Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Bangladeshi Trailblazers

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, Tasnim Hasan sat down with Nabila Nowrin - entrepreneur, architect, investor, and co-founder of Moar. She shared her journey of building one of Bangladesh's pioneering co-working spaces, the vision behind her family office, and how she identifies founders and businesses worth backing.

Nabila also shares how she got started, her philosophy on hiring great teams, and the leadership lessons she's learned along the way. As she hilariously puts it, "People you hire need to be happy people."

This episode is an honest conversation about building businesses with purpose, people, and long-term impact.

What does it take to build Bangladesh's premium handcrafted chocolate brand from scratch?

In this episode, we explore the journey behind Affanium Chocolate, from sourcing exceptional ingredients to educating a new generation of artisan chocolate lovers. We also discuss entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and the future of premium food brands in Bangladesh.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, Tasnim sat down with Nilima Khan, the co-founder of Khushi Spice, to explore her journey from ambition to entrepreneurship.

We discuss the realities of building a food brand, preserving cultural heritage through cuisine, navigating expectations from family and society, and what it truly takes to turn a passion into a sustainable business.

Nilima shares the challenges, lessons, and moments of resilience that shaped her entrepreneurial path and offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build something meaningful from the ground up.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, Zarrin Tasnim shared her journey from being an engineering graduate to building a career in supply chain and safety at a multinational company while simultaneously launching her clothing brand, Z Atelier.

Zarrin shares the realities of balancing a demanding corporate career with entrepreneurship, navigating creativity alongside structure, and building a brand rooted in passion and identity.

From lessons learned in the MNC world to the challenges of starting a fashion label, this episode dives into ambition, discipline, and carving your own path as a modern Bangladeshi woman.

Discussions about personal growth, overcoming self-doubt, and how young professionals can pursue multiple passions without limiting themselves to one identity.

In this episode, Tasnim Hasan sat down with Mohammad Karim, a dedicated footballer and rising sportsperson representing the spirit of Bangladesh on and off the field.

The host and the guest explored what it truly means to build a career in football in Bangladesh, the sacrifices behind the scenes, and his vision for the future of sports in the country.

This episode is a powerful reminder that trailblazing is not just about success, it’s about pushing boundaries where none existed before.

In this episode, host Tasnim Hasan sits down with Saadiyah Khan, the founding partner of Beige & Co., a minimalist daily wear brand redefining elegance and comfort in Bangladesh's fashion landscape.

Saadiyah shares her journey from launching her own ethnic clothing label in 2017 to identifying an untapped gap in the market for thoughtfully designed, everyday wear. She opens up about the philosophy behind the name Beige & Co., her fully integrated approach to design, production and distribution, and how participation in retail platforms and exhibitions helped the brand grow organically, culminating in the opening of their experience outlet in Gulshan.

She also offers heartfelt advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women balancing multiple roles in a predominantly male-oriented business environment, reminding us that timing, belief, resilience, and starting small can carry you further than waiting for perfect conditions.

A candid, inspiring conversation about building a brand rooted in subtlety, intention, and quiet confidence.

🏪 Visit Beige & Co. Experience Store: Road 128, House 15, Gulshan

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, host Tasnim Hasan sits down with Elius, serial entrepreneur and one of the founding forces behind Pathao, to unpack what it really takes to build companies from Bangladesh, and beyond.

From starting Pathao in 2015 with no experience and no ecosystem, to navigating the realities of ride-sharing markets, Elius reflects on why many startups hit a ceiling in Bangladesh and why scale often demands a global mindset. He shares candid thoughts on why market size matters, why timing and luck can be engineered, and why hunger beats talent every time.

The conversation also dives into Elius’s post-Pathao journey, building Wind, a cross-border stable coin payments company that was later acquired by a US firm, and its evolution into Fin.com, an international fintech focused on enterprise-level global payments.

This episode is a must-listen for founders, builders, and professionals who want an unfiltered look at startups, talent, ecosystems, and what it means to build something world-class.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, we sit down with Taneem Taldar, a seasoned product leader who spent a decade at Amazon and has worked across Microsoft, BlackBerry, and multiple startups.

From growing up across African countries to studying at the University of Waterloo, and eventually breaking into some of the world’s most competitive tech companies, Taneem shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a career in Big Tech.

We dive deep into:

• How he landed interviews at Amazon and Microsoft

• What tech interviews actually test (and how to prepare for them)

• Why startup experience can outperform MBAs

• The reality of product management inside Amazon

• Why curiosity, resilience, and fundamentals matter more than job titles or programming languages

• How AI is reshaping the future of tech careers, and why humanities may matter more than ever

This episode is a must-listen for students, early-career professionals, and anyone questioning conventional career paths, especially Bangladeshis navigating global opportunities.

In this inspiring episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, host Tasnim Hasan sat down with Anil Wasif, Co-Founder of BacharLorai, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Bangladeshi diaspora.

With a strong record of cross-sector leadership and a lifetime of community service, Anil balances roles as a senior civil servant in the Ontario Government and serves on boards at University of Toronto and McGill University.

Anil takes us behind the resume to reveal his journey, sharing how he overcame the challenges of being an international student to become a sought-after voice in public policy, governance, and community leadership.

Together, they unpack the personal battle between external expectations and internal aspirations, redefining resilience as "intellectual humility." Anil challenges the diaspora to move beyond traditional charity, advocating instead for a "supply chain of ideas" where global citizens engage as active partners in co-creating impact.

Tune in to discover how the Bangladeshi diaspora can rally for a modern renaissance.

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements.

They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a healthier lifestyle by offering expert guidance and education on nutrition and fitness.

Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is offering a flat 10% discount on all their products. All you have to do is use the discount code BTH10 at checkout on their website: https://www.nutritiondepot.com.bd/

Are you struggling to balance your health with your busy lifestyle?

Dr. Rayhan Shahidullah shares how he transformed his journey from a medical student to a fitness advocate! Discover how small lifestyle changes can lead to big health benefits.

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements. They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a healthier lifestyle by offering expert guidance and education on nutrition and fitness.

Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is offering a flat 10% discount on all their products. All you have to do is use the discount code BTH10 at checkout on their website: https://www.nutritiondepot.com.bd/

In this episode, Tasnim Hasan was joined by Dr. Syeda Maria Adnin (Dr. Maria), a leading clinical and aesthetic dermatologist and the creator of @skinfix.maria, one of Bangladesh's most trusted skincare platforms.

With a Master's in Clinical Dermatology from King's College London, Dr. Maria practices at Este Aesthetic Hospital in Dhaka, where she combines science and empathy to help people feel confident in their skin.

Here they talked about Bangladeshi skin, the most common skin issues we face, and the skincare routines that actually work. Dr. Maria cuts through the myths and viral trends to share honest, science-backed advice that's practical and empowering.

Whether you're struggling with acne, pigmentation, or skincare confusion, this conversation will help you understand and care for your skin better, because real glow starts with self-care and confidence, not filters.

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements. They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a healthier lifestyle by offering expert guidance and education on nutrition and fitness.

Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is offering a flat 10% discount on all their products. All you have to do is use the discount code BTH10 at checkout on their website: https://www.nutritiondepot.com.bd/

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, host Tasnim Hasan sits down with Nayma Hasan, a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach on a mission to empower the South Asian community through holistic wellness. Nayma bridges the gap between modern nutrition science and traditional Bangladeshi food wisdom to create sustainable, culturally rooted health practices.

From understanding women’s unique nutritional needs across decades, to tackling common health concerns like anemia and Vitamin D deficiency, this episode dives deep into the Deshi Diet — debunking myths like “rice is bad” and celebrating the power of mindful eating, balance, and lifestyle harmony.

Tune in to uncover how small, intentional changes can help you lead a more nourished and energized life.

In this episode, meet Jahnnobi Rahman, the visionary behind Relaxy, who is redefining what mental wellness means for today’s generation. In this episode, she opens up about her path from burnout to building a mindful movement for the people of Bangladesh.
We talked about resilience, entrepreneurship, and the courage to slow down in a fast world. Listen to the episode to know more!

Urmi Hossain — an Italian Bangladeshi finance professional in Montreal — joins the Bangladeshi Trailblazers Podcast.

From being a third culture adult to hosting Stories Beyond Borders, she shares how identity and belonging shape her journey.

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Monoshita Ayruani — founder of SHAPE, Bangladesh’s very own body-positive, inclusive innerwear brand. From redefining what comfort means in women’s innerwear to challenging societal norms around body image, Ayruani shares the inspiration behind SHAPE and her mission to help women embrace their bodies unapologetically.

Tune in for real talk on entrepreneurship, self-love, and what it means to build a brand with purpose.

🔊 Whether you’re a founder, fashion lover, or feminist — this episode is for you.

Kashfy Ahsan’s story is one of evolution, creativity, and passion. Starting with a foundation in literature, Kashfy honed her ability to weave intricate tales and capture human experiences through words. This literary background became the springboard for her career in advertising, where she learned to blend storytelling with strategy, creating campaigns that resonated with audiences far and wide.

Her love for narrative didn’t end there. Kashfy channeled her insights into two remarkable books: Small World of Women and Priya Bole. These works dive deep into the complexities of relationships, emotions, and the little moments that define us—showcasing her unique voice and perspective. Inspired by her own life and the world around her, Kashfy’s writing has touched readers and solidified her as a storyteller at heart.

Today, Kashfy has taken her talents to new heights in media production. Combining her literary roots with her advertising expertise, she now crafts compelling visual stories that captivate and inspire. In this podcast episode, Kashfy opens up about her journey—sharing the challenges of transitioning between industries, the skills that have carried her through, and the creative spark that keeps her going.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a media enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode is for you. Expect candid reflections, practical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Kashfy continues to evolve as a creative professional. 🎧✨ #LiteratureLover #PodcastEpisode #CreativeMinds #Storytelling

Podcast Description

In this episode, Tasnim Hasan spoke to Asad Sattar about on ARKA Collective, a creative platform founded by him in 2023.

ARKA aims to shift the narrative from "Made in Bangladesh" to "Designed in Bangladesh," empowering local designers and promoting cultural preservation. Known for its flagship event, Arka Fashion Week, the collective highlights sustainability and innovation in Bangladeshi fashion.

Asad, with a background in the RMG sector, envisions ARKA as a bridge between generations, fostering local creativity. Tune in to discover how ARKA is redefining fashion and design in Bangladesh.

Nerissa Nashin is redefining beauty standards in Bangladesh—one flawless, true-to-skin makeup look at a time. As a makeup artist at Studio Salon and co-founder of Freya Makeover & Salon, she champions true-to-complexion beauty with every brushstroke.

Her work goes beyond brushes and palettes; it’s a bold stand against colorism, proving that every shade deserves to be seen, celebrated, and served. Through her artistry and entrepreneurship, she’s not just building a business, but a movement—where makeup becomes a tool for empowerment and radical inclusivity.

In this powerful conversation, Nerissa opens up about her journey as a makeup artist and entrepreneur. We dive deep into the history of colorism, its lasting impact on beauty standards, and how her work challenges systemic bias—one foundation shade at a time. Nerissa shares her vision for a purpose-driven beauty industry, where makeup isn’t just about artistry, but representation and empowerment for all skin tones.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, we sit down with Rash Cotts, the Bengali barber based in New York City.

From perfecting his craft in barbershops to building a clientele, Rash shares his journey of perseverance, and redefining the barbering experience.

In this episode, I sat down with the main brain of Dhaka Flow, Shazia Flow. Listen to this episode to find out how Dhaka flow started with its mission to make wellness, and mindfulness the core of its conception.

In this episode, I got into a conversation with Maliha Bhuiyan about wearing your WZN.

The brand focuses on heritage jewelry and plans on expanding with clothing line to celebrate body positivity too! Listen to this episode to know more about the brand and her 2025 plans.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, Tasnim Hasan interviewed Ishtiaque Mahmud, a Kyokushin Karate practitioner and advocate for holistic wellness.

Representing Kyokushinkaikan, Ishtiaque combines martial arts with yoga practices from Yogkulam, emphasizing mind-body alignment. He also draws inspiration from the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, focusing on inner peace and self-realization.

Tune in to explore his journey of self-discipline, mindfulness, and the intersection of martial arts and spiritual growth.

In this episode, we dive into a critical yet often overlooked topic—women's reproductive wellbeing in Bangladesh. Listen to the episode with Ronika Karmaker, founder of Lilac Digital Wellness, a platform dedicated to empowering women through digital tools for better reproductive health and overall wellbeing.

From breaking taboos to fostering awareness about menstruation, and sexual health, Ronika shares her inspiring journey of creating a safe space for women to learn, heal, and grow. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation about health, empowerment, and the power of digital wellness in transforming lives.

Trigger Warning:
This episode contains explicit content, including discussions of sex and mature themes. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

If these topics may be triggering or uncomfortable for you, we encourage you to prioritize your well-being and skip this episode. Thank you for listening responsibly.
Bushra Apa, a pioneering Bengali sex educator based in New York, joined the Bangladeshi Trailblazers Podcast to discuss breaking taboos, fostering open dialogue, and empowering individuals through sex education. Her work is reshaping societal narratives and creating safe spaces for conversations that matter.

Shadman Sakif, an MMA expert making waves in the global mixed martial arts scene. A Bangladeshi powerhouse, he is known for his relentless discipline, innovative techniques, and inspiring journey in a sport still gaining recognition in his homeland.

Shadman has represented Bangladesh on international platforms, breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries.

His commitment to empowering aspiring athletes and promoting MMA's potential in Bangladesh reflects his vision for the sport's future.

Tune in to hear his incredible story on the Bangladeshi Trailblazers podcast!

In this inspiring episode, Tasnim Hasan sat down with Gulnahar Mahbub Monika from Deshi Ballers to explore the journey behind the organization's creation.

From breaking barriers to fostering a community of empowered athletes, we dive into the challenges they’ve faced and their bold vision for the future of women's basketball in Bangladesh.

Don’t miss this deep dive into passion, perseverance, and progress!

Listen to us as we dive into the vibrant world of mural artist Irina Rezwan, who brings empty walls and spaces to life with her artistry. In this episode, we explore how Irina's bold colors, intricate designs, and influences paint stories that transcend walls.

From her creative journey to the challenges of working on public spaces, discover how she transforms white walls into living canvases, shaping the art scene in Dhaka, Bangkok & beyond.

In this episode, I sat down with Mahenaz Chowdhury, the founder of Broque, to explore sustainability and upcycling, along with the importance of preserving heirlooms passed down through generations. We also discussed Broque’s exciting plans for the future, including their Residence Program.

Broque focuses on blending sustainability with artistry, focusing on upcycling materials into unique pieces and reviving cultural heritage through creative collaborations.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Tanjeen Twinkle, who currently works as a Morning Show Producer at NY1. Tanjeen dives into her journey, from her early days as an Executive News Producer at WRDE to where she is now. We also reflect on our friendship and the experiences that have shaped her career. Growing up in Philadelphia, Tanjeen pursued journalism and political science at Temple University, driven by her passion for helping and informing her community. When she's not producing news, she loves watching movies, baking, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.

In this episode, we were thrilled to welcome Tanvir Hasan Britto, a dedicated Fitness and Lifestyle coach who has been inspiring people since 2018. He shared his incredible journey with us, revealing how he first got into the world of fitness and what motivated him to pursue this path. We dove into some fascinating discussions about the importance of fitness, mindfulness, and effective lifestyle management. Tanvir offered valuable insights and practical tips that can help anyone looking to enhance their well-being. It was an engaging and enlightening conversation that we're excited to share with you!

In this episode, we explore mental health within South Asian communities in the U.S., featuring Naziat Hassan Ahmed. She discusses the available resources and highlights the ongoing need for progress in this critical area.

In this episode, Tasnim dives into an insightful chat with Mo, a real estate expert and content creator, who breaks down the essential dos and don'ts for new homeowners. Tune in to uncover the key clauses every buyer should know and get an inside look at Mo's daily hustle in the real estate world!

In this episode, Tasnim got the chance to chat with one of the youngest entrepreneurs on the show, Shababa Suzana Hossain. She’s a Food Stylist and the owner of Womplings and Cookie Culture BD. Tune in to hear how her journey kicked off after being inspired by a Food Stylist in Singapore, and how she’s all about creating recipes that nourish not just people, but her soul too.

In this episode learn about Intelligent Machines Limited and how they have been in the forefront of creating artificial intelligence products for their target markets.

Mr. Oli Ahad, CEO of Intelligent Machines Limited has been trailblazing with enterprise AI products and data science services since 2018. Prior to establishing Intelligent Machines Limited, Mr. Oli's journey included a pivotal role as a Business Analyst at British American Tobacco.

His leadership in global and regional projects within technologically advanced environments paved the way for his dynamic career ahead.

In this episode, discover how Ifti explores the bridge between his Bangladeshi heritage and the diverse, ever-evolving global world. Listen in as he shares insights on the power of art to transcend borders, break down barriers, and foster understanding among people from different backgrounds.

Here's to a conversation with Ehfaz Rezwan about his recent immersive media work! His recent AI music video with Martian Love took the media by storm, including showcasing his immersive media work at the Dhaka Makers Fest.

Tasnim Hasan chatted with Novera Rahman, a U.K.-based producer currently with Innov8 Studios. In this episode, we dug into the basics of producing, how to kick things off, and ways to pick up lessons from your role models.

In this episode, I sat down to talk with Lamiya Mowla, an astronomer currently working as a Post Doctoral Fellow at the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, where she discussed about her experience with the James Webb Space Telescope team! Are you a space geek? Find out about her inspiring journey, and a little about Doorbeen.

In this episode, Tasnim had a blast chatting with Maliha Fairooz, a Bangladeshi travel blogger who’s been to over 100 countries!

Tune in to hear all about her epic adventures, her top travel hacks, and why stepping out of your comfort zone is the best way to dive into solo travel.

In this episode, we’re chatting with Rokaiya Ahmed Purna, the creative mind behind the EKN sustainable sneakers, Kamthala. Purna’s designs are made in Bangladesh, pushing the whole "Designed in Bangladesh" vibe and highlighting what the country can do in the fashion scene.

Tune in as we dive into Purna’s vision for sustainable fashion and her goal of uplifting local designers!

In this episode, I chatted with Shenin Serjin Promi from Bangladesh Thrift. She opened up about how her little sister inspires her and the cool stuff they’re doing with Bangladesh Thrift. They're really pushing the thrifting scene in Bangladesh and making waves. It's all about promoting that thrifting culture!

In this episode, I got in conversation with Tahmina Begum, the writer, editor and creator of the Aram Newsletter that centers around celebrating women of color and Muslim women. She talks about the inception of the newsletter, her experience so far and how she wants to keep telling her stories in the newsletter. Are you an avid reader? You can subscribe to her newsletter in this link: https://thearam.substack.com/about

In this segment, Arbab Musa, the Founder of Taaltibaaz discusses about the ideation of a taco cart in a bustling city like Dhaka. He talked about his passion for food, inspiration for starting a taco cart.

Taaltibaaz has managed to create a menu true to its deshi roots that incorporates local flavors and ingredients such as the Bhetki Fry Taco. Listen to this episode to know more!

In this episode, we will be diving into the world of Anirban Kaisar, an up and coming content creator who recently made headlines by being featured in Al-Jazeera.

Anirban is known for his captivating reels that showcase his unique perspective on photography and videography. We will be talking to Anirban about his journey as a content creator and the tips and tricks he has learned along the way.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how to take your photography and videography to the next level.

So, join us as we explore the creative mind of Anirban Kaisar and learn how to elevate your own content creation.

In this episode, Tasnim Hasan sat down with Fahmida Islam, the CEO of La Mode, who has been making significant strides in the footwear and accessories industry over the past decade to discuss the her journey.

In this episode, Tasnim spoke with Parsa Sanjana, a nutrition coach and fitness trainer who specializes in corrective exercise and sports nutrition.

Additionally, she is a professional kickboxer! Tune in to her inspiring journey if you're looking to follow in her footsteps and overcome obstacles!

Namira Hossain, a certified Biddy Tarot Reader and Astrologer, shares essential tips on what to do and what to avoid when receiving tarot readings.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about her journey into the world of tarot!

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, we dive into the vibrant world of beatboxing with the talented artist BeatBaksho. Join us as we explore his incredible journey from discovering the art form to finding his community in Dhaka and beyond.

BeatBaksho shares insights into the beatboxing scene in Bangladesh, the challenges he faced, and the unique connections he’s made along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned beatboxer or just curious about this dynamic form of expression, this conversation is sure to inspire and entertain.

Tune in now and keep up with the beats!

In this episode we had Aydha Mehnaz, a Celebrity and Media Relations Manager who is currently based in Paris.

She discussed about her transition from Biotechnology to into the world of fashion and how switching careers paved a way for her.

Listen to the episode to find out more!

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, Tasmina Khan Majles delves into the profound impact her creative upbringing has had on her career.

Growing up in an environment rich with artistic expression, Tasmina shares personal anecdotes and insights that highlight the importance of creativity in shaping her journey.

Tune in to discover how her experiences have influenced her work and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!