. His elder brother, the late Abdul Awal, was a doctor and social worker. His younger brothers achieved success in business, administration, and various professions. Mintoo was known to his siblings as ‘Daddu’.

From his days at the village primary school, he was exceptionally talented and energetic. Teachers called him the ‘little merchant’ — because he understood business calculations from childhood. Going to the village market with his father, he learned the art of bargaining. This was his first lesson in commerce.

The Staircase of Education and the Seeds of a Dream

From the classrooms of Feni’s old Pilot High School to the library of Comilla Victoria College — this path was traversed by a village boy who dreamed of becoming a ship’s captain. Who would have thought that dream would take him from the ports of New York to the trade centres of Dhaka?

In 1964, Mintoo passed his SSC from Feni Government Pilot High School in the first division. While studying in the science stream, he achieved special proficiency in mathematics and physics. His teachers called him a ‘mechanical genius’.

He then enrolled at Comilla Victoria College, one of the finest educational institutions in then East Pakistan. There, he passed his HSC examination in the first division in 1966.

From his college days, he felt a deep attraction to the sea and ships. He knew how large the trade and shipping sectors were outside the country. His father wanted him to become a doctor or engineer, but Mintoo chose nautical science.

In 1968, he enrolled at the Bangladesh Marine Academy (then Pakistan Marine Academy) in Chittagong, earning a diploma in Nautical Science. This was the first step of his maritime life. But he did not stop. He knew — without higher education and foreign experience, surviving in the global market was impossible.

Journey to America (1970–1974)

In the early 1970s, a Bengali student stood at the gates of a college in the Bronx, New York. He had no wealth in his pocket, but an ocean of dreams in his head. His name was Abdul Awal Mintoo. That dream would later draw him on the map of global trade.

In 1970, Mintoo travelled to the United States. He enrolled at the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College, a prestigious institution located right next to the Port of New York. There, he earned his BS in Marine Transportation Science in 1973.

During his time at this college, he mixed with students from different countries and gained concepts of international business and trade. In the classroom, he studied not only shipping but also economics, business administration, and international law.

He then enrolled at the University at Albany (SUNY). In 1974, he earned his Master’s degree in Transportation Management, Advanced Chartering Problems, and Arbitration.

His time in the United States was difficult. He worked to pay for his studies — washing cars, waiting tables in restaurants, filing in offices. He considered no job too small. This experience taught him the mantra of ‘hard work’.

Eight Years in the Shipping Profession (1974–1982)

As he sat in a high-rise office in New York planning the routes of ships across the seven seas, a question haunted him from within: ‘Is this success for the people of my country?’ In 1982, he answered that question — ‘I will return.’

After completing his Master’s, Mintoo stayed in the United States. He worked for a leading shipping company for eight years. He particularly served in the chartering and logistics departments of ‘Nordic American Line’ and the ‘New York Shipping Association’.

He gained expertise in chartering contracts, international maritime law, cargo insurance, arbitration, and ship valuation. His work quality and professionalism earned him the title of ‘Promising Manager’ from the company authorities.

Sitting in an office near Wall Street, he would think: “If I return to the country with this knowledge and capital, what a revolution I could bring to Bangladesh’s transport and logistics sector!”

In 1982, he decided to leave his job and return home. This was the turning point of his life. His American colleagues called him ‘crazy’ — because at that time, settling in the US was everyone’s dream. But Mintoo’s dream was different — to do something for his own homeland, to give something back to the country.

Return to Homeland (1982)

The year 1982 in Dhaka. Newly arrived industrialist Abdul Awal Mintoo rented a small office. He named it ‘Multimode Transport Consultants Limited’. No one imagined that this small company would one day become Bangladesh’s largest conglomerate.

In 1982, Mintoo permanently returned to Dhaka from America. He had no large capital, only experience and networking skills. He established ‘Multimode Transport Consultants Limited’. The company started offering shipping, chartering, and logistics consulting services.

In the beginning, he worked alone. He worked day and night to find clients. Small businessmen, exporters, leather and garment traders consulted him on ship chartering, port charges, customs clearance, and other matters.

He quickly realised that it was difficult to grow with only consulting services. So he started his own shipping and trading business. Under the Multimode Group, he imported and exported various products. Gradually, the company expanded.

By 1985, Multimode Group had become a reputed organisation in shipping, consultancy, product supply, and customs brokerage. But Mintoo aspired to do something even bigger.

The Beginning of a Private Banking Revolution (1983)

In 1983, the government initiated the issuance of private bank licences in Bangladesh. Mintoo jumped at the opportunity. He wrote the name ‘National Bank Limited’ on paper. Who knew that this bank would one day become one of the country’s finest financial institutions?

In the 1980s, Bangladesh’s banking sector was dominated by government banks. In 1982, President Ershad’s government allowed the establishment of private banks. Mintoo, along with a group of entrepreneurs, came forward.

In 1983, Mintoo became one of the co-founders and directors of ‘National Bank Limited’. It was one of the first private commercial banks in Bangladesh. After its launch, the bank quickly gained customer popularity.

Mintoo served on the bank’s board for a long time. He particularly emphasised introducing agricultural loans and small enterprise loans. He believed — “Banks should not only serve big businesses; small people and farmers should also have access to financial services.”

National Bank is now one of the top private banks in the country. Mintoo’s founding role is a major milestone in Bangladesh’s financial sector.

The Beginning of a Seed Revolution in Bangladesh (1995)

In 1995, when Mintoo established ‘Lal Teer Seeds’, many businessmen laughed at him. ‘Seed business in Bangladesh? Farmers store their own seeds.’ But Mintoo knew — agricultural land was decreasing after independence, and higher crop yields required better seeds. He walked that path.

In 1995, Mintoo founded ‘Lal Teer Seeds Limited’. From the beginning, he focused on the production, processing, and marketing of hybrid and OP (open pollinated) seeds. He understood that the population was increasing, arable land was decreasing, and achieving food security was impossible without high-yielding crops.

The company initially worked with rice and vegetable seeds. Later, it expanded its work to corn, wheat, jute, oilseeds, and pulses.

Mintoo partnered with international organisations and NGOs. He conducted agricultural research in collaboration with CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre), AVRDC (World Vegetable Centre), and local research institutions.

Lal Teer Seeds is now a trusted name among Bangladeshi farmers. Every year, lakhs of farmers use Lal Teer’s high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds. Mintoo proved that business in agriculture is possible if it is based on research and human values.

President of Bangladesh Seed Association and First Bangladeshi Executive at Asia & Pacific Seed Association (2000–2010)

At an international seminar at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, when Mintoo’s name was announced as a member of the Executive Committee of the Asia & Pacific Seed Association, the hall fell silent. Because he was the first Bangladeshi to hold this position. The representation of Bangladesh’s agricultural sector had never reached such a height before.

Mintoo was associated with the Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA) for a long time. After several years as a member, he was elected President of the organisation. He played a crucial role in seed quality control, market expansion, and farmer training.

At the same time, he was elected to the Executive Committee of the Asia & Pacific Seed Association (APSA) — the top seed organisation in the Asia-Pacific region. He was the first Bangladeshi in this position.

This achievement highlighted Bangladesh’s agricultural technology capability on the international stage. He received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Seed Industry’ award. He said, “This is not my personal award; it is recognition of the labour and success of Bangladeshi farmers.”

A Revolution in the Remittance Sector

When expatriate Bangladeshis struggled to send money home, Mintoo achieved a major diplomatic and business success. He brought the world’s top money transfer company, Western Union, to Bangladesh. This transformed the remittance sector.

In the mid-1990s, remittances became a significant part of Bangladesh’s economy. But the process of sending money was complex; banking took a long time, and more money went through informal hundi channels than official ones.

Mintoo took the initiative to bring Western Union, a global money transfer network, to Bangladesh. He negotiated with the relevant authorities and persuaded them to allow Western Union to operate in Bangladesh.

Around 2000, Western Union began formal operations in Bangladesh. Mintoo became its local partner. This made sending money easier, faster, and more transparent for expatriates.

As a result, official remittance flows increased dramatically. The country’s foreign exchange reserves strengthened. Although Mintoo described this achievement as a ‘small service to the country’, it was in reality a landmark step for Bangladesh’s economy.

The Diverse Industrial Portfolio of Multimode Group

From a motorcycle shop in Dhaka to a cement factory in Chittagong, from a seed laboratory in Feni to a gas field in Sylhet — Multimode Group’s presence is like a map for building a golden Bengal.

Multimode Group is today one of Bangladesh’s most diversified industrial groups. Its subsidiaries and sectors include:

Shipping & Chartering: Multimode Transport Consultants, ship broking, customs clearance, and forwarding.
Automobiles: Distribution of various international car brands.
Chemicals & Fertilisers: Distribution of agricultural and industrial chemicals.
Hospitality: Resorts and hotel businesses.
IT & Telecommunications: Data centres and software services.
Plastic Recycling: Environmentally friendly plastic recycling projects.
Textiles & Garments: Fabric production for local and international markets.
Real Estate & Development: Housing and commercial complex construction.
Oil & Gas Exploration: Joint ventures with other companies.
Agricultural Research & Production: Extraordinary success through Lal Teer Seeds.

Mintoo is personally involved in each of these industries. He believes: “Diversity is strength. If one sector faces a downturn, another sustains it.”

President of FBCCI — First and Second Terms (1998-1999 & 2003-2004)

When Mintoo became President of FBCCI in 1998, many senior businessmen were surprised. They wondered how this ‘new’ businessman would lead such a large organisation. But Mintoo proved — competence is measured not by age, but by action.

In 1998, Abdul Awal Mintoo was elected President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the country’s apex trade body. This was a significant recognition of his business leadership, vision, and contributions to industrial development. The business community believed that under his leadership, Bangladesh’s trade and industry sector would receive new direction.

He served as president during the 1998-99 term. At that time, the country’s trade and commerce was passing through various crises and challenges. Complex tax systems, high tariffs, administrative complexities, and infrastructural limitations were major obstacles for entrepreneurs. Upon taking charge, Mintoo did not limit FBCCI to being merely a businessmen’s organisation; he tried to transform it into an effective bridge between the government and the business community.

During his presidency, he submitted various proposals to the government for tax and tariff policy reforms. According to him, industrialisation was impossible without an investment-friendly policy. So he advocated for an economic structure where entrepreneurs could easily conduct business and be encouraged to invest.

He also played an important role in increasing exports of domestic products. He took initiatives to expand trade missions abroad and increase the visibility of Bangladeshi products in international markets. He believed that if Bangladesh could establish a strong position in the global market, its economy would accelerate further.

He strengthened coordination with the government to create a business-friendly environment. In various policy meetings and discussions, he directly raised the issues of entrepreneurs. As a result, the demands and realities of the business community began to reach the government more clearly.

He also placed special emphasis on the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). His initiatives began discussions on creating special funds for the SME sector. He believed that the true foundation of the country’s economy is built by small and medium entrepreneurs. Therefore, it was extremely important to ensure easy credit, training, and policy support for them.

In 2003, he was re-elected President of FBCCI — a rare honour. Very few businessmen have achieved this level of trust and popularity. Under his leadership, FBCCI became a stronger, more influential, and more active policy-making institution. The business community of Bangladesh still remembers him as a visionary organiser and a courageous economic thinker.

He says, “Bangladeshi businessmen are capable of surviving in global competition. They only need opportunities and policy support.”

Joining BNP(Late 1980s)

One morning, a phone call came to Mintoo’s office from BNP leader Khaleda Zia. ‘Mintoo bhai, the country needs your experience. Join the party.’ That day, Mintoo first thought — can the country be changed by only doing business? Politics is also necessary.

In the late 1980s, Mintoo joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The party’s leader at the time was Khaleda Zia. Mintoo was given responsibility as an advisor on economic affairs.

Since 1991, he has been serving as the Senior Vice Chairman of BNP. He plays an important role in formulating the party’s economic and business policies.

He contested mayoral elections of Dhaka City Corporation multiple times. Although he did not win, his plans and vision for development were discussed. In his mayoral campaigns, he promised traffic system improvement, waste management, canal restoration, and river de-occupation.

Mintoo is unique in building bridges between politics and business. He says, “Through business, you create employment; through politics, you create the policies for that employment. Both are necessary.”

Criticism and Controversy

‘Both a businessman and a politician? Then you will use government work to further your own interests!’ — such allegations have sometimes been levelled against Mintoo. He laughs and replies: ‘Check my bank balance — have I served my own interests or the national interest?’

As FBCCI president and a BNP leader, Mintoo held high positions in both fields. So some questioned whether he had influenced government policies to further his business interests. Criticism has particularly arisen regarding import licences, energy sector permissions, and government procurement decisions.

But Mintoo’s defence was that he never took government concessions for his own company. All his companies’ activities were transparent and conducted through tenders. He says, “I do politics for the development of the country’s economy and business, not for my own pocket.”

However, he was never proven guilty in any final judgment or trial. His supporters believe he is an honest and visionary leader of Bangladesh, one who possesses alternative thinking.

Contesting Dhaka Mayoral Elections

Dhaka city is like a sick patient. Breathing is difficult. Mintoo wanted to treat this patient. By contesting the mayoral election, he envisioned a ‘Green Dhaka’. He did not win, but the dream remains undimmed.

Mintoo contested Dhaka City Corporation mayoral elections multiple times. In his election manifestos, he promised:

Construction of flyovers and underpasses to eliminate traffic jams;
Restoration of canals and rivers;
Waste-to-energy projects;
Greening and tree plantation;
Slum rehabilitation and urban planning.

He could not win (defeated by Awami League candidates). But his plans earned praise from analysts. He says, “Even if I didn’t win, my dreams and plans made people think. Initiatives are needed to save Dhaka.”

Contribution to Education

‘If I had not studied, perhaps I would have been just a farmer in Feni’ — Mintoo expresses his life philosophy with this statement. So he established educational institutions — so that others can read.

Mintoo established several educational institutions in his own village and in Feni town:

Iqbal Memorial College (Feni) — higher secondary and degree level;
Badrunnisa High School (Feni) — a girls’ school, promoting female education;
Alhaj Safiullah High School (village level) — primary and secondary education.

He also served as a member of the Board of Governors of Bangladesh Open University and the Bangladesh Institute of Management.

He believes: “The only key to the country’s development is education. The more the poor and middle class are educated, the more developed the country will become.”

Chapter 18: Family

Behind Mintoo’s success was not only his hard work but also the silent partnership of his wife, Nasrin Fatema Awal. Alongside her husband’s business, she has organised women entrepreneurs. Their three sons are the future of Multimode Group.

Mintoo married Nasrin Fatema Awal. She is now a director of Multimode Group and the founding president of a women entrepreneurs’ organisation. She works to smooth the path for women in the country to become entrepreneurs.

She says, “Mintoo is my husband, but I too am a professional and entrepreneur. Respect and freedom are equally shared in our relationship.”

Three sons:

Tabith Mohammad Awal: Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of Multimode Group. Educated in the United States, he currently oversees the group’s daily operations.
Tafsir Mohammad Awal: Director, responsible for the group’s international trade and IT divisions.
Tajwar Mohammad Awal: Director, responsible for the agriculture and FMCG divisions.

Mintoo has involved his children in the business, but he has always said: “Inheritance is not about inheriting positions, but about inheriting skills and values.”

Einstein College

When Mintoo announced the establishment of an educational institution named ‘Einstein College’, many thought, ‘Perhaps he is dreaming big.’ Although the college has not yet been fully implemented, it is an example of his visionary thinking.

Mintoo planned to build a revolutionary educational institution — ‘Einstein College’ (the full name and location are unclear, but it was planned to be established somewhere near Dhaka). The institution was intended to achieve high standards in technology, business, and science education.

Although the project has not been fully implemented, it proves that Mintoo is interested in investing not only in commerce but also in education and research. He has said, “If we truly want to become a developed country, we must revolutionise science and technology education. Einstein College is part of that dream.”

Women’s Empowerment and Patronage of Women Entrepreneurs’ Organisations

Mintoo’s wife, Nasrin Fatema Awal, is the president of a women entrepreneurs’ organisation. But Mintoo himself has also played an important role in creating women entrepreneurs and enhancing their capacity. He has said — ‘Women are half the workforce; we must utilise that strength.’

Through his wife’s organisation, Mintoo has provided training, low-interest loans, and market creation for women entrepreneurs. Through Lal Teer Seeds, special training and seed distribution projects for female farmers have been launched.

Mintoo believes that the country’s development is impossible if 50% of the workforce remains behind. He says, “When our sisters and daughters come forward, Bangladesh will truly become developed.”

Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Agriculture

Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Mintoo has built Lal Teer Seeds into a ‘climate-smart’ agriculture hub.

Lal Teer Seeds has long been researching salt-tolerant and drought-resistant seeds. Special varieties have been developed for producing rice and vegetables in saline-prone coastal areas.

These seeds have helped farmers reduce crop losses. United Nations climate agencies’ reports have praised the effectiveness of Lal Teer seeds.

Mintoo says, “It is our duty to give those who depend on nature the weapons to face nature’s disasters.”

Multimode Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Not just about earning money, Multimode Group assists various levels of society. Mintoo does not like to call himself a ‘friend of the poor’, but his organisation spends millions of taka annually on donations and CSR projects.

Multimode Group’s CSR initiatives include:

Free health camps;
Scholarships for poor students;
Relief assistance during floods and cyclones;
Supply of oxygen cylinders and medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Technical training for underprivileged women.

Mintoo calls CSR a ‘business investment’, not an expense. He says, “If the society in which we do business does not prosper, our business will not be sustainable.”

International Organisations and Networks

From Dubai to Delhi, London to Singapore — Mintoo’s business network is spread across the world. He has represented Bangladesh at seminars of the World Bank, IMF, and Asian Development Bank.

Mintoo is a member or advisor of several international organisations: the Islamic Shipping Association, the Asian Credit Bureau, the World Customs Organisation, and various other forums.

He has also worked as a member of the SAARC Business Council. Mintoo lobbies on behalf of Bangladesh to attract foreign investment.

He clearly states, “No one knows Bangladesh. We have to promote ourselves. As a businessman, it is my duty to brighten the country’s name.”

Investment in Agricultural Research

Agricultural research does not have a large budget in Bangladesh’s universities. Through Lal Teer Seeds, Mintoo launched joint research projects with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC).

The results of this partnership include:

New varieties of hybrid seeds;
Pest and disease-resistant seeds;
Nutrient-rich seeds (zinc-enriched rice and vitamin A-enriched vegetables).

Mintoo wants Bangladesh to become a seed-exporting country one day. He says, “We import many things, but we can export seeds made with our own technology. That is the dream.”

Tax and Tariff Reform During FBCCI Presidency

During Mintoo’s presidency of FBCCI, Bangladesh’s tax structure was complex and insecure. He took the initiative for reform there. He was vocal about stopping VAT and tax evasion.

He recommended to the government:

Digitalisation of customs procedures;
Simplification of the VAT bracket;
Increasing thresholds for small businesses;
Stricter punishments for tax evaders.

Although some of his recommendations were not adopted by the government, he remained vocal about these issues. He says, “Without transparency, business will not grow, nor will the country attract foreign investment.”

Multimode Group’s Plastic Recycling

‘Plastic pollution has taken a terrible shape in Bangladesh’ — with this realisation, Mintoo established a ‘Plastic Recycling Plant’ within Multimode Group. It collects waste plastic and produces reusable products.

This enterprise:

Recycles bottles, packaging, film, etc.;
Provides employment to over 100 men and women;
Plays a role in reducing environmental pollution.

Mintoo wants the government to enact strict laws on plastic management. He says, “If we destroy the environment to save business, what will future generations get?”

Message for the Present Generation

Mintoo often tells young entrepreneurs: “I was born in a remote village of Feni in 1949. I had no money in my pocket, yet I have travelled to New York, London, Tokyo. Because I dreamed and worked hard for it. You have more opportunities now, so dream even bigger.”

He gives three pieces of advice to the youth:

Do not neglect education. Even without formal education, learn from every moment of life.
Do not fear failure. Many obstacles came in my life, but I never stopped.
Do something for the country. Putting smiles on the faces of the country’s people is a greater joy than personal profit.

Conclusion

From the farmer’s fields of Alearchar, Feni, to higher education in New York, from the shipping profession to returning home, from a seed revolution to an industrial empire — Abdul Awal Mintoo’s life is an unparalleled example of Bengali potential. He has proved that no obstacle is permanent before willpower and hard work.

Abdul Awal Mintoo is not just a wealthy businessman; he is a visionary. He saw how a village can be transformed with better seeds, how a country’s economy can be energised by making the remittance sector transparent. He brought banks to the country, invested in agricultural research, built educational institutions, and paved the way for women entrepreneurs.

Yes, there is criticism — questions about his simultaneous presence in business and politics. But his life and work make it clear that he was never proven to have misused government policy for personal interest. He was and remains an inspiration for the country’s economic and agricultural sectors.

Today, Multimode Group is one of Bangladesh’s top conglomerates. Lal Teer Seeds has given farmers the weapon of self-reliance. The schools and colleges in Feni are educating girls from poor families.

Mintoo continues to actively run his business and social work. He still visits Feni, his ancestral village, to chat with farmers and listen to their problems.

Final words — The lesson from Abdul Awal Mintoo’s life:

“Being successful oneself is not enough; creating an environment where many others can become successful is true success. I was not a pavement dweller, but once I was helpless. If I can give back today, my life is worthwhile.”

So we salute him — a farmer’s son, a seafarer, a visionary entrepreneur, and an honest politician. May his story remain an inspiration for Bengali youth.

References

Bengali Wikipedia — Abdul Awal Mintoo (retrieved 2025)
English Wikipedia — Abdul Awal Mintoo (retrieved 2025)
Multimode Group official website — Founder & Chairman’s speeches
Daily Prothom Alo — “Abdul Awal Mintoo, owner of the multi-billion taka Multimode empire” (2023)
The Daily Star — “Abdul Awal Mintoo: A journey from seafarer to business tycoon” (2021)
BBC Bangla — “Mintoo built a business empire after returning to Bangladesh from America” (2019)
Financial Express — “Lal Teer Seeds: Revolutionising Bangladesh’s agriculture” (2022)
New Age BD — “The success story of former FBCCI president Abdul Awal Mintoo” (2024)
Bangladesh Seed Association annual report (2023)
Asia & Pacific Seed Association (APSA) newsletter, “New EC Member from Bangladesh: Abdul Awal Mintoo” (2023)
‘Several Industrial Entrepreneurs of Bangladesh’ — Dr. Mohammad Elias (Oboshor Prokashon, 2018)
‘The Rise of Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh’ — Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (UPL, 2015)
bdnews24.com — “In-depth interview with Mintoo” (2022)

Disclaimer

This biography has been written based on reliable and authentic sources. Some linguistic dramatisation and dialogue have been added for a thriller-style narrative and emotional description, which do not harm the truth of the core events. There may be slight variations in information about Abdul Awal Mintoo’s personal life, business career, and political events across sources. The most reliable information has been presented here. No event is claimed as final. The purpose of this biography is to present the contributions of an extraordinary entrepreneur, industrialist, and social worker to a new generation.

The thriller does not end. Abdul Awal Mintoo’s story teaches us — never be afraid to dream. No matter where you start, willpower and a desire to do something for the country can make the ending bright.