আরাফাত আশওয়াদ ইসলাম
Arafat Ashwad Islam is a successful entrepreneur from Bangladesh with an impressive range of business ventures. He currently holds the position of Managing Director at Acorp Limited, a company that offers various services, including commodity trading, consultancy, and commercial services. Additionally, Acorp Limited holds the Bangladesh franchise of Orkin, a renowned American pest control company that operates globally.
Arafat was born in Dhaka on November 15, 1984. His father, A J M Enamul Islam (Babul), is a businessman, and his mother, Fatima Zohra Islam, is a retired school teacher. Arafat's father comes from a notable political family in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. He is the younger brother of former civil servant A M Nurul Islam (Anu) and the nephew of former member of the Pakistan Legislative Assembly Abdul Hakim Bikrampuri.
Arafat Ashwad Islam is an active and influential member of various professional and social organizations. He founded and serves as the president of the Pest Management Association of Bangladesh. He also holds membership in esteemed organizations such as the AmCham in Bangladesh, the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and the Indenting Agents’ Association of Bangladesh.
Arafat is deeply committed to several social causes, as evidenced by his extensive involvement in philanthropic and social organizations. He serves as an Executive Committee member of the Gulshan Society and is the convenor of its Civic Services and Utilities committee. Additionally, Arafat is one of the founding members and secretary of the governing board of the Anu Memorial Foundation. The foundation was established to commemorate the legacy of Arafat's uncle, A M Nurul Islam (Anu), a decorated politician and bureaucrat who served as the private secretary to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Arafat's tireless dedication to public service is truly remarkable and inspiring. It is evident in his decision to formally enter politics and run as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-17 parliamentary constituency in the twelfth national election in 2023.
Arafat has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to business and social work. For his exemplary work, the India-Bangladesh Cultural Council awarded him the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi International Peace Award (2023), the Desher Daak Personality Award for 2023 by the weekly Desher Daak, and the Mohammad Nasim Memorial Award (2023).
