Related Articles
Bangladesh’s business landscape is marked by the presence of numerous conglomerates and group companies that have played a pivotal role in the country’s economic development.
In this exploration, we delve into the top 15 Group of Companies in Bangladesh, shedding light on their contributions and significance in the country’s ever-evolving business landscape.
Group of Companies in BD
Bangladesh is a country that boasts a thriving business landscape, with numerous conglomerates and group companies at the forefront of its economic development.
These versatile and dynamic entities play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s growth story, operating in diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, manufacturing, real estate, and more.
Their ability to adapt and innovate has been instrumental in propelling Bangladesh’s economy to new heights.
What is a Group of Company?
A “group of companies” is a collection of multiple distinct business entities that are owned, controlled, or affiliated with one another in some way.
These affiliated companies often operate under a common umbrella organization or parent company.
The structure of a group of companies can vary, but they typically share some form of ownership or control relationship.
Know Also Top Multinational Companies in Bangladesh
Top 15 Group of Companies in Bangladesh
Multi-industry conglomerates are a significant asset to Bangladesh. They not only wield substantial influence over our country’s economy but also serve as ambassadors of Bangladesh on the global stage.
Here is a compilation of the foremost ten groups of companies in Bangladesh.
Bashundhara Group
Bashundhara Group, originally called the ‘East-West Development Company’ (EWPD), is a leading business conglomerate in Bangladesh. Founded in 1987 by Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, the group has expanded into multiple sectors.
- Founders: Ahmed Akbar Sobhan
- Founded: 1987
- Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Workforce: Over 50,000 employees
Key Sectors:
- Real estate
- Cement manufacturing
- Paper production
- Steel
- Sports
- LP gas distribution
- FMCG products
- Media
Major Companies:
- East-West Property Development
- Bashundhara Cement Industries
- East West Media Group
- Social Islami Bank
- Bashundhara Kings
- Rangpur Riders
- Bashundhara City shopping mall
Akij Group
founded by Sheikh Akijuddin in 1940, is a leading industrial conglomerate in Bangladesh.
Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest conglomerates in the country, with a significant impact on both local and international markets.
- Founder: Sheikh Akijuddin
- Founded: 1940
- Workforce: Over 70,000 employees
Key Achievements:
- Contributed 2% of Bangladesh’s total budget in 2009
- Largest local taxpayer in 2009
Beximco Group
Beximco Group is a leading multinational conglomerate based in Bangladesh. Founded in 1970 by Ahmed Sohail Faisur Rahman and ASF Rahman, it has grown into a diversified industrial powerhouse.
- Founders: Ahmed Sohail Faisur Rahman and ASF Rahman
- Founded: 1970
- Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Workforce: Over 60,000 employees
- Global Presence: First Bangladeshi company listed on the London Stock Exchange
Key Sectors:
- Textiles: Major producer of cotton and blended yarns, denim fabrics, and home textiles, exporting to over 50 countries
- Pharmaceuticals
- Ceramics
- Information Technology
S. Alam Group
S. Alam Group, founded by Mohammed Saiful Alam in 1985, is a prominent industrial and commercial conglomerate in Bangladesh. The group has significantly contributed to the nation’s economy through its diverse operations.
- Founder: Mohammed Saiful Alam
- Founded: 1985
Key Sectors:
- C.I Sheets and Color-coated Iron sheets
- Cement
- Vegetable oil
- C.R Coil
- Soya Seed extraction
- Public Transport
- Gas Refueling Stations
- P.P Woven Bags
- Agro farms
- Natural gas, heavy oil, and furnace oil
- Power generation
- Achievements: Launched Bangladesh’s first private-sector TV channel, Ekushey Television
City Group
City Group, founded by Fazlur Rahman in 1972, is a leading conglomerate in Bangladesh. Starting with City Oil Mills Ltd, the group has grown significantly and diversified into various sectors.
- Founder: Fazlur Rahman
- Founded: 1972
- Workforce: Over 10,000 employees
- Subsidiaries: 40 companies
Key Sectors:
- Consumer goods
- Foods
- Steel
- Printing & packaging
- Shipping
- Power & energy
- Shares & securities
- Insurance
- Media
- Healthcare
- Influential Brands:
- Radhuni
- Teer
- Meizan
Walton
Walton, originally part of the R. B. Group founded by SM Nazrul Islam in 1977, has significantly evolved over the years.
After the founder’s passing, the company was led by his five sons, marking its transformation into the Walton Group in 2000.
- Founders: SM Nazrul Islam, later led by his five sons
- Founded: 1977 (transformed in 2000)
- Workforce: Over 20,000 employees
- Production: 22 production bases over 680 acres
- Key Products: Electricals, electronics, automobiles, smartphones, and various appliances
Walton Group is renowned for having one of the world’s largest and best-equipped Research and Development (R&D) facilities. It is the largest tech giant in Bangladesh, with significant market shares:
- Refrigerators: 66%
- Televisions: 50%
- Air conditioners: 33%
- Valuation: USD 4.5 billion
- Annual Revenue: Approximately USD 1 billion
Abul Khair Group
Abul Khair Group, established by Mr. Abul Khair in 1953, has become a highly respected conglomerate in Bangladesh.
- Founder: Mr. Abul Khair
- Founded: 1953
- Global Workforce: Approximately 45,000 employees
Key Sectors:
- Steel production
- Cement manufacturing
- Consumer goods
- Tobacco products
- Ceramics
- Prominent Subsidiary: Abul Khair Steel, a significant player in the steel industry and Bangladesh’s construction sector
- Renowned Brands: Frutika, Super Star, Royal Tulip
- Social Responsibility: Establishment of Abul Khair Foundation focusing on healthcare, education, and disaster relief initiatives
Pran-RFL Group
Pran-RFL Group, founded by Amjad Khan Chowdhury in 1981, is a prominent conglomerate in Bangladesh.
- Founder: Amjad Khan Chowdhury
- Founded: 1981
- Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Key Divisions:
- Agribusiness: Largest in the country, offering a wide range of products from fresh fruits and vegetables to processed foods like juices, snacks, and dairy items.
- Plastics: Manufacturing household items, furniture, and packaging materials with cutting-edge technology.
- Electronics: Producing a comprehensive selection of electronic goods under the brand name Marcel.
Meghna Group
Meghna Group of Industries, founded by Mr. Mostafa Kamal in 1976, is a highly diversified conglomerate in Bangladesh.
- Founder: Mr. Mostafa Kamal
- Founded: 1976
- Evolution: Started as Kamal Trading Company, then expanded into Meghna Vegetable Oil Industries Ltd. in 1989.
- Manufacturing Units: 36 units
- Workforce: Over 35,000 employees
Key Sectors:
- FMCG
- Cement
- Commodities
- Chemicals
- Seed crushing
- Fish and poultry feed
- Power generation
- Salt
- Bottled water
- Industrial products
- Financial Performance: Sales turnover surpassed $2 billion in 2017, reaching approximately $2.5 billion annually.
Prominent Subsidiaries:
- Meghna Cement Mills Ltd.
- Unique Cement Industries Ltd.
- Meghna Seeds Crushing Mills Ltd.
- Meghna Edible Oils Refinery Ltd.
Ahsan Group Limited
Ahsan Group Limited, founded by A S M Quamrul Ahsan in 1986, is a diversified business conglomerate in Bangladesh.
- Founder: A S M Quamrul Ahsan
- Founded: 1986
- Evolution: Started as a small textile business and expanded into industries such as construction, logistics, agro, and IT.
Key Focus:
- Creating meaningful connections for users through thoughtful strategies
- Fostering innovation to adapt to evolving customer needs
- Global Presence: Notable presence in the global business landscape
- Workforce: Over 18,000 employees
- Annual Revenue: $120 million
Navana Group
Navana Group, a distinguished conglomerate in Bangladesh with a history of over five decades, operates across key sectors such as automobiles, construction, real estate, hospitality, and healthcare.
- History: Over five decades of operation
Key Sectors:
- Automobiles: Authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Bangladesh through Navana Toyota
- Construction: Executed large-scale projects under Navana Construction Limited
- Real Estate: Developed prestigious projects in prime locations through Navana Real Estate Limited
- Hospitality: Owns and manages hotels, resorts, and restaurants, including Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden
- Healthcare: Operates cutting-edge medical facilities through Navana Healthcare Limited
ACI Limited
ACI Limited, established in 1973, is a prominent conglomerate in Bangladesh with diverse business interests spanning pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, agriculture, and retail.
- Founded: 1973
- Workforce: Over 10,000 employees
Key Business Segments:
- ACI Pharmaceuticals: Leading pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh, manufacturing and marketing a comprehensive range of pharmaceutical products.
- ACI Consumer Brands: Produces and markets consumer goods such as soap, shampoo, and personal care items.
- Agriculture: Provides essential agricultural inputs including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Jamuna Group
Jamuna Group, established in 1974 by Nurul Islam Babul, Jamuna Group has become a prominent conglomerate in Bangladesh.
- Founder: Nurul Islam Babul
- Founded: 1974
Key Industries:
- Garments and textiles
- Print and electronic media
- Consumer products
- Leather goods
- Chemicals
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Beverage
- Real estate
- Housing
Square Group
Square Group, established in 1958 by Samson H Chowdhury and three friends, is a distinguished conglomerate in Bangladesh.
- Founders: Samson H Chowdhury and three friends
- Founded: 1958
- Transition: Became a public company in 1991
Key Industries:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textiles
- Agro-vet products
- Consumer goods
Partex Group
Partex Group, established in 1962, is a prominent conglomerate headquartered in Bangladesh.
- Founded: 1962
Key Industries:
- Furniture: Flagship company, Partex Furniture Industries Ltd., is the largest furniture manufacturer in Bangladesh, offering home, office, and hospital furniture.
- Plastics: Partex Plastics Limited is a leading manufacturer of plastic products.
- Textile and Garment: Partex Star Group is actively involved in the textile and garment sector.
The Features of a Group of Company
A group of companies is a collection of businesses under one main company. Here are some key points about them:
- One company in the group owns or controls the others.
- The companies can be involved in different types of businesses like manufacturing, retail, and finance.
- If one company faces problems, others in the group can help balance things out.
- Groups can save money by using tax rules that apply differently to various businesses.
- They share resources like technology and staff, which saves money and improves efficiency.
- Each company can keep its own brand while still being part of the group.
- The group must follow laws about competition and corporate governance.
- Public groups combine financial reports to show overall performance clearly to investors.
Final Words
Bangladesh is home to a diverse and dynamic range of conglomerates and group companies that have made significant contributions to the country’s economic growth and development.
These conglomerates span various sectors, from pharmaceuticals to textiles, manufacturing, and real estate, showcasing their versatility and adaptability.
These companies play a crucial role in the nation’s economy, providing employment opportunities, driving innovation, and contributing to both local and international markets.
