Syed Mohammad Kamal takes charge as AmCham president for 2026–2028 term

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has installed its newly elected Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term, with Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President of Mastercard Bangladesh, assuming the role of president.

The installation ceremony was held at the Grand Ballroom of Sheraton Dhaka in Banani, marking the beginning of a new leadership term focused on strengthening US-Bangladesh business and investment relations.

Alongside Kamal, Ala Uddin Ahmad, chief executive officer of MetLife Bangladesh, has taken office as vice president, while Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, managing director of Philip Morris International Bangladesh, will serve as treasurer.

The newly elected office bearers bring decades of leadership experience across financial services, insurance, FMCG, digital payments, public affairs and corporate strategy.

Kamal has more than 35 years of experience spanning financial services, FMCG, remittances and digital payments. He previously held senior positions at Western Union, Berger Paints Bangladesh and ACI Limited, and has served as vice president of AmCham Bangladesh and a director of FICCI.

Ahmad brings over 25 years of leadership experience across Asia and is known for his work in policy advocacy and promoting trade and investment. A Fellow Chartered Accountant and member of CAANZ, he has held leadership roles in AmCham, FICCI and the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation.

Mahmud has more than 22 years of experience in finance, strategy and public affairs, including leadership positions at DHL Express and Banglalink. He is also credited with leading policy advocacy initiatives and establishing Bangladesh’s first smoke-free product manufacturing facility.

Joining the Executive Committee are Al-Mamun M Rashel, managing director of NATco Bangladesh Ltd; Habib Bhuiyan, country manager of Excelerate Energy Bangladesh; Sazzad Hossain, general manager of Avery Dennison Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; and Ataur Rahim Chowdhury, chief executive officer and co-founder of ShopUp Bangladesh.

The new committee pledged to strengthen AmCham’s role in promoting trade, investment and policy advocacy. Key priorities include deepening US-Bangladesh economic cooperation, positioning Bangladesh as a preferred investment destination, relaunching the US Trade Show, expanding membership engagement, empowering sector-focused subcommittees and advancing business-friendly policy reforms.

In his farewell remarks, outgoing president Syed Ershad Ahmed highlighted the chamber’s institutional progress during his tenure. The new leadership expressed appreciation for his contributions and recognised outgoing executive committee members for their service.

The chamber also honoured members of the outgoing Executive Committee, Election Board and Appeal Board with commemorative plaques for their role in maintaining transparency and credibility in AmCham’s governance process.

The event was attended by senior government officials, business leaders, diplomats, development partners and members of the media.

Among the guests was Brent T Christensen, who expressed confidence in the new leadership and reaffirmed support for AmCham’s efforts to strengthen bilateral economic relations.

The evening concluded with a musical performance featuring popular American and Bangladeshi songs, celebrating the enduring friendship and people-to-people ties between the two countries.