Executive Chairman's Memoir

Mr. M. Anowar Hossain is a visionary leader and international development professional hailing from Bangladesh, with a rich background spanning over 20 years in various strategic, leadership, and management roles. He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Growing Together OPC, Vice-Chairperson of United Purpose Bangladesh, Director of Riverine People, and Executive Chairman of ITOC International. He has previously served as the Vice President of the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industries and is presently serving as the Country Lead (Bangladesh) for the South Asian Institute for Advanced Research and Development (SAIARD) in Delhi, India.

Mr. Hossain is also the recipient of the Asia Development Leadership Award. Before assuming his role at Growing Together, Mr. Hossain contributed to the Public-Private Partnership Authority of the Prime Minister’s Office (PPPA) in Bangladesh. His tenure at BRAC International (BI) included serving as the Asia Regional Director, Country Director in Afghanistan, and International Program Director overseeing operations in 11 countries across Asia and Africa. He was also involved in various boards, including the Stichting BI Executive Management Board in the Netherlands, Myanmar Microfinance Company Ltd Board, and BI Boards in Tanzania and Afghanistan.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Hossain played significant roles at Concern Worldwide, where he led the Technical Unit, focusing on Policy Advocacy, Equality, Communications & Fundraising, and Partnership. At ActionAid Bangladesh, he held diverse capacities and led multiple impactful campaigns in Bangladesh and across the South Asia region, advancing rights-based development, policy advocacy, and regional solidarity efforts. Mr. Hossain started his career as the Coordinator for the Assessment of Impacts of the Sustainable Environment Management Program (SEMP) of UNDP Bangladesh.

Mr. Hossain is recognized for initiating and leading collective efforts in Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nepal, Myanmar, and India. As the President of Hoar Advocacy Platform (HAP, 31 organizations), he leads collective efforts to address issues in the Hoar region, one of Bangladesh’s extreme poverty pockets. His expertise extends to designing and implementing strategies, conducting assessments and studies, developing programs, fundraising, impact measurement, and knowledge management. He is a skilled facilitator of networks and platforms, adept at mobilizing collective resources involving both state and non-state actors.

Mr. Hossain excels in exploring and establishing partnerships, engaging with various donors, including bilateral, multilateral, institutional donors, and foundations. Additionally, he is a professional trainer in Leadership and Management, as well as Rights-Empowerment-Governance Advocacy.

Educationally, Mr. Hossain holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, a Master’s in Development Studies, and a Master’s in Economics. He has also completed a nine-month advanced course on Organizational Development, Leadership, and Management from Will Campbell Facilitation, UK. He is an accomplished author, having written four books and edited five, including publications by the Bangladesh Parliament, and has a number of publications in international journals.

As Executive Chairman of Growing Together OPC, Mr. M. Anowar Hossain exemplifies visionary leadership that bridges innovation, social impact, and institutional excellence. With over two decades of experience leading multi-sectoral programs and cross-border operations, Mr. Hossain has successfully guided large, multi-cultural teams—managing over 5,000 staff as Asia Regional Director and more than 4,000 staff as Country Director in Afghanistan. His transformative leadership turned BRAC Afghanistan from a near-collapse situation into the organization’s largest country program, achieving stability, trust, and operational excellence.

A highly effective resource mobilizer, Mr. Hossain has led the negotiation and acquisition of substantial funding portfolios, including securing over USD 88 million in grants during his tenure as Country Director and expanding BRAC International’s regional portfolio by approximately USD 50 million as Asia Regional Director. Known for his problem-solving acumen, he has successfully navigated complex challenges—including high-stakes negotiations during crisis situations—delivering results that balance strategic vision, operational rigor, and human-centered leadership.

Today, Mr. Hossain continues to inspire teams, partnerships, and communities through a leadership style grounded in resilience, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to rights-based development, inclusive enterprise, and sustainable growth across national and international landscapes.