Banglalink Breaks Barriers: Zahraat Adib Appointed as First Female Deputy CEO in Telecom History

A new chapter has been written in the history of Bangladesh’s telecom sector as Zahraat Adib Chowdhury has been appointed Deputy CEO of Banglalink, making her the first Bangladeshi woman to hold such a top executive position in the industry.

The announcement was officially confirmed by Banglalink on Tuesday.

Zahraat joined Banglalink in 2014 as the Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary. With over 20 years of experience across multiple sectors, she has played a pivotal role in transforming Banglalink from a conventional telecom operator into one of the most innovative digital operators in the country. She has led several strategically significant projects, including the company’s “asset-light” model and “regulatory compliance” initiatives.

As Deputy CEO, Zahraat will work closely with the senior leadership team to drive Banglalink’s strategic vision forward while continuing to ensure exceptional and uninterrupted service for customers. Alongside her current responsibilities in legal affairs, corporate governance, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) matters, she will also spearhead efforts to fulfill Banglalink’s ambitions in digital financial services.

Banglalink CEO Erik Aas said, “Congratulations to Zahraat on her appointment as the new Deputy CEO. Her professional expertise, leadership qualities, and significant role in our digital transformation make her uniquely qualified for this position. This appointment is not just a step forward for the organization—it signifies a promise of enhanced experience and growth for our customers, partners, and stakeholders. We remain committed to building an innovative and future-ready company.”

Reflecting on her appointment, Zahraat Adib Chowdhury said, “Banglalink is going through a positive transformation as a leading digital operator. I’m thrilled to take on this new role at such a defining moment. I look forward to contributing to the expansion of Bangladesh’s digital ecosystem by helping ensure greater connectivity for all and accelerating inclusive growth through innovation. I’m proud to be part of the highly skilled and energetic Banglalink family and optimistic about supporting our colleagues in delivering effective digital solutions.”

Zahraat is a Barrister-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, England, and an alumna of Harvard Business School.