Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), a leading UK-based multinational and the country\u2019s largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, welcomed The Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton DBE, the UK Government\u2019s Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, and H.E. Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, to its corporate headquarters in Dhaka.<\/p>\n
The delegation was received by senior leadership from Unilever Bangladesh, including Zinnia Huq, Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director; Syeda Durdana Kabir, Human Resources Director; Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications; Rashedul Quayum, Legal Director and Company Secretary.<\/p>\n
The high-level visit served as a platform to showcase how Unilever\u2014rooted in British heritage\u2014has evolved into an essential part of Bangladesh\u2019s social and economic landscape. It is worth mentioning that Unilever Bangladesh is a part of the global British company Unilever, headquartered in the United Kingdom. At a ceremony held on the occasion of the visit, UBL\u2019s leadership presented the company\u2019s six-decade journey in Bangladesh, highlighting its presence in more than 9 out of 10 Bangladeshi households and its enduring commitment to sustainable growth in the country.<\/p>\n
Unilever\u2019s journey in Bangladesh began in 1962 with a soap manufacturing facility in Kalurghat, Chattogram. Since then, it has grown into a trusted household name with 25 iconic brands, more than 96% of which are now manufactured locally. Since 1973, the Government of Bangladesh has held a 39.25% stake in UBL\u2014a testament to the company\u2019s deep-rooted partnership in nation-building.<\/p>\n
The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE said, <\/strong>\u201cUnilever exemplifies what enduring trade partnerships look like. It is inspiring to see how a company with British origins has become such a vital part of Bangladesh\u2019s development story. Their legacy here goes far beyond commerce\u2014it is about shared prosperity and responsible business.\u201d<\/p>\n The visit also highlighted Unilever\u2019s progressive sustainability agenda, which spans climate resilience, plastic reduction, digital inclusion, and community empowerment. With innovation at its core, Unilever continues to align its business practices with Bangladesh\u2019s national development priorities.<\/p>\n H.E. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, added<\/strong>, \u201cBangladesh\u2019s journey towards inclusive and green economic growth is commendable. British companies like Unilever, with long-standing ties and local commitments, are key partners in this transformation. Their investment in sustainability is exactly the kind of corporate leadership the world needs.\u201d<\/p>\n From supporting women in the workforce to pioneering plastic recycling and investing in science-led innovation, Unilever\u2019s purpose\u2014Brightening everyday life for all\u2014remains central to its operations, guided by the belief that \u201cWhat is good for Bangladesh is good for Unilever.\u201d<\/p>\n Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications at UBL<\/strong>, said, \u201cWe are proud of our heritage, proud of our purpose, and proud to serve the people of Bangladesh. We thank our partners in the UK and the Government of Bangladesh for walking this journey with us. Our commitment is not only to business, but to the well-being and progress of this nation.\u201d<\/p>\n The visit celebrated Unilever\u2019s contribution to Bangladesh and a strong commitment to trust and long-term partnership.<\/p>\n\n