Running a business in Bangladesh is far from easy. Entrepreneurs have to overcome several challenges and risks, and being a woman in the garment sector, the task may be even trickier. 

But Rubana Huq, managing director of Mohammadi Group, a leading apparel maker, has braved all the challenges in the last 19 years.

The group that began its journey in the garment business with only one factory in Khilkhet, Dhaka with 500 workers in 1985, exported apparel worth $70 million last fiscal year with 15 percent year-on-year growth.

She joined the company as a junior officer in 1995, and it is her dedication, hard work and worth that made her the company's managing director in 1998.

Going from strength to strength, Rubana showed her managerial and entrepreneurial calibre to take the company to a new height. The group now employs 9,000 workers in its eight factories, Rubana said.

The company has also expanded the business to other sectors -- real estate, software, power plant and digital distribution of television channels.

“I always incentivise good performers to encourage them. I also hold regular talks with officials and workers.” The group plans to expand garment business by at least 30 percent in the next few years.

“Attaining sustainability is my target. I want my group to grow at international standards so nobody can question compliance or the quality of products.”