Four members of Bangladesh’s PHP Family are taking an unusual route into diplomacy, using their business networks and market knowledge to represent Indonesia, South Korea, Rwanda and Malaysia as honorary consuls.
The Group’s Chairman Sufi Mohammed Mizanur Rahman is serving as the Honorary Consul for Indonesia, Vice Chairman Mohammed Mohsin is the Honorary Consul General for South Korea, Managing Director Mohammed Iqbal Hossain is the Honorary Consul for Rwanda and PHP Automobiles Managing Director Mohammed Akther Parvez is the Honorary Consul for Malaysia.
Unlike career diplomats, honorary consuls often bring first-hand knowledge of companies, investors and commercial networks to their roles. That gives the four positions a practical dimension, particularly in Chattogram, Bangladesh’s main maritime and commercial gateway.
Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies, offers Bangladesh scope to deepen its commercial relationship. Sufi Mohammed Mizanur Rahman’s role comes as Bangladeshi companies look for stronger links with the region.
South Korea brings a stronger technology and manufacturing dimension. Mohammed Mohsin is seeking to deepen engagement between South Korean and Bangladeshi companies, building on his own experience with the Korean market.
Rwanda is a newer frontier. Although relations remain relatively limited, its growing economy and position in Africa could give Bangladeshi companies access to a less familiar market.
Malaysia has a longer-standing connection with Bangladesh, particularly because of the large Bangladeshi workforce there. Mohammed Akther Parvez’s role therefore extends beyond commerce to labour-market cooperation and the interests of Bangladeshi workers.
“Having four diplomats within the same family is a matter of immense pride for us,” Mohammed Mohsin told TIMES.
But he said the positions carry responsibilities beyond ceremony. According to him, honorary consul appointments are scrutinised by the relevant authorities, with requests from appointing countries examined through Bangladesh’s appropriate ministries and agencies.
He compared diplomats to butterflies moving from flower to flower and facilitating pollination.
“Diplomats work like butterflies—moving from flower to flower, gathering pollen and nectar and facilitating pollination,” he said.
From networks to opportunity
Mohammed Mohsin said his own dealings with South Korea have shaped his approach to the role.
“Our role is not limited to importing goods from Korea. We are constantly striving to export products manufactured in Bangladesh to that country and bridge the trade gap between the two nations,” he said.
He said relations with Indonesia were progressing, while Malaysia remained important because of its role as a major destination for Bangladeshi workers.
Akther Parvez was working to protect the interests of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia while encouraging Malaysian businesses to explore opportunities in Bangladesh.
Rwanda could become a new economic frontier, with government-to-government initiatives and collaborative projects under way.
Mahfuzul Haque Shah, a former director of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the appointments could open new business avenues for Bangladesh.
He said the roles could also facilitate technology and skills exchange and cooperation in education, culture and sports.
Shah said more than 15 people from Chattogram, besides the four PHP Family members, have been appointed as honorary consuls of countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, South Africa, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan and Russia.
“The appointments underline Chattogram’s role not only as Bangladesh’s principal maritime gateway but also as a centre of international business and commercial engagement,” he added.
