Preface of the Founder
In 1953, the journey of Hassan Book Depot started in the hands of the late Abdul Gafur Sarkar (1930 – 1982) on 'Garib Shah Road' in Jashore. He was born in 1930 in Cumilla district. Initially Hassan Book Depot's activities were limited to retail book purchases and sales. Running the organization with utmost honesty and dedication, he tried to expand the dimension of business. Later, during the War of Liberation, Hassan Book Depot, like the rest of the country, was reduced to rubble by the Pak aggressors. In the after-war independent country, he resumed the business activities of Hassan Book Depot. He dreamt that one day Hassan Book Depot would become the top book business industry in the country. With this dream in mind, capitalizing on endless enthusiasm and courage, he gradually moved forward overcoming all the adversities. Through hard work, honesty and discipline, he established successful business organizations like Janani Group, Hassan Group and Sarkar Group from that small initiatives. At present, students all over the country are using Janani Publication's books and stationery items from Top Pen and Stationery Industry. Thousands of employees have been employed in these organizations. He passed away in 1982 at the age of 52 only. His sons are established in their respective fields as businessmen and are constantly contributing to the economic progress of the country.
Board Of Directors
Chairman
An unforgettable name in the history of book business in Bangladesh is the Chairman of 'Hassan Book Depot', philanthropist late Abul Kashem Sarkar. He was born in 1960 in Jashore District. In addition to his undergraduate studies, he started his career at Hassan Book Depot, a business established by his father, the late Abdul Gafur Sarkar. Completing his Honours, he took the helm of the family and expenses as a result of his father's death. Under his skilled management, the company continued to prosper and the dimension of its business continued to grow. Following this, he got involved in NCTB's text book printing in the open tender in 1990. Hassan Book Depot started its publishing in Dhaka in 2002. The business activities of Hassan Book Depot spread all over the country from a small bookshop in Jashore. Later he founded Balaka Press, Top Pen and Stationery Industries, etc. Under his dynamic leadership, Balaka Press became one of the country's leading printing presses. A large part of the printing work of textbooks is being done through Balaka Press every year for the students all over Bangladesh. Thousands of people have been employed. Year after year, he has been elected as the top taxpayer in the Khulna region by the National Board of Revenue. He has spent most of his life in establishing a welfare and merit based society. By the will of Great Creator, the late Abul Kashem Sarkar passed away on the last Friday night of the holy month of Ramadan on June 8, 2018 in the state of Ozu for the purpose of Tahajjud prayers. May Allah, the Great Creator make him a dweller of Paradise / Jannat. Amin!
Managing Director
Mr. Arafat Faisal Sarker is the Managing Director of IGNITE CONSORTIUM LTD. He was born in October 2, 1989 in south-western prosperous city, Jashore of Bangladesh. As a student he was very brilliant and received higher education in Australia. After completion his study in Australia, he returned to Bangladesh in 2016. After his arrival, he began his business career with guidance of his father, Late Abul Kashem Sarker. This business was established by his grandparent Late Abdul Gafur Sarker. As business was in his blood, he became indomitable to extend the family business. So to fulfill his father's dream, he established IGNITE CONSORTIUM LTD. At the same time some other business institutions like Hassan Book Depot, Ignite Publications, Janani Publications, Top Pen and Stationery, Balaka Press and Publications, New Blue Bird International are growing fast under his charismatic leadership. His great leadership quality and the use of modern technology have added a new dimension in this business. This institution is playing a crucial role in spreading education in Bangladesh beside doing its business. Janani Publications and Ignite Publications are publishing supplementary books for the NCTB published textbooks. Top Pen and Industries' pens and other stationery items have now reached far and wide in Bangladesh. At the same time, these institutions have created huge number of employment opportunities. Thousands of officers and workers are working there. The sister concerns of IGNITE CONSORTIUM LTD are playing a great role in the economic development of Bangladesh.