Ananta Group
Apparel Manufacturer in Bangladesh.
globally employ 34,000
annual turnover exceeds $450 Million
investments in technology & material innovation
Design Innovation
Catering to customers’ needs by practicing innovative ideas across design & manufacturing.
Exceeding Expectation
Enabling clients to achieve their goals to become leaders in their markets & industries.
Safe & Healthy Workspaces
Protecting employees globally by providing safe & healthy work environments.
Continuous CSER Growth
Taking corporate social & environmental responsibilities seriously for continued growth.
Mrs. Qamrun Nahar Zahir Director & Chairman Emeritus
Mrs. Qamrun Nahar currently serves as a Director and Chairman Emeritus of Ananta Apparels Limited/Ananta Group, continuing to provide her wisdom and guidance to the organization’s leadership. Having retired from her role as Chairman, she remains a respected figure whose vision and stewardship have shaped Ananta’s strategic direction for more than two decades. With over 25 years of strong leadership experience, Mrs. Nahar has contributed extensively across diverse sectors including commercial banking, insurance, real estate, and education. She previously held the position of Chairman of Ananta Apparels Limited/ Ananta Group, where she was responsible for vetting strategic decisions and investment opportunities, ensuring sustainable growth and governance excellence. Beyond Ananta, Mrs. Nahar has held prominent leadership roles in Bangladesh’s corporate and educational landscape. She is the ex-Chairman of United Commercial Bank and Janata Insurance Limited, and the founder of Dhaka Women’s College, reflecting her commitment to advancing both financial institutions and educational opportunities. Her academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree from Dhaka University and a master’s degree from Karachi University, which laid the foundation for her distinguished career. As Chairman Emeritus, Mrs. Nahar continues to inspire with her legacy of integrity, foresight, and dedication, guiding Ananta Apparels Limited/ Ananta Group while mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Sharif Zahir Chairman
Sharif Zahir is a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence in Bangladesh, a leader whose vision and determination have transformed industries and inspired progress across the nation. Recognized eight times as a Commercially Important Person (CIP), his contributions to the textile and garment sector have not only boosted the country’s economy but also positioned Bangladesh as a trusted partner in global trade.
Rooted in a distinguished family tradition of integrity, hard work, and dedication, Mr. Zahir’s academic journey-from St. Francis Xavier’s Green Herald International School to Scholastica, Dhaka, and ultimately the University of Texas at Austin where he earned his degree in Economics and Finance-equipped him with both global perspective and local commitment.
As Chairman of Ananta Apparels Limited/Ananta Group, Mr. Zahir has elevated the organization into a diversified powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Group has achieved an annual turnover of USD 450 million, employing over 34,000 people across sectors including RMG, Banking, Finance, Asset Management, Energy Resources, e-Commerce, Real Estate, and Hospitality. His leadership is defined not only by growth, but by innovation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
His vision for sustainability has led to pioneering projects such as Ananta Terraces, Bangladesh’s first Residential LEED Platinum certified gated community, and the landmark JW Marriott Dhaka on Madani Avenue. These initiatives reflect his belief that progress must be paired with responsibility, and that modern living should harmonize with environmental stewardship.
Beyond Ananta Group, Mr. Zahir also serves as Chairman of United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB), one of the country’s leading banks. His stewardship at UCB underscores his commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s financial sector, fostering innovation in banking, and expanding access to modern financial services that empower businesses and individuals alike.
Notably, his collaboration with the Bangladesh Export Zone Association (BEZA) to secure 250 acres in the Mirsarai Economic Zone further demonstrates his dedication to national development. His unwavering commitment aligns seamlessly with the vision of building a Smart Bangladesh, where economic growth, sustainability, and innovation go hand in hand.
Today, as Chairman, Sharif Zahir is more than a corporate leader-he is a visionary force. His journey is a testament to what can be achieved when ambition meets integrity, and when business is guided by a higher purpose. With unwavering dedication, he continues to inspire progress, prosperity, and pride for Bangladesh.
Rooted in a distinguished family tradition of integrity, hard work, and dedication, Mr. Zahir’s academic journey-from St. Francis Xavier’s Green Herald International School to Scholastica, Dhaka, and ultimately the University of Texas at Austin where he earned his degree in Economics and Finance-equipped him with both global perspective and local commitment.
As Chairman of Ananta Apparels Limited/Ananta Group, Mr. Zahir has elevated the organization into a diversified powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Group has achieved an annual turnover of USD 450 million, employing over 34,000 people across sectors including RMG, Banking, Finance, Asset Management, Energy Resources, e-Commerce, Real Estate, and Hospitality. His leadership is defined not only by growth, but by innovation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
His vision for sustainability has led to pioneering projects such as Ananta Terraces, Bangladesh’s first Residential LEED Platinum certified gated community, and the landmark JW Marriott Dhaka on Madani Avenue. These initiatives reflect his belief that progress must be paired with responsibility, and that modern living should harmonize with environmental stewardship.
Beyond Ananta Group, Mr. Zahir also serves as Chairman of United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB), one of the country’s leading banks. His stewardship at UCB underscores his commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s financial sector, fostering innovation in banking, and expanding access to modern financial services that empower businesses and individuals alike.
Notably, his collaboration with the Bangladesh Export Zone Association (BEZA) to secure 250 acres in the Mirsarai Economic Zone further demonstrates his dedication to national development. His unwavering commitment aligns seamlessly with the vision of building a Smart Bangladesh, where economic growth, sustainability, and innovation go hand in hand.
Today, as Chairman, Sharif Zahir is more than a corporate leader-he is a visionary force. His journey is a testament to what can be achieved when ambition meets integrity, and when business is guided by a higher purpose. With unwavering dedication, he continues to inspire progress, prosperity, and pride for Bangladesh.
Asif Zahir Managing Director
Asif Zahir is a dynamic leader whose vision and global experience have propelled Ananta Group into new frontiers of growth and innovation. Since joining the Group as a Director in August 2008, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the family enterprise into one of Bangladesh’s largest and fastest growing apparel manufacturers, achieving an annual turnover of more than USD 450 million and employing over 34,000 people. His leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, efficiency, and sustainable expansion.
Today, as Managing Director of Ananta Group, Asif Zahir continues to drive diversification and modernization across the Group’s businesses. He also serves as Managing Director of Zero Gravity Ventures Ltd. and Sindabad.com Ltd., a pioneering B2B e commerce platform that provides one stop purchasing solutions for enterprises. His entrepreneurial reach extends beyond manufacturing and technology, having previously served as a Director of National Finance Limited, a non banking financial institution, which broadened his expertise in the financial sector.
Before returning to Bangladesh, Asif gained invaluable global exposure in the United States, working as a Product Manager at Google, Inc. At Google, he focused on developing applications for the Android mobile operating platform, an experience that sharpened his ability to merge technology with business strategy. This background continues to influence his approach to digital transformation and innovation within Ananta Group and beyond.
Academically, Asif’s credentials are equally distinguished. He graduated from Stanford University, USA, with a degree in Computer Science, where he was honored as a President’s Scholar and a Mayfield Fellow. He later completed his MBA at Harvard University, equipping him with world class business acumen.
With his blend of global technology expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic leadership, Asif Zahir exemplifies the new generation of business leaders in Bangladesh. As Managing Director, he is committed to building resilient organizations, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth that contributes to the nation’s progress.
Today, as Managing Director of Ananta Group, Asif Zahir continues to drive diversification and modernization across the Group’s businesses. He also serves as Managing Director of Zero Gravity Ventures Ltd. and Sindabad.com Ltd., a pioneering B2B e commerce platform that provides one stop purchasing solutions for enterprises. His entrepreneurial reach extends beyond manufacturing and technology, having previously served as a Director of National Finance Limited, a non banking financial institution, which broadened his expertise in the financial sector.
Before returning to Bangladesh, Asif gained invaluable global exposure in the United States, working as a Product Manager at Google, Inc. At Google, he focused on developing applications for the Android mobile operating platform, an experience that sharpened his ability to merge technology with business strategy. This background continues to influence his approach to digital transformation and innovation within Ananta Group and beyond.
Academically, Asif’s credentials are equally distinguished. He graduated from Stanford University, USA, with a degree in Computer Science, where he was honored as a President’s Scholar and a Mayfield Fellow. He later completed his MBA at Harvard University, equipping him with world class business acumen.
With his blend of global technology expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic leadership, Asif Zahir exemplifies the new generation of business leaders in Bangladesh. As Managing Director, he is committed to building resilient organizations, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth that contributes to the nation’s progress.
Syed Ishtiaq Alam Director
Mr. Syed Ishtiaq Alam is the director of Ananta Group Limited. Mr. Alam has more than 10 years of management consulting experience in the financial services, insurance, apparel, and retail sectors to his credit. Prior to joining Ananta Group Limited, Mr. Alam was a manager based at the New York headquarters of Deloitte Consulting. There he was responsible for assisting leading insurance companies, Wall Street investment banks, and apparel/retail clients in implementing multi-year projects including strategy/planning, program/project management, business processes development, project implementation, and rollout. Mr. Alam also sits on the board of directors of Eastern Insurance Co. Limited. His career includes leadership roles including partnerships to handle capital expenditures and systems upgrades. He holds both a bachelor of science with distinction in mathematics and physics and a master’s degree in computer and information science from the University of Pennsylvania.
Anders Stendebakken Nominee Director
Mr. Anders Stendebakken is CEO of Brummer & Partners Asset Management (Asia) Pte Ltd. After graduating from the Stockholm School of Economics in 1996 Mr. Stendebakken joined Brummer & Partners as an analyst. From 1998 to 2005, he worked for the international investment bank Lazard focusing on mergers and acquisitions, most recently as vice president within corporate finance. In 2005, he moved to Asia where he worked for Vickers Financial Group, a private equity firm that invests in China and Southeast Asia, where he also formed a part of the investment committee. In August 2007, Mr. Stendebakken once again joined Brummer & Partners as CEO of B&P Asset Management (Asia) Pte Ltd. Since then, he has overseen the Brummer & Partners business in Asia, including the launch of two funds – the Frontier Fund (Bermuda) Ltd. (the “Frontier Fund”) and Frontier PE (Cayman) LP (“Frontier PE”) that invest in Bangladesh. Responsibilities have included managing investments in the capital market in Bangladesh since the Frontier Fund’s inception in 2008 as well as being an original member of the investment team and one of three members of the investment committee of Frontier Fund and Frontier PE, which is dedicated to private equity investments in Bangladesh.
Kerry Breen Nominee Director
Kerry Breen, a US citizen, has extensive experience in finance and strategy, and has led the investment team for the only Bangladesh-focused private equity fund for almost 10 years. Previously she worked with the global management team of PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Director of Global Strategy. She is an advisor to start-ups and growth stage businesses as well as a venture capital investment syndicate. She holds an MBA from London Business School, a master’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a BA in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.
Anisuddin Ahmed Khan Independent Director
Anisuddin Ahmed Khan, a.k.a Anis A. Khan, is a distinguished figure in Bangladesh's banking and financial sector, bringing a wealth of experience to Ananta Group as an Independent Director. With 42 years in the industry, including key roles at the then ANZ Grindlays Bank plc and Standard Chartered Bank, both at home and abroad, and then as CEO & Managing Director of IDLC Finance PLC and Managing Director & CEO of Mutual Trust Bank PLC, and currently as an Independent Director of Trust Bank Limited and sponsor shareholder of Kori Digital Bank, he demonstrates strong leadership and strategic prowess. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers Bangladesh (IBB) and its Council Member for 2024. He was the Chairman of the Association of Bankers Bangladesh Limited (ABB) and Chairman of Primary Dealers Bangladesh Limited. Mr. Khan's contributions extend beyond banking, with directorial positions in ACI Limited, ACI Motors Ltd., Summit Power Limited, Summit Alliance Port Limited and Central Counterparty Bangladesh Limited. He is Managing Partner of AAZ & Partners. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Independent University Bangladesh, reflecting his commitment to education and leadership development. He is former Senior Vice President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Dhaka (MCCI) and its current Director. He has also served as Vice President of the Bangladesh Publicly Listed Companies Association (BAPLC). He serves as the Chairman of Valor of Bangladesh (VoB) and President of Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust (BANCAT). With a robust academic background and continuous pursuit of knowledge through prestigious institutions, Mr. Khan's expertise and dedication enrich the board of Ananta Group.
Entrepreneurial and innovative DNA drives Ananta to seek and create valuable and mutually beneficial partnerships that forge new discoveries for us and our partners. Our relentless pursuit of operational excellence and proven track record in the global apparel arena gives us opportunities to build strong relationships with other industry leaders based on a firm foundation of mutual understanding, trust, and steadfast business ethics.
Brandot International Limited is an investment company specializing in joint venture partnerships in the apparel and textile industry. They invest in private companies that show outstanding potential and sustainable long-term competitive advantage. With its extensive apparel and textile industry experience, Brandot’s competitive advantage rests in its ability to offer unique perspectives that add value to joint venture companies. Brandot was founded in 2001 by Martin Trust, an entrepreneur with over 50 years of apparel and textile industry experience.
Time International Trading S.R.L has been operating in the Romanian market for over 15 years. A family-owned business, it is an established, well-reputed formal suits manufacturer primarily catering to the EU market. With a 1,000+ workforce across three factories in Alexandria and Bucharest, Romania, it has a vast international market penetration.
Founded in 1991 by Ms. Pinghua Mao, Shanghai Huaxiang Group, a well-respected sweater manufacturer in China, produces more than 6 million units and sales totaling more than $60 million annually. Its customers consist of leading brands and retailers such as Ann Taylor Loft, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Escada, Burberry, and Chloe. It has earned several awards and recognition including “one of the best suppliers” from Mast Industries Inc. in 2009 and “one of the best women leaders of enterprises in Shanghai” in 2011.
The Frontier Fund is a registered investment fund focusing on investing in listed securities as well as the securities of privately held companies in Bangladesh. The Fund’s target sectors include pharmaceuticals, auto and ancillaries, healthcare, education, financial services, retail and distribution, telecommunications, and consumer goods.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) invested in equity financing at Ananta Group’s parent holding company in 2015. The IFC has continued to support Ananta Group in its developmental and long-term capital growth through its private equity investment.
Investment support from leading development focused investors (DFI) includes equity financing from IFC (2015) and Brummer and Partners (2010) and debt financing from IFC, FMO, DEG, and other international banks. Well-established business relationships also exist with leading local and international banks such as Standard Charter Bank Plc., Prime Bank Ltd., Eastern Bank Ltd., and BRAC Bank Ltd.