Shaping Chattogram's bustling cafe scene

Barcode Cafe, Barcode Marina Capella, Burgwich Town, Barcode GEC, Mejjan Haile Aiyun and Bir Chattola – are all brainchildren of successful businessman, Monjurul Hoque, who began building his restaurant empire in Chattogram several years ago. He also owns another branch of Barcode at Banani in Dhaka and a cafe at the Asian University for Women in Chattogram.

"Upon my return to Bangladesh after completing my higher studies in Management from Singapore, I noticed how the younger generation in Chattogram had nowhere to spend their leisure time. In other countries, students can hang out or study in cafes. But there was a serious dearth of such facilities here and I saw that as an opportunity to start a business." Monjurul Hoque told The Daily Star.

At first, it did not seem to be his cup of tea. "Investing in a first time venture can be quite daunting as opposed to plunging into a previously tried and tested business. However, I mustered the courage to do the former and that has led my career to where it stands today," said Monjurul. Following the success of Barcode, several hundred other restaurants started business in the city.

As a piece of advice to young dreamers, Monjurul said, "If you simply focus on money, you won't be able to grow. Be passionate about what you do and it'll take you a long way. Dedication has no alternative."