Meet Arefin
“My story is like that of many who moved from places near and far to call Richardson home. Whether it’s to go to school, build a career, raise a family, start a business or retire, Richardson is the place to be.”
My journey started as a young child in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. Growing up, I would “The Wild, Wild West”, a TV program about two Secret Service agents charged with protecting President Ulysses Grant and the United States during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. The size of the United States, as a country and as a place of opportunity, was set in my head and my heart.
After completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and earning the money needed to pursue my dream, I set out for the University of Maryland to earn a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. From there, I moved to the DFW Metroplex for work before I founded Stream Water Group in 2002.
My wife, Nayara, and I began looking for a permanent place that we could build our dream house and raise our family. In 2005, we moved to Richardson and have loved being here ever since.
Richardson has provided so much for our family to succeed — good roads and sidewalks, high-quality fire and police, great schools, and enjoyable parks and recreation.
All this has helped define who I am and why I love Richardson.
“I believe that serving the community means you must be in the community. I’m proud of my involvement from health drives to city boards.”
Richardson is a special place and being involved is a big part of the equation. I’ve benefitted immeasurably from Richardson and look to pay that forward as a committed City Council member. Serving as the next City Council member in Place 6 is how I believe I can continue repaying the community for the many benefits my family and I have received from our decision to become Richardson residents more than 15 years ago.
Place 6 Council Member, June 2021-present
Served on the Richardson Zoning Board of Adjustments, Complete Census Committee, Building & Standard Commission and the Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association
Member of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.
Graduate of Leadership Richardson Class XXV and Richardson Citizen Police Academy Class 41.
Servant leader in my house of worship.
Member of the Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association.
Member of the RISD Bond Steering Committee
Leader and participant in numerous community activities, including free education programs, health fairs, flu shot events, and COVID-19 testing drives.
