logo
BD Mart in Sudbury a gateway to foods of South Asian subcontinent

BD Mart in Sudbury a gateway to foods of South Asian subcontinent

Meet Mohammed Ahmed and you have to smile. He is engaging and clearly delighted with how Sudbury has welcomed his business venture.
His service and selection of products at BD Mart saves many the down-and-back trip to Toronto's Danforth Avenue for cultural-specific prepared foods and essential ingredients.
BD Mart's mission is to provide high-quality, halal-certified meats and groceries. This one-off supply site is sure to grow to other Northern Ontario locations.
'Yes, it's my first store,' said Ahmed, but you can discern a twinkle in his eyes as he describes the future. 'I have a dream. I am business thirsty. I aggressively looked for a location to establish a store.
'I believe where there is a will, there is a way. I was born a businessman always, before I came to Canada.'
Here in Sudbury, he saw an opportunity and a need. 'I am a poor man, but my heart is big. I have good intentions. I believe if you have faith, God will help you. I am here to serve. I have determination.'
His market is for everyone who needs specialty halal meat in Sudbury. 'I'm from Bangladesh, so, yes, definitely there is an extra focus on the demand of Bangladeshi food items, along with fish, halal meat, Bangladeshi vegetables and Bangladeshi imported sweets too.'
Halal food is food that is permissible to consume according to Islamic dietary laws.
Ahmed offers me a selection of desserts that remind me of my years as a student at the University of Toronto, when Gerrard Street was my go-to for affordable eats. The extensive selection of confectionery include fudge-like, milk-based Burfi, and Gulab Jamun.
'I'm offering pure, fresh Ontario halal beef, goat, lamb, chicken and frozen goat and lamb, and fish,' said Ahmed. 'We have white shrimp and sought-after Hilsha, and Tilapia. It's a very prospective market here as there is a university and two colleges … where many South Asian students are studying.'
Is Ahmed's store exclusively for Bangladeshi and Muslim people? 'No. I am here for everyone in Sudbury.'
All basic daily needs can be met when you examine the shelves and freezers. 'We work with the best partners to ensure top-quality products,' he said. 'Our trusted suppliers share our commitment to excellence and sustainability. Together, we bring fresh, reliable and affordable goods to your doorstep.'
Ahmed has fresh mangoes by the case, mango chutney, jars and bags of savoury and fragrant condiments, and soon Kulfi (an ice cream-like dessert). There are large bags of rice and other staples.
Ahmed also sees Sudbury as very diverse: 'It's as multicultural city as I have seen. I have got customers from at least 19 counties so far.'
His list includes Benin, Togo, Jamaica, Tunisia, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Ahmed came to Canada in 1999 and quickly noted how the country was changing, even in Northern Ontario. He says advertising is not necessary to promote his business; word-of-mouth brings customers.
'Sudbury is a central point, too, for Ste. Sault Mary, North Bay … Longlac and the Highway 11 corridor. Yes, the location is very important for this type of business I believe.
'Here at BD Mart they not only find the things they need but meet others. There is friendship here. I want to win your heart. I think I have met most of my customers.'
Go to this site for more information
bdmart.ca
and there are links to the full product profile.
Visit the store at 7 Elgin St. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Note the store is closed Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for worship.
The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government.
sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca
Bluesky: @sudburystar.bsky.social
X: @SudburyStar
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From Morog Polao to Chow Mein: Kitchen Revolution on Free School Street After Bangladesh Lulls
From Morog Polao to Chow Mein: Kitchen Revolution on Free School Street After Bangladesh Lulls

Time Business News

time15 hours ago

  • Time Business News

From Morog Polao to Chow Mein: Kitchen Revolution on Free School Street After Bangladesh Lulls

From Morog Polao to Chow Mein — On the bustling Free School Street, where tourist crowds once flocked to relive culinary nostalgia with hearty morog polao, the mood has changed. A year after a pandemic-triggered downturn in Bangladesh's outbound travel, restaurateurs are revamping their menus, introducing continental and Chinese dishes like chow mein and pasta. The shift showcases not only business resilience but also evolving fusion trends in Kolkata's food scene. Gourmet footfall along Free School Street—once a magnet for Bangladeshi tourists craving vintage Indian baithak ambiance and signature dishes—dipped by 30–40% from mid-2024. Multiple sources cite lingering mobility constraints and reduced rail and air travel as contributing factors: Frontier review of Bangladesh's visa renewals slowed tourist movement. slowed tourist movement. Devaluation of the taka made overseas trips costlier, prompting a stay-other shift in dining preferences. in dining preferences. Local porter jumps, city tours, and restaurant communities saw business being trimmed by nearly half during peak season. To counteract the dip, a dozen eateries revamped their offerings: Chicken chaap joints have added sizzlers, fried rice, and pasta . have added . Bengali sweetmeats like chhanar payesh are being paired with international biscuits. are being paired with international biscuits. Fusion items such as chili mishti dahi and biryani-topped noodles now feature on blackboards. Mr. Arup Sen, owner of Heritage Café, notes: 'If Bangladeshi students aren't here for murgh pulao, we hope backpackers chasing pasta or instant noodles will still dine.' Other shopkeepers echoed the sentiment, pointing out that Indian high-spending tourists and local millennials are now the target. Free School has always thrived on nostalgia—offering a time capsule of gentler café vibes and colonial-era menu lists. However, in 2025, survival is pushing innovation. Observers point out: Balancing between authenticity and experimentation is key. is key. If 2026 sees Bangladeshi visitors normalise, menus will likely reintroduce meat-and-rice staples—but fusion will likely continue alongside. Kolkata's 'food evolution' involves: New generational palettes: Younger diners are blending railway-platform comfort food with Chinese and continental cravings. Platform economy dynamics: Swiggy and Zomato payments and viral 'khichuri vs chow mein' posts encourage menu changes. Home chef experiments: Culinary schools have begun workshops teaching fusion cuisine: 'biryani pasta,' 'kathi roll congee,' and beyond. Arjun Das , a student-run tour guide, says: 'Bangladeshi families and students made Columbus Books and inner restaurants buzz. They aren't back in expected numbers yet.' , a student-run tour guide, says: 'Bangladeshi families and students made Columbus Books and inner restaurants buzz. They aren't back in expected numbers yet.' Priya Mitra, a backpacking tourist from Mumbai: 'I loved the fish cutlet sandwich at New Market but wanted some garlic noodles afterward. The cafes now provide that—great fusion.' Dish Category Pre-2024 (Mens Focus) 2025 (Post 'Bangla' Dip) Signature plates Murgh pulao, fish cutlet Garlic-chilli noodles, white pasta Dumplings & snacks Egg samosa, kathi roll Steamed momos, paneer satay Desserts Payesh, rosogolla Chocolate mousse, churro with mishti dahi Beverages Saunf tea, Bengali mishti chai Iced coffee, lychee mojito mocktail Restaurants indicate that fusion dishes now account for 25–35% of sales, and contribute over 40% of Instagram-tagged customer photos. While the Bangladeshi diaspora remains slower to return, migration patterns show a rebound is on horizon: Rail-weekly Kolkata–Dhaka train services—stopped in 2024—are slowly being reinstated. Airlines show rising seat bookings for October–December 2025 . . Promoters of Bangladesh Day parades in New Town are seeing renewed interest from migrant groups. In response, restaurants are planning to relaunch signature Bangladeshi meals in the holiday season, while keeping fusion on the menu. Free School Street's culinary pivot is a telling case of resilience and reinvention. Facing a 40% shortfall in its primary audience, the street's food anchors have shown: The adaptability of Kolkata's gastronomic ecosystem of Kolkata's gastronomic ecosystem Strong fusion sensibilities spaced alongside tradition The power of growth under market pressure and digital virality In a city famed for fish fries and kathi rolls, this new kitchen revolution may redefine what 'local flavour' means—balancing collective nostalgia with global edge. Author Credits TIME BUSINESS NEWS

7 Student Success Stories from AIMS Islamic Finance Certification Program
7 Student Success Stories from AIMS Islamic Finance Certification Program

Time Business News

time3 days ago

  • Time Business News

7 Student Success Stories from AIMS Islamic Finance Certification Program

As Islamic finance surges in global importance, professionals and students alike are looking for ways to stand out in this ethical, fast-evolving field. Enter the Islamic finance certification—a powerful credential that bridges academic theory with practical, Sharia-compliant financial skills. At the heart of this transformation is AIMS Education, a globally respected provider of accredited Islamic finance programs. Its certification has empowered students in over 160 countries—helping them unlock roles in Islamic banking, takaful, fintech, and ethical investment. This blog brings you 7 inspiring real-world stories from AIMS graduates, showing how this certification helped them overcome barriers, launch careers, and make an impact. AIMS Education doesn't just teach Islamic finance—it prepares students to lead. 100% online, self-paced learning structure Ideal for working professionals, students, and entrepreneurs Access from anywhere in the world AIMS programs are accredited and internationally recognized Certification aligns with AAOIFI and IFAC guidelines Enhances credibility in the job market The program covers both foundational and advanced topics, including: Riba-free financial systems Mudarabah, musharakah, sukuk, and takaful Ethical investment principles Real-world cases and simulations It also dives into complex topics like what is bai istijrar and how does it work, and advanced Islamic liquidity management tools for financial institutions. Students benefit from practical, job-focused knowledge: Understand sukuk meaning and its role in Islamic capital markets in Islamic capital markets Learn to design Islamic banking products using real data Apply Islamic economic theories to modern finance, including fintech and crypto Develop dashboards and analytical reports for compliance, product structuring, and performance forecasting Graduates regularly report that this blend of learning supports job promotions, pay raises, and entry into new sectors. Background: Amina worked as a compliance assistant at a conventional bank. Challenge: She wanted to transition into Islamic banking but lacked credentials. How AIMS Helped: She earned her Islamic finance certification, studied ethical governance, and built a sukuk case study. Result: Landed a role at a major Islamic bank within 3 months. Background: Takaful sales agent Challenge: Limited understanding of risk-sharing models AIMS Impact: Developed a claim-processing tool based on Islamic insurance principles Outcome: Promoted to Product Innovation Specialist Background: Fresh finance graduate Challenge: Lacked a specialization AIMS Impact: Used certification capstone to explore sukuk vs. bonds Outcome: Joined a Shariah-compliant asset management firm Background: Chartered accountant Challenge: Needed to align with Shariah-compliant auditing AIMS Impact: Gained expertise in Islamic liquidity management tools Outcome: Now leads Shariah audit for a London-based bank Background: NGO finance assistant Challenge: Wanted to lead ethical finance programs AIMS Impact: Combined Islamic principles with microfinance strategies Outcome: Promoted to program head for Islamic micro-lending division Background: Banker transitioning into fintech Challenge: Lacked knowledge of Shariah fintech compliance AIMS Impact: Integrated his studies with research on blockchain and Islamic ethics Outcome: Joined an Islamic fintech startup as Compliance Manager Background: Student pursuing Islamic Studies Challenge: Wanted to blend finance and Islamic law AIMS Impact: Leveraged course modules to build a presentation on sukuk and ethical investment Outcome: Accepted into a competitive Master's in Islamic Finance The Islamic finance sector is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2030. Employers in this field now prioritize: Certified professionals with verifiable Islamic finance knowledge with verifiable Islamic finance knowledge Those with real-world understanding of instruments like sukuk, takaful, and Islamic contracts Individuals who can apply ethics to modern problems like crypto and ESG compliance The AIMS certification helps meet these demands directly—especially when supplemented by case studies, dashboards, or insights from IMF publications like advanced Islamic liquidity management tools for financial institutions. Yes. No prior finance background is required. The course starts from fundamentals. You can complete it in 4–6 weeks or take up to 6 months. It's self-paced. Yes. It's among the best Islamic finance certification for professionals, recognized across GCC, UK, South Asia, and North Africa. Absolutely. Many students use their capstones for university projects or job interviews. While not a recruitment agency, AIMS offers networking, alumni connections, and CV guidance. To enrich your academic or professional journey, we recommend developing a mini-research project using data from sukuk markets or takaful firms. 'Comparative Sukuk Performance Across GCC Countries: 5-Year Trend Analysis' Collect sukuk data from central bank portals and IMF archives Use Excel or Power BI to visualize trends Apply concepts from your AIMS coursework Publish findings on LinkedIn to build authority This research aligns with modern case studies and could help get your work featured in Google Discover or included in academic journals. The AIMS Islamic finance certification doesn't just teach—it transforms. These seven student stories prove that with the right guidance, accredited credentials, and practical skills, learners can chart meaningful careers in Islamic banking, takaful, asset management, fintech, and beyond. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your expertise, this globally respected program is your gateway to a brighter, purpose-driven future. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Pakistan's top brewery is betting on soft drinks

time3 days ago

Pakistan's top brewery is betting on soft drinks

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan -- A pungent fug of malt and yeastiness hangs over Murree Brewery, Pakistan 's biggest and oldest producer of alcoholic drinks. The company is an outlier in a country where alcohol is outlawed for everyone except non-Muslims, who make up some 9 million people out of 241 million. Pakistan, an Islamic republic, banned booze for Muslims in the 1970s. Murree Brewery has strong financials despite the prohibition, thanks to its history, scant competition and a small, thirsty and predominantly elite consumer base. But the government exerts significant control over the sale and marketing of alcoholic beverages through red tape and high taxes, pushing brewery chairman Isphanyar Bandhara to expand the company's footprint in Pakistan's non-alcoholic drinks industry, which, although bigger, is more crowded and less lucrative. 'Even I tell my staff of about 2,200 that we cannot sit on our laurels by selling alcohol,' said Bandhara, the third generation of his family to run the 165-year-old business that was founded by the British. 'It's a restricted market, so we have to rely and focus more on the non-alcoholic side. That's where I think I would like to flex my muscles and take credit, rather than being a liquor baron.' The brewery already manufactures energy drinks, juices and malted beverages, but they are not as well known as products from big international brands. However, this part of the business is registering double-digit growth, and Bandhara wants to cash in on the country's youth bulge. Around 64% of the population is under 30. Pakistan's government determines the brewery's alcohol prices, points of sale and customer base. Last year it took $35 million from the brewery's revenue in taxes. The company cannot advertise its alcoholic beverages or expand that part of the business inside Pakistan. Online shopping is unavailable. The brewery is permitted to export beer to countries outside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc, even though there is a 'big demand for liquor and beer' in Muslim-majority countries, Bandhara said. Meanwhile, more Pakistanis drink far more sodas and juices, with billions of dollars in sales every year. PepsiCo and Coca-Cola dominate, but there are also homegrown brands. 'The multinationals are thriving in Pakistan,' Bandhara said. 'It's a rewarding market. There might be less money (in non-alcoholic drinks), but it's more secure.' Murree Brewery's malted drinks line is packaged in a way that strongly resembles its beery counterparts. The taste, while not unpleasant, is distinctive, sweet and slightly yeasty. Alcohol is a niche item in Pakistan. Even cooking ingredients like red wine vinegar, and buying essentials like cough medicine, is hard because of their alcohol content, however minuscule. Five-star hotels slip a drinks list into the in-room dining menu or decant alcohol into a more discreet vessel, like a teapot. Some restaurants, usually upscale, allow diners to bring a bottle but seat them away from others or shield the pour from prying eyes. There is often a windowless, joyless bar in major Pakistani cities. Non-Muslims — nationals and foreigners — can get a liquor permit allowing them to buy limited amounts of alcohol. Diplomats and the elite are a rich source of booze, with well-stocked cabinets and sometimes entire rooms dedicated to drinks. There are also wine shops, but only in some provinces and run by non-Muslims. Some wine shops deliver to customers waiting in their cars, for discretion. Home delivery is also available. 'It's not expensive to buy beer,' said Faisal, a Pakistani Muslim drinker who is in his 30s and lives in the province of Sindh. He only gave his first name because he is breaking the law. 'A local beer will cost 500 rupees ($1.76), but you can save 50 rupees if you don't want it chilled." He added: 'Beer is cheaper than coffee in Pakistan, but you only need one coffee whereas you need a lot of beer." Non-sanctioned alcohol drinking in Pakistan is punishable by 80 lashes of a whip, although the Federal Shariat Court deemed the penalty un-Islamic in a 2009 ruling. Alcohol is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam. Although a sin and not a crime, scholars and religious authorities typically point to a verse in the Quran that calls intoxicants 'the work of Satan' and tells believers to avoid them. They also cite sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the effects of alcohol. Nonetheless, stacked on pallets at Murree Brewery on a recent day were boxes of booze. The beer was heading to government-authorized retailer Pearl Continental Hotel in the eastern city of Lahore. The whiskey was going to Sindh, home to religious minorities including Hindus and Parsis. Bandhara, who is Parsi, is one of the brewery's leading tasters. Only non-Muslims can sample the company's alcoholic products. 'We can't just force someone to drink an inferior drink, so it has to be quality,' Bandhara said. 'If the German Embassy, the Chinese Embassy and a lot of European embassies are my customers for beer, I'm comfortable on my quality.' Hundreds of Pakistani distilleries produce the intoxicating agent ethanol, which is mostly exported. Home brewers are another source of alcoholic beverages. But homemade liquor containing poisonous methanol has proved fatal, and dozens of people have died over the years. Murree Brewery's closest competition for alcohol is the Chinese-run Hui Coastal Brewery and Distillery Limited, which began making beer in southwestern Balochistan in 2021, largely for the thousands of Chinese workers there. Nobody from Hui was available to comment. The granting of a licence to Hui in conservative Balochistan took Bandhara aback. He said he was unafraid of competition but wanted a level playing field. Decades ago, his family wanted to set up a brewery in Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province. Bandhara said authorities told the family to keep their heads down because they were in a Muslim country. 'If the Islamic lecture is for me, why was the license given to the Chinese brewery?" he asked. "We are a liquor company, and we are the easiest to throw stones at and to criticize.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store