Bangladesh, a nation of over 170 million, currently doesn’t have a home-based citizen officially recognized as a billionaire.
While a few billionaires of Bangladeshi origin reside in hubs like Singapore or Sydney, international magnates rarely make high-profile visits to Dhaka.
However, last week, a notable exception arrived from our South Asian neighbour, Nepal.
Binod Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman of Chaudhary Group (CG Corp Global) and Nepal’s sole Forbes-listed billionaire, visited Dhaka albeit quietly to unveil his book -- Made in Nepal: Lessons in Business Building from the Land of Everest.
Hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh, the event drew a gathering of the local business community.
Mr Chaudhary’s presence was more than just a book launch; it was a reflection of growing cross-border synergy.
His flagship brand, Wai Wai noodles, is already produced here through a Nepal-Bangladesh joint venture, and his group is currently exploring a venture to manufacture a leading global electric vehicle (EV) brand in Bangladesh.
The geographic and demographic contrasts between the two nations are striking. While Bangladesh and Nepal are nearly identical in landmass (ranked 92nd and 93rd globally, respectively), Nepal’s population is only a sixth of Bangladesh’s. Yet, Nepal’s tourism industry thrives while Bangladesh’s remains largely untapped.
During the event, Chaudhary pointed out a sobering statistic: Bangladesh receives an average of 600,000 tourists annually, whereas Nepal attracts over 1.2 million despite various internal crises.
He argued that Bangladesh’s tourism policy requires a total re-evaluation, suggesting growth in medical, educational, and eco-tourism.
One visionary proposal he shared was establishing direct connectivity between Cox’s Bazar and Nepal -- allowing travelers to experience the world’s longest sea beach and the world’s highest mountain peak in a single trip.
While Nepal is blessed with the Himalayas -- including Mount Everest -- and numerous spiritual sites, Bangladesh is home to the world’s longest unbroken sandy beach and the largest continuous mangrove forest.
Could Bangladesh and Nepal develop joint tourism packages such as the one proposed from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal? This would allow long-haul travelers to experience sea, mountains, jungles, and backwaters in a single trip.
A recurring theme in Chaudhary’s address was the necessity of regional cooperation.
In recent years, Nepal’s hydropower has begun reaching Bangladesh via the Indian grid -- a milestone for sub-regional trade. He was blunt though, about the mechanics of future growth.
"Sometimes our destiny is governed by geography," Chaudhary remarked. "To trade with Bangladesh, Nepal needs India’s help. We are not just landlocked; we are 'India-locked.' We must not drag politics into these relationships. Bilateral and trilateral cooperation between Bangladesh, Nepal, and India is essential for everyone’s interests to be realized."
This sentiment was echoed by Abdul Awal Mintoo, a business leader, former FBCCI President, and now a minister, who referenced Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations.
Mintoo emphasized that true prosperity is impossible without trading with neighbours. He warned that "good politics and a healthy economy are inseparable," noting that a failure to address inequality and unemployment -- as seen in the recent Gen-Z-led movements in both countries -- could lead to further unrest.
According to the 2026 Forbes Billionaires List, Binod Chaudhary’s net worth stands at $2.1 billion, with interests spanning 30 countries in sectors from Nabil Bank to Taj Hotel partnerships. Despite his global reach, he remains highly optimistic about Bangladesh’s resilience.
He noted that both Bangladesh and Nepal are currently navigating a unique historical moment: New administrations have emerged in the wake of youth-led movements.
"The primary agenda for both nations now is to solve unemployment and address economic grievances," Chaudhary said. "This is a great opportunity for a fresh start."
The insights shared by Mr Chaudhary serve as a roadmap for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs. Beyond the pursuit of wealth, his visit highlighted the need to create jobs for a growing population of educated youth who might otherwise fall into despair.
He concluded with a vote of confidence, stating that while global conflicts -- such as the turmoil in the Middle East -- present new hurdles, Bangladesh possesses the inherent capability to overcome them.
While many disagree with businessmen entering politics, Binod Chaudhary -- a billionaire and three-term member of parliament in Nepal -- remains firm in his philosophy.
At the event, he acknowledged that while most entrepreneurs avoid the political arena, he believes that achieving "truly large-scale change" is only possible by engaging directly in policy-making.
Regardless of whether one endorses his views, the post-February election reality in Bangladesh is that a significant number of businesspeople have entered the national parliament.
While critics argue that business interests are elbowing out seasoned, professional politicians, could this influx act as a blessing if we, for a change, adopt Chaudhary’s perspective?
We would do well to pick from his wisdom, even if we cannot match his wealth.
Reaz Ahmad is Editor, Dhaka Tribune.