From a modest soap-making factory in Kalurghat, Chattogram, in 1962, to becoming the largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods company in Bangladesh, the journey of Unilever Bangladesh has been one of purpose, partnership, and progress. Over the past six decades, Unilever Bangladesh has shaped habits, built industries, and brightened everyday life for over 120 million people, all while staying true to its purpose and growing with the nation.
On 12 October 2025, this remarkable legacy came alive at the grand launch of "Jatra: The Journey of Unilever Bangladesh" - a powerful chronicle of six decades of growth, impact, and innovation. The event celebrated not only Unilever's history but also its unwavering focus on a future fit, purpose-led business built on innovation, data, and a deep understanding of the Bangladeshi consumer.
An Evening Where Legacy Came Alive
More than sixty distinguished guests, including corporate peers, opinion leaders, partners, media representatives, and chambers, gathered to celebrate this journey. The event's highlight, "Onnonter Ovijatra", was a mesmerising theatrical performance that used light, sound, and digital storytelling bringing to life how Unilever's journey has advanced in rhythm with Bangladesh's progress.
The act reflected Unilever's belief that progress begins when we walk with people; listening, learning, and innovating with the consumer at the heart of everything we do.
The Book that Chronicles a Nation's Shared Journey
At the core of the celebration stood the unveiling of Jatra - a 240-page chronicle that captures Unilever Bangladesh's story through six chapters of transformation. Each page illustrates how Unilever's purpose and market-making brands have evolved hand-in-hand with Bangladesh's own journey of development:
- The revolution through accessible pack that made quality accessible and affordable; from Wheel to Sunsilk and Glow & Lovely, introducing millions of consumers to trusted global brands in formats suited to their lives.
- Rural outreach and empowerment programmes like Pallydut, Joyee, and Aparajita, which not only expanded Unilever's reach but also created income opportunities and inclusion for thousands of women and youth across Bangladesh.
- Health and hygiene initiatives such as Lifebuoy School of 5, the Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital, Pepsodent Little Brush Big Brush, and Vaseline Healing Project, which brought hygiene education and essential care to over 10 million children and 800,000 underserved people.
- Sustainability leadership, from achieving Zero Landfill status in 2014, reducing 1,174 tonnes of plastic since 2018 through design innovations and refill packs, to achieving plastic neutrality in 2023, proving that growth and responsibility can coexist.
- Digital and data transformation, with technology now driving precision in manufacturing, distribution, and marketing, from data-led retail execution to digital-first campaigns that keep Unilever's brands aligned with the pulse of modern consumers.
A continuation of the 2021 first edition, this volume bridges legacy with foresight, reflecting a company ready for the future, where innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability converge to serve modern Bangladesh.
A Moment of Continuity and Commitment
The evening's defining moment came when Zaved Akhtar, Chairman, Unilever Bangladesh Limited, held the Book of Legacy, symbolising the purpose and principles that have guided Unilever for generations. and passed it to Ruhul Quddus Khan, the new CEO and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited.
In that simple, powerful act lay the essence of Unilever's story: a company constantly renewing itself, led by values that endure, yet always ready to evolve with time. It marked not just a handover of leadership, but a handover of ambition to keep driving growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and powered by innovation.
A Reunion of Partnerships and Purpose
As the evening continued, partners, alumni, and friends reflected on shared milestones and stories. The conversations honoured a company that has grown by growing others, fostering entrepreneurship, gender equity, environmental sustainability and community progress across Bangladesh.
A Tribute to the Past, A Promise for Tomorrow
As lights dimmed, Jatra stood illuminated, both as a record of Unilever Bangladesh's enduring legacy and as a compass for the future. It marks six decades of impact and signals the next chapters, driven by data, powered by innovation, and guided by the purpose to keep brightening everyday life for all.
