Biography of Zia Ashraf: Co-founder & COO of Chandal.com Bangladeshi E-commerce
Biography of Zia Ashraf:
Early Years and Education
Zia Ashraf, born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, grew up in
a culturally rich environment. Despite earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing
from North South University, he believes true merit goes beyond formal
education, drawing inspiration from his family background in film.
Venturing into Business
After a brief stint in banking, Zia ventured into
Bangladesh’s garment industry, managing diverse operations including
merchandising and marketing. His journey took an unexpected turn when he faced
personal challenges, leading to his exit from the garment sector.
The Birth of Chaldal.com
In 2013, prompted by a friend’s call from Silicon Valley and
a desire to make a difference, Zia, along with childhood friends Wasim Ali and
Tejas Viswanath, founded Chaldal.com. They envisioned an online grocery
platform that could deliver essentials right to people’s doorsteps, a novel concept
in Bangladesh at the time.
Overcoming Challenges
Chaldal.com faced skepticism in its early days but secured
its first order in July 2013. Through perseverance and strategic planning, the
platform gradually gained traction, expanding to 25 warehouses across major
cities. Today, it processes an impressive 10 to 12 thousand orders daily,
transforming how Bangladeshi consumers shop for groceries.
Zia Ashraf's Professional Journey
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer at Chaldal.com (May
2013 - Present)
Since founding Chaldal.com in 2013, Zia Ashraf has played a
pivotal role in establishing and expanding Bangladesh's leading e-commerce
platform for groceries. His leadership has been instrumental in steering the
company through significant growth and navigating challenges in the digital
commerce landscape.
Director of Foreign Affairs, E-Commerce Association of
Bangladesh (2020 - Present)
In his role as Director of Foreign Affairs, Zia Ashraf
contributes to shaping trade policies, fostering international business
partnerships, and attracting foreign investments to bolster the local
e-commerce sector. His efforts aim to enhance economic opportunities and
technological advancements in Bangladesh.
Board Member, Cookups Technologies (Oct 2019 - Present)
Zia Ashraf serves as a board member at Cookups Technologies,
leveraging his expertise to guide strategic decisions and support the company's
growth in the technology and culinary sectors.
Biography of Zia Ashraf: Co-founder & COO of Chandal.com-E commerce service /online grocery marketplace/ business/ Stratup/ Entrepreneur/ Bangladesh
Strategic Advisor, MTailor.com (May 2016 - Sep 2016)
As a strategic advisor to MTailor.com, a pioneering company
in custom-fit clothing backed by Y Combinator, Zia Ashraf provided valuable
insights to establish their operations in Bangladesh, demonstrating his strategic
acumen in scaling businesses.
Head of Operations, Dawn Garments Limited (Oct 2010 - Oct
2012)
At Dawn Garments Limited, Zia Ashraf managed a workforce of
over 1000 employees, overseeing all aspects of operations including
merchandising, production, commercial design, and marketing. His leadership
contributed to the company's operational efficiency and growth in the garment
manufacturing sector.
The Significance of the Name
The name "Chaldal" itself holds a poignant story.
Derived from a colloquial term used by a rickshaw puller who highlighted rising
grocery prices, the name resonated with Zia. It symbolizes both the everyday
struggles of Bangladeshi life and the platform’s mission to provide accessible,
reliable grocery solutions.
Looking Ahead
Zia Ashraf continues to steer Chaldal.com as its COO,
focusing on innovation and customer satisfaction. His journey reflects
resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to shaping Bangladesh’s
e-commerce landscape. Through his leadership, Zia inspires others to embrace
change and seize opportunities in the evolving digital economy.
Chaldal.com's Journey: From Investment to Inspiration
Securing Significant Investment
Chaldal.com recently celebrated a major milestone with a
hefty investment of $29 million, a testament to its growing influence in both
national and international markets.
A Journey Inspired by Family Values
Born into a family renowned in Bangla cinema, Jia Ashraf
defied expectations by choosing business over acting. Inspired by his father's
guidance and encouragement, he pursued his passion for entrepreneurship, seeing
his father not just as a parent but also as a mentor.
Driven by Compassion: Humanitarian Initiatives
Motivated by personal experiences, particularly his
brother's autism, Jia Ashraf channels his energy into empowering disabled
individuals and supporting refugees. His dedication to humanitarian causes
shines through in all his endeavors.
Aspiration to Innovate: Redefining E-Commerce
At the helm of Chaldal.com, Jia Ashraf envisions more than
just an online grocery store. He aims to set new benchmarks in the industry by
prioritizing innovation and customer satisfaction. His goal is to transform the
online shopping experience, making Chaldal.com the epitome of convenience and
reliability.
Leadership and Expertise: Zia Ashraf's Journey
Zia Ashraf, the Founder and COO of Chaldal.com, brings a
wealth of experience to the table. From managing operations at a large garments
factory to his role in promoting foreign trade policies, Zia is a seasoned
leader known for his problem-solving skills and strategic insights.
Commitment to Growth and Excellence
Despite his academic achievements, Zia Ashraf believes that
true merit lies beyond a degree certificate. His journey from Dhaka to leading
Bangladesh's largest online grocery platform is a testament to his dedication,
integrity, and ability to foster meaningful change.
Paving the Way Forward: Innovations in Customer Service
Under Zia Ashraf's leadership, Chaldal.com has established a
state-of-the-art call center and web portal, ensuring swift and reliable service
for all. His commitment to efficiency and forward-thinking has set a new
standard in customer care within the industry.
Commitment to Quality and Customer Care
Drawing from his background in managing operations, Zia
implemented stringent quality controls at Chaldal.com, ensuring all products
meet BSTI standards. He prioritized personalized customer service, including
innovative solutions for differently-abled customers.
Navigating Growth During the Pandemic
Chaldal.com experienced rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic,
reflecting its established reputation for reliability and customer
satisfaction. Zia and his team expanded operations swiftly to meet increased
demand while maintaining service excellence.
Chaldal's Role in Industry Collaboration
Beyond its own success, Chaldal.com actively supports the
growth of other startups and local businesses. Zia advocates for collective
quality assurance across the e-commerce sector, emphasizing the importance of
building consumer trust and sustaining industry growth.
