Unilever Bangladesh Limited, the country鈥檚 leading fast-moving consumer goods company, welcomed Baroness Rosie Winterton, the UK government鈥檚 trade envoy, Sarah Cooke, the British high commissioner to Bangladesh, and senior representatives from the British High Commission to Unilever鈥檚 Kalurghat factory in Chattogram.聽
The delegation was received by senior leaders from Unilever Bangladesh, including Zaved Akhtar, chairman and managing director; Zinnia Huq, chief financial officer and finance director; Shamima Akhter, director of corporate affairs, Partnerships and Communications; and SM Tareque Saifullah, head of Kalurghat factory.
The high-level visit served as a platform to showcase how Unilever鈥檚 journey in Bangladesh began in 1962 with the establishment of its first soap manufacturing facility in Kalurghat, marking the beginning of a six-decade legacy of partnership, innovation, and trust.
During the visit, the delegation toured the factory floor, observing key production lines and safety systems, and engaged with the factory leadership and employees to understand Unilever鈥檚 sustainable manufacturing processes.
SM Tareque Saifullah, head of factory, guided the delegation through the production units and shared insights into the site鈥檚 journey toward becoming a cutting age and future-fit production site. The delegations also participated in a tree-plantation activity, reaffirming their shared commitment to a greener future.
Rosie Winterton said, 鈥榁isiting Unilever鈥檚 Kalurghat Factory was a rewarding experience. I was impressed by the enthusiasm and high spirits of the team, as well as the sustainable production facility that ensures top-quality products for the people of Bangladesh. It鈥檚 remarkable how a company with British origins has become an integral part of Bangladesh鈥檚 development journey, showcasing the benefits of collaboration between the UK and Bangladesh.鈥�
British high commissioner Sarah Cooke added, 鈥淏angladesh鈥檚 journey toward 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 and livelihood resilience is exactly the kind of leadership Bangladesh needs.鈥�
Zaved Akhtar, chairman and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh, said, 鈥淔or over six decades, Kalurghat Factory has served as a lighthouse of innovation and transformation for Unilever Bangladesh, pioneering world-class technology while reflecting the broader industrial journey of Bangladesh itself. Evolving from humble beginnings in soap-making to embracing advanced automation and a strong commitment to sustainability, KGF boldly demonstrates what is possible when vision is paired with decisive action.鈥�