A new avenue of relation between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste has been initiated by country’s leading businessman and entrepreneur Kutubuddin Ahmed, chairman of Sheltech Group, Envoy Legacy and Envoy Textiles ltd.
In a historic development, the governments of Bangladesh and Timor-Leste have officially established diplomatic relations, marking a new chapter of collaboration between the two nations.
The proposal of the appointment of Kutubuddin Ahmed as the Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Timor Leste has been accepted by the Government of Bangladesh.
An executor letter in this regard was handed over to Kutubuddin Ahmed by the foreign ministry's Chief of Protocol Officer Khandaker Masudul Alam at the State Guest House Meghna, on Thursday.
Expressing gratitude, Kutubuddin Ahmed said: "I am honored and blessed for being the Honorary Consul and look forward to working together to expand and promote Bangladesh at different levels."
He stressed the significance of this collaboration saying: "This marks the dawn of a new era in the relationship between the two countries. Through bilateral trade and development partnerships, Bangladesh can play a significant role in Timor-Leste's progress, while also benefiting from regional trade and investment opportunities.”
Ahmed was awarded the title of Knight Officer of the Spanish Royal Order of Merit by the King of Spain in 2020.
A former president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), he also served as secretary general of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) and received the National Sports Award in 2002.
In 2016, he was honored as the Business Person of the Year by DHL and the Daily Star.
Honorary Consul Kutubuddin Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
His expertise spans multiple industries including textiles, garment manufacturing, real estate, construction, ceramics, aviation, and more.