Twin sisters Anika Zeba and Maliha Zeba have become a remarkable example of achieving the American dream for Bangladeshi-Americans in the New York area. Originally from Barisal Sadar in Bangladesh, the two sisters arrived in the United States in 2010 and never looked back. Under the devoted care of their mother, Morsheda Begum Maya, they completed high school and enrolled in university. Alongside pursuing their degrees in Business Administration, both sisters also joined the U.S. Army.
Thanks to their enrollment in the Army, their mother did not have to bear the financial burden of their higher education. On May 16, the sisters graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious St. John’s University in New York. The very next day, they were formally commissioned as Second Lieutenants in a grand ceremony after completing the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Course at the same university.
During the event, St. John’s University President Brian J. Shanley congratulated the 14 students of the Class of 2025 who received their commissions, noting that earning this military distinction alongside academic achievements serves as an inspiration to others. He emphasized that these graduates are now ready to defend the nation, and if ever the United States is attacked, they will join the battlefield alongside active-duty forces.
The commissioning ceremony was filled with a sense of pride and celebration, attended by the officers’ families and loved ones. Speaking with this correspondent, a visibly proud Anika and Maliha expressed their joy at receiving their Second Lieutenant badges. They said their MBA degree would help them manage their businesses more efficiently and serve as a model for how Bangladeshis can thrive in a multicultural society.
Alongside their academic and military achievements, the sisters have also made impressive strides as entrepreneurs. They have launched five businesses in Queens, New York, and two in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh-based ventures include a cosmetics brand called The Beauty Mall and a clothing brand named Eleni, both of which operate through online orders.
Their New York businesses fall under the umbrella of A.R. Razzak Management Inc. and include: ABC Food & Vegetable, Butcher Meat, A.R. Razzak Super Market, A.R. Razzak Banquet, and A.R. Razzak Wholesale Flower.
In a gathering of well-wishers at her own banquet and party hall, Anika Zeba spoke passionately, accompanied by her mother Morsheda Begum Maya, sister Maliha Zeba, and business partner Ashraf Liton.
Observers believe that under the constant supervision of their mother, Morsheda Begum Maya, A.R. Razzak Management is steadily establishing itself on solid ground within a multicultural society. One of their most talked-about products—the traditional earthen dinner set—has already created a buzz among patriotic members of the diaspora. These sets are not only featured during Bengali New Year celebrations but have also found a place in events celebrating Bengali heritage and even in the drawing rooms of enthusiastic expat collectors.
All of the businesses under their banner are reportedly thriving in competitive markets, according to the three partners. They have called for the sincere support of the younger generation of expatriates in nurturing Bengali culture. Through these efforts, the educated Bangladeshi-American youth in the New York region are helping usher in a new chapter in the story of Bengali identity—one rooted in a thousand years of tradition and now shining brightly on American soil.