PROFILE OF DISTRICT CHAIRMAN SHAHANA ALAM NIRJHAR

Shahana Alam Nirjhar, born on 21st June in Tikatuli, Gopibag, Dhaka, has established herself as a prominent figure in various educational, business, and philanthropic sectors. Her roots trace back to Lakshmipur, where her grandfather, the late Syed Asad Ullah, was a well-known personality. Shahana is the daughter of Mr. Syed Badrul Alam, the founder of Wills Group Ltd. and Asad Academy School and College, embodying a legacy of entrepreneurship and education. Her mother, Zakia Alam Chowdhury, hails from a distinguished lineage, being the daughter of the late Basir Ullah Chowdhury.

    Shahana's journey into service and leadership began early, obtaining a Guide Certificate from the Bangladesh Girls Guide Association in seventh grade and becoming a life member of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. Her artistic inclinations led her to train in 'Nazrul Geeti' at Nazrul Academy, Moghbazar, Dhaka, and in recitation at the Academy for Recitation at T.S.C, Dhaka University. Academically, Shahana completed her SSC in 1990 from Moghbazar Nazrul Shikkhalaya School. She pursued higher education vigorously, earning a Master of Social Science in 2003 and completing extensive fieldwork at Shahid Suhrawardy Medical College & Hospital and Bangladesh Manobadhikar Shongstha. She also achieved an MBA from the Institute of Resource Management, affiliated with the University of Honolulu, USA, and obtained a Diploma in Unani Medicine Science (DUMS) in 2006.

In May 2004, Shahana embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, founding "Shahana Concept, a manufacturing business of over 100 home decorating textile products. Her company has been a regular participant at the Dhaka International Trade Fair over eight times and has gathered several prestigious certificates and memberships, including NASCIB, BSCIC, and more. She is currently involved in the real estate and development business and serves as the Director of Vision Landscape Ltd.

    Shahana's commitment to community service is reflected in her memberships in various clubs and associations, such as Uttara Club Ltd, Uttara Ladies Club Ltd, Gulshan Society, Baridhara Society, Purbachal Ladies Club Ltd, Platinum Member of Baridhara Diplomatic Spouses, and she is an executive committee member of Lakshmipur Jela Samity, Dhaka. She joined Lions Clubs International, District 315 B3 in 1997 and served as president of Lions Club of Dhaka Vision 40 for the year 2017-2018 and continued her position as Lady Governor of District 315 B3 in the year 2020-2021.

Her involvement with Inner Wheel Club started in 2012 following an invitation from Dilara Hashem, a senior member of Inner Wheel Club of Uttara, and was inducted by Professor Tasnim Ferdousee, Past President of Inner Wheel Club of Dhaka Cosmopolitan. Shahana has served in various capacities within the organization, including District ISO during 2018-2019, District Treasurer during 2019-2020, and Vice Chairman II twice during 2020-2022. She played a significant role as an Extension Organizer during 2022-2023, successfully forming five new clubs and achieving her target for International Inner Wheel Club formation. In 2023-2024, she served as Vice Chairman I and was subsequently elected as the District Chairman of Inner Wheel District 328 for 2024-2025.

Shahana has also been actively involved in Inner Wheel's cultural and service activities, participating in the 3rd South Asian Rally in Bombay, Goa, and Kolkata; the 4th South Asian Rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and the 5th South Asian Rally in 2022 in Bangladesh, where she served as Co-Secretary. In recognition of Inner Wheel's centenary in 2024, she played a vital role as the Correspondence Secretary.

    On a personal note, Shahana's family life has been a cornerstone of her success. Shahana Alam Nirjhar is happily married to Lion A.H.M Zahirul Islam, MJF, on 26th February 1999. Coincidentally, Nirjhar and Zahirul Islam share the same birth date, 21st June. He obtained his MSc degree in Chemistry from Aligarh University, UP, India. He served as District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 31583. Previously, he served as Director of Production at the renowned herbal medicine company Hamdard Laboratories (WAQF), Bangladesh. Mr. Zahirul Islam is currently leading various businesses including export-import, construction, transportation, real estate & land development, eye hospitals, schools, colleges, a recruiting agency under the Bureau of Manpower, label and packaging industries, picnic spots, and resorts under ZAHIRUL GROUP. The companies he manages include Siam Corporation, Maiymoona Transportation, Vision Landscape Ltd, Royal City Properties Ltd, Z.F. Corporation, Lion Zahirul Islam Eye Hospital, Savar Laboratories School, Savar Laboratories College, Green Bell Laboratories School (English Version), Green Bell International School (English Medium), Nirjhar Overseas, Jol Torongo Picnic Spot, and Shahana Zahir Khanikalay Resort.

    The loving couple is blessed with two children. Their elder daughter, Maiymoona Bintee Zahirul, is currently completing her B.Com in Business Management at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) in Toronto, Canada. Their son, Siam Bin Zahirul, is pursuing a BSc in Computer Science at York University in Toronto, Canada.

    Shahana's zest for exploration and cultural enrichment is mirrored in her extensive travels. She has visited numerous countries for both leisure and spiritual fulfillment, including completing her Hajj in 2011 and performing Umrah six times. These countries include the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Republic of Singapore, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America, Bahrain, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Belgium. These journeys not only reflect her global perspective but also her commitment to a life of learning and personal growth.

Throughout her 13-year journey with Inner Wheel, she has found great enjoyment and fulfillment in her involvement with the organization. As District Chairman 2024-25, Shahana Alam Nirjhar's mission is "BE POSITIVE." By following this, Inner Wheel members can create a positive impact on their community, support each other, and truly embody International Inner Wheel President Mamta Gupta's theme, "HEART BEAT of HUMANITY".