In the newly formed Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government, Amir Khusru Mahmud Chowdhury has been entrusted with a highly significant portfolio. The new Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has appointed him as Minister of Finance and Planning, marking a major milestone in his political career. Khusru secured a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections held on 12 February, winning the Chittagong-11 (Patenga) seat by a substantial margin.
On Tuesday, 17 February, the announcement of the new cabinet assignments sparked widespread excitement among BNP leaders and supporters in Chittagong. As the economic hub of the country, Chittagong oversees the majority of Bangladesh’s import-export trade through its port and customs facilities and contributes a significant portion of national revenue. Observers suggest that Khusru, who grew up amid the city’s political and commercial environment, is well positioned to manage not just the city’s economic affairs but the country’s overall financial strategy.
Early Life and Education
Amir Khusru Mahmud Chowdhury was born in 1949 in North Kattoli, Pahartali, Chittagong. His father, Mahmudun Nabi Chowdhury, was elected in 1954 to the East Pakistan Legislative Assembly from the Double Mooring–Sitakunda constituency. He served as Minister of Information and subsequently as Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation in the United Front government. Khusru’s mother, Meherunnesa Begum Chowdhury, supported his early education.
Khusru completed his undergraduate degree at Chittagong College in 1969 before pursuing higher studies in accounting in the United Kingdom. After completing his education, he joined his father’s business ventures and played a pivotal role in establishing the Chittagong Stock Exchange, where he served as chairman. He also held prominent positions as President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and as the first President of the South Asia Exchange Federation.
He has served in numerous advisory and leadership roles, including Honorary Consul of South Korea in Chittagong, acting chairman of Sonali Bank, and member of advisory committees of the National Board of Revenue and the Bangladesh Ministry of Industries.
Political Career
| Year | Election / Appointment | Constituency | Outcome / Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | General Election | Chittagong-8 | Winner |
| 1991 | By-election | Chittagong-11 | Winner |
| Feb 1996 | General Election | Chittagong-11 | Winner |
| Jun 1996 | General Election | Chittagong-11 | Winner |
| 2001 | General Election | Chittagong-11 | Winner |
| 2001–2004 | Minister of Commerce | – | Cabinet Minister |
Khusru entered parliamentary politics after BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia won the Chittagong-8 seat in 1991 and later vacated it, allowing him to win in the subsequent by-election. He successfully retained the seat in the February and June 1996 elections and again in 2001 under the BNP’s “Dhaner Sheesh” symbol. Following the 2001 election, he served as Minister of Commerce from 10 October 2001 to 25 March 2004.
Family
Khusru is married with one son and one daughter. His son, Esrafil Khusru, is an active member of BNP’s International Affairs Subcommittee, while his daughter resides in Australia.
With a blend of business acumen, extensive political experience, and deep roots in Chittagong, Khusru is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the country’s economic future, leveraging both his local knowledge and national outlook.