UK Trade Envoy visits Unilever Bangladesh

Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), a leading UK-based multinational and the country's largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, welcomed The Rt Honourable the Baroness Rosie Winterton DBE, the UK Government's Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, and Her Excellency Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, to its corporate headquarters in Dhaka.

Senior leadership from Unilever Bangladesh received the delegation, including Zinnia Huq, Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director; Syeda Durdana Kabir, Human Resources Director; Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships, and Communications; and Rashedul Quayum, Legal Director and Company Secretary.

The high-level visit served as a platform to showcase how Unilever, rooted in British heritage, has evolved into an essential part of Bangladesh's 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 visit, UBL's leadership presented the company's 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.

Unilever's 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% now manufactured locally. Since 1973, the Government of Bangladesh has held a 39.25% stake in UBL—a testament to the company's deep-rooted partnership in nation-building.

The Rt. Honourable The Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE said, "Unilever exemplifies what enduring trade partnerships look like. Seeing how a company with British origins has become such a vital part of Bangladesh's development story is inspiring. Their legacy here goes far beyond commerce—it is about shared prosperity and responsible business."

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 national development priorities.

H.E. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, added, "Bangladesh's journey towards inclusive and green economic growth is commendable. With long-standing ties and local commitments, British companies like Unilever are key partners in this transformation. Their investment in sustainability is exactly the kind of corporate leadership the world needs."

From supporting women in the workforce to pioneering plastic recycling and investing in science-led innovation, Unilever's purpose—brightening everyday life for all—remains central to its operations. It is guided by the belief that "What is good for Bangladesh is good for Unilever."

Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships, and Communications at UBL, said, "We are proud of our heritage, our purpose, and 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 also to the well-being and progress of this nation." 

The visit celebrated Unilever's contribution to Bangladesh and a strong commitment to trust and long-term partnership.

Imtiaz attained an MBA at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka. Later, he completed an Executive Leadership Development course at INSEAD Business School, Singapore. Imtiaz volunteered to teach financial literacy to disadvantaged youth at Jaago Foundation School in Dhaka's urban slums. He participated in a run for Breast Cancer Awareness with the Canadian Banking Institution. Imtiaz is keen on soccer, world history, economic cycles and their evolution, and wildlife preservation.