‘I believe in three principles: loyalty, devotion, perseverance’

Born on January 5, 1937, Abdul Monem was a veteran civil engineer, industrialist, and entrepreneur.

His contributions to our country in construction, global branding, and technological transformation are paramount. Apart from all this, he is known for his honesty, integrity, and ethics. He passed away on May 31, 2020 from a stroke, leaving behind his wife and his five children.

Abdul Monem began his journey toward changing Bangladesh in 1956, when he founded Abdul Monem Limited (AML).

Its commercial operations started with investments in infrastructural development business through AML Construction Unit. AML Construction Unit was part of some of the most complex projects in the country, such as the Runway Overlays for Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport, Padma multipurpose bridge project, metro rail project, airport flyover, etc.

For the remarkable contributions it has made over the course of 66 years, AML Construction Unit is regarded a pioneer of the industry and a leader of the market segment. The construction unit has been recorded to manage the largest fleet of construction-related equipment in Bangladesh.

In 1982, AML acquired the plant of K. Rahman & Company. In 1987, Abdul Monem made an aggressive move of expanding the market by establishing a new bottling plant of 450 bottles per minute (BPM) capacity in Comilla. This instantly elevated their position in the market.

Strategic planning in capacity building, investment in logistics, and aggressive marketing proved to be rewarding. In 1990, the company was awarded the President's Turtle Award by the President of the Coca Cola company in recognition of its contribution toward popularising and positioning the brand.

Since 1964, AML has established Igloo as one of the most popular ice cream brands in Bangladesh. With over 100 flavours, presented in a variety of boxes and designs, Igloo manages to bring the rich yet refreshing flavour we associate with ice cream even today. Another of their ice cream brands, Mi Amore, has quickly gained popularity due its exclusive nature and immaculate flavourings.

Abdul Monem was also a sports enthusiast and played the role of chairman of Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited, between 1984 and 1994-95. 

He believed in technological transformation for the betterment and development of this nation. His legacy is AIIM Global Limited, a sister concern of AML, providing a unique combination of technical expertise and IT-enabled solutions ability.

AIIM specialises in the fields of interactive marketing, quality assurance, software web development, accounting, bank office processing, digital advertising operations, risk compliance services, mortgage operations and servicing.

AIIM is led by his son, A S M Mohiuddin Monem, who also happens to be the deputy managing director of AML.

Abdul Monem founded Serviceengine BPO with only six employees back in 2006. When the concept of outsourcing was completely foreign in Bangladesh, he successfully pioneered the first US-Bangladeshi joint venture BPO company. He solidified the joint venture by ensuring that all initial projects were finished meticulously in due time. Today, they are involved with various institutions in the United Kingdom for outsourcing and are established worldwide.

Abdul Monem was given the title of Commercially Important Person by the Government of Bangladesh for his contribution to business, having been granted the permission to establish one of the first private economic zones of Bangladesh, in Daudkandi, Munshiganj. He left behind a lasting legacy and will continue to be celebrated for the unparalleled feats he has achieved in the private industrial sector of Bangladesh.