In a business landscape where many joint ventures of the past century faltered under fractured trust and unchecked ambition, ABC Group shines as a beacon of integrity, resilience, and generational continuity. For over five decades, the organisation has not only transformed skylines but also redefined the very essence of partnership—proving that enduring success is built not solely on ambition, but on unwavering principles, a shared vision, and an unshakable commitment to people both within and beyond the company.
“Partnerships rarely fail because of market forces,” reflects Subhash Chandra Ghosh, Chairman of ABC Group. “They collapse when trust erodes—when dishonesty, greed, or envy take root. Our survival has been anchored in three simple values: transparency in every transaction, fairness in every decision, and respect in every relationship.”
This philosophy has guided ABC Group through the passing of its five founding partners, enabling a seamless transition of leadership to the next generation while preserving the spirit of its origins. Today, the group stands as a diversified conglomerate with four core divisions: ABC Limited (Construction), ABC Real Estate Limited (Property Development), ABC BPL (Ready-Mix Concrete Manufacturing & Supply), and the newly launched ABC FL (Facility Management Services). Each division plays a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s infrastructural and economic growth.
Beyond construction and real estate, the group’s influence extends into the financial sector. The directors of ABC have been prominent founding shareholders of Mutual Trust Bank Limited (MTBL), one of Bangladesh’s most successful and trusted private banks. Rashed A. Chowdhury, the son of ABC’s founding chairman, Saifuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, now serves as Chairman of MTBL, further cementing the ABC Family’s legacy in nation-building across industries.
The Genesis: Building Dreams from the Ground Up
The story of ABC Group is intertwined with the birth of a nation. In 1972, in the stirring aftermath of Bangladesh’s independence, a bold vision took shape. Amirul Islam, his brother Nazrul Islam, and Saifuddin Ahmed Chowdhury—along with two associates—laid the cornerstone of Associated Builders Corporation (ABC) Limited. Soon thereafter, civil engineer Subhash Chandra Ghosh and architect Mostaqur Rahman joined the venture, forming a partnership that would one day redefine the country’s urban fabric.
In those early days, ABC was not an empire—it was a dream defined by determination. With no heavy machinery, limited skilled labour, and scarce capital, the founders relied on resilience, strategic alliances, and sheer perseverance. Subhash Chandra Ghosh, then a young engineer, had begun his career at Yakub Limited earning a modest salary of 350 taka. When the company’s West Pakistani owner fled post-independence, Subhash and a colleague assumed leadership, keeping the operations afloat. It was during those turbulent times that fate brought him together with Amirul Islam—a meeting that would sow the seeds of an enduring legacy. Mr. Ghosh recalls with pride that his stake in the company was secured not through capital but through the strength of a handshake, a testament to an era when a man’s word was his bond.
Forging a Future: The Rise of an Empire
ABC’s first major breakthrough came with a two-crore-taka contract for the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory, marking the beginning of its ascent. Landmark projects soon followed—Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory, Khulna Thermal Power Plant, and the Gorai Bridge—all setting new benchmarks in engineering excellence.
Over the decades, ABC Group’s portfolio expanded to include national icons such as the Grameenphone Headquarters, North South University, BRAC University’s New Campus, and the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Currently, ABC Limited is building the prestigious Aga Khan Academy campus at Basundhara. By the late 1980s, ABC’s vision expanded beyond construction into real estate. In 1988, ABC Real Estate Limited (ABC REL) was born—a bold move at a time when the concept of apartment living was still in its infancy in Dhaka.
From Concrete Foundations to Living Communities
Challenges abounded: land scarcity, public skepticism toward apartment living, and the absence of clear registration laws. Yet, through meticulous planning, superior design, and uncompromising transparency, ABC Real Estate earned trust—one project at a time. The company has always approached the market with caution to avoid overambitious trading, a common pitfall in the real estate industry. Today, it has delivered more than 1,880 apartments across 70 projects in prime locations such as Uttara, Banani, Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Baridhara, and Chittagong.
A crowning achievement is The Oasis at Ispahani Colony, an international-standard gated community in Moghbazar that spans 14.5 bighas. Completing 457 units within 70 months—despite various crises induced by the pandemic—is a true testament to ABC Real Estate’s planning and resilience.
A New Vision: Affordable Excellence Beyond Dhaka
Under the leadership of Srabanti Datta and Shougata Ghosh, ABC Real Estate is shifting its focus toward large-scale residential projects in mid-cost areas of Dhaka and its suburban localities. Their vision is clear: to provide quality housing with modern amenities accessible to the upper-middle class at reasonable prices.
“Dhaka’s land prices have made premium housing unaffordable for many,” explains Srabanti Datta. “By developing well-planned communities in emerging zones, we can offer spacious living, green spaces, and modern facilities—without the exorbitant costs of the city center. With The Oasis, we are now confident that ABC has the best set of pragmatic ideas, skilled people, and strategic planning tools to successfully deliver massive projects beyond mere flashy brochures.” Upcoming projects like The Orchard exemplify this strategy, combining affordability with international standards. Additionally, the group is exploring expansion to Narayanganj, ensuring sustainable urban growth beyond the capital’s high value yet densely populated areas.
Diversification & Innovation: The ABC Ecosystem
Beyond construction and real estate, ABC Group has strategically diversified into ready-mix concrete (ABC BPL) and facility management (ABC FL), ensuring control over quality and service delivery across the board.
ABC BPL is one of the country’s leading suppliers of ready-mix concrete, known for its precision, durability, and efficiency in high-rise constructions.
ABC FL—the newly launched division—provides high-quality facility management services in Bangladesh, offering maintenance, security, and operational excellence for both residential and commercial properties.
The Heart Behind the Helm: A Symphony of Generations
Leadership at ABC Group has transitioned gracefully to the second generation—comprised of Srabanti Datta, Shougata Ghosh, Nashid Islam, and Rashed A. Chowdhury—each inheriting not only titles but also the firm values of the firm’s founders. “We didn’t step into boardrooms straight away,” says Shougata Ghosh. “We learned the business from the ground up—on construction sites, from senior staff, in client meetings, and through challenges that taught us the true weight of responsibility.” At its core, ABC Group remains a people-first organisation with leaders who embody simple living, empathetic leadership, and a profound sense of responsibility toward both their employees and society at large. The group’s philosophy is to improve lives, one step at a time.
A Legacy That Stands Taller Than Steel
ABC Group is not merely a business—it is a chronicle of perseverance and tolerance, a testament to ethical enterprise, and a blueprint for steady, sustainable success. From its humble beginnings in a war-torn nation to its current stature as a diversified industry leader, the group’s journey mirrors the rise of Bangladesh itself. As is often said within its halls, “We build structures, but we also build trust. And trust, once built, stands taller than any tower.” With 53 years of excellence behind it and a bold vision for the future, ABC Family continues to shape not only skylines but also the destiny of a nation.
Written by Lamia Mehreen
