Advisory Committee

Mr. Sharif Zahir is a distinguished businessman and visionary leader in Bangladesh, known for his exceptional contributions to the country's economy and business landscape. As one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious Commercially Important Person (CIP) Award, which he has earned nine times, and a multiple-time recipient of the National Export Award, Mr. Zahir has firmly established himself as a key figure in the business community. He is the eldest son of the late Humayun Zahir, a prominent industrialist, and a Sponsor Shareholder of United Commercial Bank, continuing his family's legacy through exemplary leadership. Mr. Zahir holds a BSc degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and is an esteemed alumnus of St. Francis Xavier’s Green Herald International School in Dhaka. Under his visionary leadership, Ananta Group has diversified its business interests across multiple sectors, including ready-made garments (RMG), banking, finance, asset management, energy, e-commerce, real estate, and hospitality. The conglomerate has achieved an impressive annual turnover of USD 400 million and provides employment to over 31,000 people. A strong advocate for sustainable development, Mr. Zahir spearheaded the creation of Ananta Terraces, the first Residential LEED Platinum certified gated community, and the JW Marriott mixed-use property in Dhaka. His commitment to sustainable practices and innovation has set new benchmarks in the industry. Additionally, he serves as the Vice President of the Bangladesh Economic Zone Investors Association, playing a pivotal role in promoting economic growth and investment in the country. From 2019 to 2021, Mr. Zahir served on the Board of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), where he made significant contributions to sustaining the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked closely on developing incentive packages, mobile financial services (MFS), and key negotiations that helped the industry navigate the crisis. Furthermore, he was one of the founders of the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), a groundbreaking platform that represents trade unions, brands, and manufacturers, marking the transition from Accord Bangladesh. In his capacity as Chairman of United Commercial Bank, Mr. Zahir is dedicated to fostering transparency and accountability within the bank. His primary focus is to safeguard depositors' interests, maximize shareholder value, and elevate UCB to international standards of excellence in banking. His vision is aligned with the bank's commitment to becoming the most trusted financial institution in Bangladesh, driven by innovation, integrity, and customer-centric services. Mr. Zahir has been an integral part of the UCB Board for over 20 years, serving as Vice Chairman of the bank from 2013 to 2015. His extensive experience and strategic insight have been instrumental in shaping the bank's growth and success.