Farewell Speech

Building a Future Bangladesh: United in Purpose, Bold in Action

As I wrap up my Bangladesh assignment, we have a series of engagements. Here is the speech that I made last evening with our partners and stakeholders.

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Good evening, distinguished guests, partners, and friends.

20 days from today, it will be my 25^th anniversary of being in Unilever. The young stud that had entered with wobbling legs through the gates of the then Kalurghat Factory and Head Office has come a long way. From the novice brand manager to today’s what I am, Unilever had a profound impact on my growth.

As you enter the main office block of the factory, you get to see a portrait of Willian Hesketh Lever. That was my 1^st encounter with a man that had left us ages back but had a lasting impact he had on a €60bln+ Company. His vision was to create an integrated business and community, where the success of his soap company would be used to provide a better life for his workers. He also had a vision for a more enlightened business practice, characterized by a form of “prosperity-sharing“ where profits were not directly distributed but were instead invested into the welfare and cultural enrichment of his employees and their community.

Over the years, we have grown into a company whose brands live in the hearts of the people; from the soap a child uses before school, to the detergent a household trusts, to the shampoo that gives someone confidence before a job interview. But beyond that, what fills me with the greatest pride is the impact we have made together — through partnerships and purpose. When I think of Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital, anchored on the rivers that carry care to communities no road can reach, I am reminded that real business impact goes far beyond balance sheets. When I watch an episode of Lux Super Star today, it takes me back in time where stars like Subarna Mustafa, Shakila Zafar, Aupi Karim to today’s Mim and Mehzabeen came from and fills me with pride in the evolution of the platform today that has molded itself in alignment with the changing times. When I think of Sunsilk, Glow and Lovely, Dove, Ponds, I see empowerment in the armor of glamour and strength. When I see retailers earning better livelihoods through technological adoption, or waste workers in Chattogram being equipped with safety, training, and dignity, I see the true reflection of Unilever’s soul. This is what it means to lead with purpose, and this is what it means to do business the right way. Over the years I have personally picked up on my way so many moments and memories. For instance, a few years ago, I visited a remote village in the coastal belt of Khulna, where Unilever was supporting a community-led hygiene and sanitation initiative, or more than 2 decades back providing health access to the char areas of the northern belt has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Or even being part of so many failed attempts like nutritional biscuits and salt and so many more initiatives. But what struck me most was the ethos:

“If we can change our school, maybe we can change our village. And if we change our village, maybe we can change Bangladesh.”

That moment reminded me why we do what we do. It reminded me that hope is not a strategy—but it is a spark. And when nurtured, it becomes unstoppable.

Today It is both an honor and a responsibility to stand before you today—not just as the Chair and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh, but as a fellow citizen deeply invested in the future of our beloved nation.

Bangladesh is at a crossroads. As we transition into a new democratic era, we are witnessing a profound shift—not only in governance but in the aspirations of our people. The geo-political landscape is evolving, and with it, the expectations placed upon institutions like ours. In these moments of transformation, the role of corporates is not to stand by as observers, but to step forward as architects of change.

At Unilever, we believe that business must be a force for good. Our purpose, to make sustainable living commonplace, is not a slogan. It is a commitment. A commitment to the people of Bangladesh, to the planet we share, and to the principles that bind us together.

Sustainability: Our Shared Responsibility

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a living reality for millions in our country. Rising seas, erratic weather, and resource scarcity are affecting livelihoods, especially among the most vulnerable. We must act.

Unilever Bangladesh has already taken bold steps: from reducing plastic waste through circular economy models, to pioneering water stewardship in our factories. But we know this is not enough. Sustainability is not a solo journey—it is a collective mission. We invite our partners and stakeholders to join us in building resilient ecosystems that protect both people and planet.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: The Heart of Progress

True progress is impossible without equity. At Unilever, we are proud to champion diversity in all its forms—gender, ethnicity, ability, and thought. We believe that every voice matters, and every story deserves space.

In our offices, on our factory floors, and across our value chains, we are working to create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. But DEI is not just about internal culture, it is about the communities we serve. We are investing in women-led enterprises, supporting youth employment, and ensuring our products reflect the diverse needs of Bangladesh’s people.

Corporate Leadership in a Changing Nation

As Bangladesh embraces democratic renewal, corporates must rise to meet the moment. We must be stabilizers in uncertainty, innovators in adversity, and partners in progress. This means advocating for ethical governance, supporting inclusive economic growth, and standing firm in our values—even when it is difficult.

We must also listen. To our consumers, to our communities, and to the pulse of the nation. Because leadership is not about control, it is about service.

A Call to Action

As I prepare to hand over this incredible responsibility, I do so with immense pride and deep humility. I have had the privilege of leading this organization through transformation — in the way we use data, in how we engage consumers, and in how we embed sustainability into everything we do. And now, it’s time for the next chapter, that I know will be led with courage, empathy, and vision. Ruhul Quddus embodies everything Unilever stands for. He is someone who began his journey at KGF, who has lived the company’s values from the ground up, and who understands not only our systems but our soul. I could not think of a more capable or deserving leader to carry this legacy forward.

I ask each of you, our stakeholders, our partners, our allies—to walk with us, support him to augment this journey even further. Let us build a Bangladesh that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. Let us prove that business can be both profitable and purposeful. Let us show the world that in times of change, unity and courage can light the way.

Equally to Ruhul Quddus these are the stakeholders, partners, and allies who made what we are today. They have been our long-standing partners, and I am sure they will continue to be by our side as well in the coming decades. Together, we can shape a future where every Bangladeshi, regardless of background or belief, has the opportunity to thrive. As I look back, I am filled not with nostalgia, but with gratitude. Because every challenge, every milestone, every partnership has shaped who we are, as a business and as a family.

Dear colleagues, Jatra is more than just a book, it is a tribute to our journey, and every person believes in our purpose — to brighten everyday life for all. And so tonight, as a token of passing this legacy, I want to invite Ruhul Quddus on stage and hand him over this book which embodies a living promise that Unilever Bangladesh will continue to grow, continue to serve, and continue to shine with purpose.

Thank you.