Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) welcomed The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Rosie Winterton DBE, the UK Government’s Trade Envoy to Bangladesh; H.E. Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh; and senior representatives from the British High Commission to UBL’s Kalurghat Factory (KGF) in Chattogram.
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 S.M. Tareque Saifullah, Head of Factory, Kalurghat Factory.
The high-level visit served as a platform to showcase how Unilever’s 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. Today, Unilever is a household name in Bangladesh, with over 21 iconic brands, more than 96% of which are manufactured locally. Since 1973, the Government of Bangladesh has held a 39.25% share in UBL, a testament to a unique public–private partnership.
Spanning 15 acres on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, Unilever’s Kalurghat Factory stands as a symbol of innovation and resilience. Since 2014, the site has maintained a zero waste-to-landfill record and achieved 100% renewable energy certification in 2021. Through continuous process optimisation, it has conserved over 2.4 billion litres of water since 2010, underscoring Unilever’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and responsible growth.
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’s sustainable manufacturing processes. S.M. Tareque Saifullah, Head of Factory, guided the delegation through the production units and shared insights into the site’s journey toward becoming a cutting edge and future-fit production site. The delegations also participated in a tree-plantation activity, reaffirming their shared commitment to a greener future.
H.E. Baroness Rosie Winterton DBE said, “"Visiting Unilever's 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's remarkable how a company with British origins has become an integral part of Bangladesh’s development journey, showcasing the benefits of collaboration between the UK and Bangladesh."
H.E. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, added, “Bangladesh’s 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.”
Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh, said, “For 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. We were honored to welcome UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Her Excellency Baroness Rosie Winterton, as well as senior officials from the Bangladesh High Commission, to our premises on her first visit to Chattogram. Her thoughtful observations, insightful recommendations, and inspiring engagement will further motivate us to continue leading the way in industrial excellence."
The visit also highlighted Unilever’s 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’s development priorities.