Kabir, Ahmadul (1923-2003) entrepreneur, journalist and politician, was born on 3 February 1923 to a zamindar family of Ghorashal of palash upazila of narshingdi district. After graduating in Economics (Hons) from Dhaka University Ahmadul Kabir joined the Reserve Bank of India, where he later served as the chief of the East Pakistan Foreign Exchange Department. In January 1954, Ahmadul Kabir left the government job and took to business. He was the founder director of the Eastern Mercantile Bank and the IFIC Bank. Notable among the industries established by him included the Essential Industries, Vita Cola, and Bengal Beverage Company.

Alongside business, Ahmadul Kabir pursued journalism equally successfully. He worked with the daily sangbad from its very inception. He served as its editor since 1972, became the chief editor in 2001 and worked with it until his death.

Ahmadul Kabir was a student leader while studying at Dhaka University. He was the first elected VP (Vice-President) of DUCSU (Dhaka University Central Students Union, 1945-1946). In 1942-1943, he was elected sport secretary of the Salimullah Muslim Hall of Dhaka University. He was elected member of the East Pakistan Legislative Assembly in 1965. For his active role in support of the movement for autonomy of East Pakistan, the government of Pakistan arrested him in 1971 and he had to close the office of the daily Sangbad. The publication of the daily was resumed after the liberation of Bangladesh. Under his leadership the daily Sangbad played a non-communal and progressive role in the then Pakistan and in Bangladesh after liberation.

As an independent candidate Ahmadul Kabir was elected member of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad from Narsingdi constituency for two terms, first in 1979 and later in 1986. He was a central leader of National Awami Party (NAP) of the then Pakistan. Ahmadul Kabir was treasurer of the Krishak Samiti (Peasants' Association) for a long time. Later, he became the founder president of the Ganotantri Party formed in 1990. He served as the chairman of Bangladesh section for the Commonwealth Press Union and in that capacity he took part in many international seminars including the ones held in Bahama, Hong Kong and Glasgow. He was the member of the Governing and Trustee Board of the Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB).

Ahmadul Kabir died on 24 November 2003. [Sambaru Chandra Mohanta]