They say behind every great story lies a dream.. For Ruhin Hossain and Mushrath Shaheen Anuva, their dream was simple but powerful: to make life better for immigrants in America.
Their ventures, Rivertel, and Thikana News, emerged from deeply personal experiences. For Ruhin, the spark came during his work on digital transformation in Bangladesh, where he witnessed technology’s power to change lives. Moving to America, he noticed a gap – immigrants struggling with basic needs like staying connected.
“Rivertel wasn’t just another business idea,” Ruhin explains. “It was about understanding immigrants as people, not just customers.” Breaking into the telecom industry meant facing down giants without venture capital backing. Bootstrapping the company and forging strategic partnerships, Ruhin turned Rivertel is more than a telecom company—it’s an immigrant’s lifeline, offering affordable connectivity, international calling, and acclimation services to ease life in a new country.
Parallel to Ruhin’s journey, Mushrath was carrying forward a powerful legacy. Her father, M. M. Shaheen, a former two-time Member of Parliament, had established Thikana News 35 years ago as a vital link for Bangladeshis in America. Mushrath’s challenge? Bringing this trusted institution into the digital age while preserving its core mission.
“Thikana was my father’s gift to the community,” Mushrath shares. “Modernizing it meant keeping its essence while expanding its reach.” Her game-changing move was bringing in Khaled Muhiuddin, a journalistic powerhouse known for fearless reporting, to lead Thikana TV. Under his guidance, the platform has evolved into a beacon of investigative journalism, amplifying diaspora voices.
What sets this couple apart is their approach to the work-life balance question. “Our work isn’t separate from our personal lives – it’s all deeply intertwined,” Mushrath reflects. Ruhin adds, “We keep each other grounded with honest feedback. It’s how we grow.”
Their complementary leadership styles create a unique synergy. Ruhin excels in high-pressure situations, while Mushrath brings methodical analysis to challenges. Together, they navigate obstacles with a shared vision of community service.
Looking ahead, their ambitions continue to expand. Rivertel is expanding nationwide, integrating fintech (Riverpay), and scaling its immigrant support services to become the top choice for immigrants worldwide, starting with the U.S. Thikana, under Khaled’s leadership and Mushrath’s direction, is becoming a global voice for Bangladeshis everywhere.
For Ruhin, success means simplifying immigrant life. “If we can make their journey easier, we’ve succeeded,” he says. Mushrath measures success in trust: “We want Thikana to be the source Bangladeshis turn to, wherever they are.”
Their advice to future entrepreneurs cuts through complexity. “Solve real problems,” Ruhin emphasizes. “The money follows genuine solutions.” Mushrath adds, “Don’t wait for perfect conditions – they don’t exist. Start now.”
In a city famous for making dreams a reality, Ruhin and Mushrath stand out not just for what they’ve built, but for why they built it. Through Rivertel and Thikana News, they’re not just connecting immigrants to services or information – they’re connecting them to possibility.
