LEADING WITH PASSION

History was created when a young, vibrant, and determined Bangladeshi HR professional, Mohammad Nazrul Islam, was selected as one of the 100 Most Talented Global HR Leaders, at the 23rd World HRD Congress, this year.

Having finished schooling from Bhairab KB Pilot High School, City College and then Dhaka University, majoring in Accounting, Nazrul started his career in Customer Service with Grameen Phone after graduation. In 2006, he completed his MBA, majoring in HRM, from North South University.

Nazrul then worked for GP IT Ltd, for recruitment and development, after which he joined Citycell, first as DGM, then DGM HR and then Head of HR. "By then I had started working on courses with different universities as well," he shares. "We held courses for fresh graduates, teaching them how to make a CV, what to do and say to the interview board. We held workshops and seminars in many universities both in and out of Dhaka, which was a part of a UNDP project call 'Industry-University Collaboration'" says Nazrul. He also had his own column in Prothom Alo called 'Hote Chai, Pete Chai' through which he would do career counselling.

After four years in Citycell, Nazrul was contacted by, and then appointed as the Head of HR of, Rangs Group. Shortly after, he was contacted by the World HRD Congress, where a high profile selection committee selected their candidates based on- A. Strategic Perspective, B. Track Record, C. Ability for Sustainability, D. Future Orientation, E. Integrity and Ethics, and F. Competences. Fitting perfectly to their standard of excellence, they recognised Mohammad Nazrul Islam as one of the "100 Most Talented Global HR Leaders 2015"

He flew to Mumbai, India, on February 2015 to receive his award. "It was a fabulous gathering. There were HR professionals from many countries. I even had the opportunity to chair a session on Training and Development while I was there," shares Nazrul. "I learned a lot during my time there. There were many new concepts and ideas on the growth of an organisation from the HR end, and I plan to implement these concepts in our country very soon."

Nazrul's first rule of success is to enjoy and love your job. "I really didn't think I would get awarded for my work. I learned that if I give my utmost effort, money and success will follow." He adds, "What is most necessary to succeed in your career is to first find what you love to do and what will help you grow– because when you grow, the society grows, and then the nation."

He is the current Executive Member of North South EMBA Club. He is the life fellow, running Executive Councillor and is leading the Bangladesh Society for Human Resources Management (BSHRM) as General Secretary.