If there is one country that deserves international recognition for economic progress, it’s Bangladesh. Why say this?
Back in the year 1971, the poverty rate in the country was 80 percent. By 2022, that figure had dropped to just 18.7 percent. Can you believe that?
Today, Bangladesh is a unitary parliamentary republic which means that it follows the Westminster system where the prime minister leads the government and the president serves largely as a ceremonial head of state.
Bangladesh is also the second-largest economy in South Asia, with a nominal GDP per capita now comparable to that of neighbouring India.
One fascinating way to understand this journey is by looking at the country’s wealthiest individuals, studying how they built their fortunes and the key industries that they are involved in.
The interesting part is: while some reports claim Moosa Bin Shamsher holds a fortune of $12 billion, Forbes recognizes Muhammed Aziz Khan of Summit Group as the country’s richest billionaire with a net worth of $1.1 billion.
This article ranks the 10 richest people in Bangladesh, most frequently cited in Bangladeshi media and regional lists with their available biographical and background details.
We have also compiled a list of the ten richest people in Pakistan. Starting from Shahid Khan net worth $8 Billion to Rafiq Habib 0.9 billion net worth.
Key Takeaways
Moosa Bin Shamsher is the richest man in Bangladesh as of 2026. He is often referred to as “Prince Moosa,” Interestingly, he is a controversial yet prominent figure in Bangladesh’s wealth rankings. So how did he build his wealth?
He built his fortune primarily through the export of manpower, supplying labor to the Middle East during the 1970s and 1980s. His company, DATCO Group, became one of the largest manpower-exporting firms in Bangladesh.
Some of the major industries that Moosa focuses on are: real estate, luxury assets, and international investments. Main countries besides particularly in Switzerland and London. His opulent lifestyle, which includes high-end cars and lavish properties, has often drawn media attention. While some of his reported wealth has been disputed, multiple sources, including local financial outlets, place his net worth in the multibillion-dollar range.
Moosa is also known for his philanthropy, particularly in healthcare and education, though his career has been clouded by allegations of tax issues and offshore wealth. Despite controversies, he remains Bangladesh’s wealthiest individual in 2026.
Fan Fact: Prince Moosa is a self-proclaimed arms dealer. He is not listed in Forbes mostly due to his controversial background and undocumented wealth declaration.
After prince Moosa, the second well recognized richest person among Bangladeshis is Salman Fazlur Rahman, the co-founder of Beximco Group, one of Bangladesh’s largest conglomerates.
His business interests range across pharmaceuticals, textiles, ceramics, and real estate, making him one of the most diversified businessmen in the country. Beximco Pharmaceuticals, in particular, is internationally recognized for exporting generic drugs to more than 50 countries.
Beyond business, Rahman serves as a political figure, holding the position of Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister. His ability to bridge both politics and entrepreneurship has kept him influential in both sectors.
Salman is also known for investing in banking and media, and his company has played a significant role in modernizing Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical exports. With a reputation as both a businessman and policymaker, Rahman remains a key player in Bangladesh’s economic growth.
If you want to be among the richest people in Bangladesh, then real estate is an industry you can’t avoid, start honing your skills in real estate today. This is evident from the fact that the top 2 richest people have their investment in real estate, something common among richest people in every country.
In third position is Tarek Rahman, the son of former Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman and opposition leader Khaleda Zia, is a political and business figure. Currently residing in London, he is also the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Its apparent that Politics runs in their family.
While primarily known for his political role, Rahman has also built substantial wealth through investments in real estate and financial institutions. His family’s political influence has allowed him to maintain key business ties, particularly in the banking and property sectors.
Rahman’s fortune continues to grow through overseas investments regardless of the controversial corruption allegations and his long exile. His wealth places him firmly among the top tier of Bangladesh’s richest individuals.
Before we continue, I think it’s good to have a quick look, just in case you are in a hurry, below is a quick table look up of the top 10 wealthiest individuals in Bangladeshi this year.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy is the fourth richest person in Bangladesh. He is the son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He has emerged as a powerful figure in technology and digital transformation in Bangladesh. In regard to his education, he has a computer science degree from the University of Texas and a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard. Its said that he played a key role in advancing the Digital Bangladesh initiative, which expanded IT infrastructure nationwide.
His personal wealth comes from technology investments, consulting contracts, and international partnerships, particularly in the United States. His dual identity as both a tech investor and political strategist makes him a unique figure in the country’s wealth rankings.
Joy is also involved in policy-making on ICT and innovation, helping to position Bangladesh as a competitive player in the global digital economy. His wealth has steadily grown as Bangladesh’s IT sector expands.
Sayeed Abul Hossain is a businessman and former politician who made his fortune through construction, trading, and international business ventures and of course, Politics. He is the managing director of SAHCO International, a group involved in construction, IT, and trade. In 2026, Hossain is the 5th richest person in Bangladesh.
Hossain has also invested in banking, real estate, and education, making him one of the most diversified entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. His business empire spans multiple sectors, and his ability to establish international partnerships has significantly boosted his wealth.
Though he stepped back from politics, his role in shaping Bangladesh’s private sector remains significant. His business acumen and steady expansion of SAHCO’s portfolio have cemented his place among the country’s billionaires.
Ahmed Akbar Sobhan is the founder and chairman of Bashundhara Group, one of Bangladesh’s largest business conglomerates. The company dominates in sectors like real estate, paper, cement, and consumer goods, playing a central role in the nation’s infrastructure development.
Sobhan’s rise began with a small real estate business in the 1980s which rapidly expanded into one of the most powerful conglomerates in Bangladesh while his real estate projects, particularly Bashundhara Residential Area are among the most prestigious in Dhaka.
Beyond construction and real estate, the group has diversified into media, cement production, and industrial development, ensuring continued revenue growth. Sobhan’s billion-dollar fortune is tied closely to Bangladesh’s rapid urbanization and real estate boom.
Giasuddin Al Mamun is a businessman closely associated with the political elite in Bangladesh. He made his wealth primarily through construction contracts, real estate development, and international trade.
Mamun has faced multiple legal challenges and allegations of corruption, yet his business empire has endured. Despite these controversies, his fortune remains significant, especially in real estate holdings and private ventures.
Mamun’s network and political ties continue to play a role in maintaining his financial status, placing him among the richest individuals in the country.
Dr. Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir is a seasoned politician and businessman. A former Minister of Home Affairs, Alamgir has long been active in Bangladesh’s political and financial circles.
His wealth stems from banking investments, agricultural projects, and real estate. He is also known for his writings and academic contributions, making him a unique figure who bridges politics, business, and scholarship.
Though not a billionaire, his fortune places him among Bangladesh’s wealthiest, with significant holdings in the financial sector.
Iqbal Ahmed built his wealth through the frozen seafood export industry. He is widely known for founding the Seamark Group in the United Kingdom. Did you know that Ahmed is from Sylhet?
His business empire spans seafood processing, hospitality, and restaurants, serving markets in Europe and the United States.
He is one of the most successful Bangladeshi-origin entrepreneurs abroad, and his group has been recognized for creating jobs and strengthening trade ties. His story is often highlighted as an example of the Bangladeshi diaspora’s contribution to the global economy.
Ragib Ali is one of Bangladesh’s most prominent tea estate owners. Based in Sylhet, he controls numerous tea gardens and has invested in education, healthcare, and social initiatives.
He has also played a role in developing Sylhet’s infrastructure and is widely respected for his philanthropy. While his fortune is smaller compared to others on this list, his impact on Bangladesh’s tea industry and regional development has been substantial.
In 2026, Moosa Bin Shamsher is the richest person in Bangladesh, with a net worth of $12 billion. His wealth comes primarily from labor exports, real estate, and international investments.
While no woman features in the top 10 list, one of the wealthiest women in Bangladesh is Parveen Haque Sikder, a director of National Bank Limited. She has significant holdings in banking and real estate. Parveen’s net worth is not publicly disclosed.
Why is there confusion between Muhammed Aziz Khan and Moosa Bin Shamsher as Bangladesh’s richest person?
As earlier mentioned, there is confusion on who is the richest person between Muhammed Aziz Khan and Moosa Bin Shamsher. Well, here is what we found out.
The confusion comes down to verifiable wealth versus self-claimed fortunes. Muhammed Aziz Khan, chairman of Summit Group, is recognized by Forbes as Bangladesh’s richest billionaire, with a net worth of about $1.1 billion backed by documented business assets in power, ports, and telecom. Moosa Bin Shamsher, on the other hand claims to have billions in Swiss bank accounts, but these figures have never been verified. Government probes have found many of his statements unsubstantiated, which is why Forbes and other global trackers do not list him. Last thing that may bring confusion stem from the fact that even though Muhammed was born in Bangladesh, Dhaka to be specific, he currently lives in Singapore.
The richest people in Bangladesh reflect the country’s blend of politics, entrepreneurship, and global trade. From Moosa Bin Shamsher’s manpower empire to Salman F. Rahman’s pharmaceutical ventures, it’s clear that Bangladesh’s economy has largely benefited from industry diversity.
While wealth inequality is still a big issue, the presence of billionaires and multimillionaires highlights Bangladesh’s economic potential and growing influence on the global stage.
In this rich list, figures mentioned are based on widely reported estimates across local media and online sources. In Bangladesh, exact wealth valuations are not always transparent, so take these numbers as approximate rather than absolute. And what's important is learning from their journeys, getting the relevant financial knowledge to help you build your wealth and become financially independent.
I am Eddah, a professional blogger specializing in wealth analysis and financial insights. As a contributor to Fineducke.com, I explore the world’s richest individuals, their net worth, and financial moves shaping economies. With a keen eye for detail, I turn complex data into engaging, easy-to-read content that informs and inspires
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