Zeeno Packir
Youth transformation
Q: What has been the biggest adjustment for you in transitioning to life in Bangladesh?
A: Adjusting to the hustle and bustle of life in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka was the biggest adjustment in transitioning from our more relaxed and organised commercial capital Colombo.
Today, Bangladesh is a fast developing country in the region with excellent leadership and a vision to become the 24th largest economy in the world by 2030.
Q: How influential is the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh – and how do you engage with them?
A: Bangladesh has always exuded warmth towards the Sri Lankan community; it recognises our contribution to the apparel industry as being second to China in apparel exports to the world.
I served the Sri Lanka Association of Bangladesh (SLAB) as its Vice President in year-round community activities, and was also a Past President and Director of the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SLBCCI), where we add value to both countries’ bilateral trade, foreign direct investments (FDI) and other activities.
Q: What differences have you observed in the work culture and leisure activities between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
A: I see a great transformation among the youth who have completed their higher studies, and are taking over family businesses and developing a great work culture to achieve international standards across all industries in this country.
Q: Do you see any similarities or differences between Sri Lankan and Bengali cultures? And have you picked up any Bengali phrases since moving to Bangladesh?
A: In terms of culture, the Sinhalese, Tamils and Bengalis are almost alike when it comes to food and lifestyle habits – specifically during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, and the Bengali New Year, which is known as Pohela Boishakh. This is the first day of the Bengali calendar, which is celebrated on 14 April in Bangladesh.
The similarities in the Bengali and Sinhala languages are vast as they’re both derived from Sanskrit. Bengali is moderately easy to learn and having had to interact with different levels of society since mid-1999 has seen me become fluent in the spoken language.
Q: Have you explored Bangladesh during the course of your stay in the country – and if so, your most memorable experiences have been in…?
A: Yes, across the country from Cox’s Bazar – the longest natural unbroken sea beach in the world that boasts a length of 155 kilometres – to upcountry tea estates in Sylhet.
My most memorable experience was visiting the Sundarbans National Park and seeing the mighty royal Bengal tigers in the mangrove forest.
Q: What Sri Lankan dishes do you miss the most?
A: I miss traditional breakfast dishes such as string hoppers, hoppers, kottu and devilled hot dishes.
Q: Do you see yourself residing in Bangladesh in the long run – or do you have plans to return to Sri Lanka eventually?
A: There is nothing comparable to my scenic motherland, and I’m looking forward to returning and enjoying retirement in ‘Paradise Sri Lanka.’
And finally, might I add that we all value our motherland when we’re out of the country!
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Wife
Daughter
Son
SCHOOLING
Isipathana College
HIGHER EDUCATION
Science graduate
EDBA (University of Colombo)
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Chief Executive Officer – Lavender Convenience Store
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
Bangladesh
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Dhaka
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Zeeno Packir has over 35 years’ hands-on experience in the agro-food processing, retail, and manufacturing and distribution sectors.
He has experience in livestock processing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sales and distribution, and developing the retail and wholesale formats for international and homegrown supermarkets, fast food restaurants and food court operations in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Prior to his stints in Bangladesh and Pakistan, Packir served at conglomerate John Keells Holdings’ retail arm. And in Pakistan, he worked as a consultant for a large blue-chip company.
He has also helped establish many leading brands in Bangladesh as the CEO of several companies.