Bashundhara Group
Real Estate, Manufacturing, Media, Logistics, and Sports
Founded in 1987 under the original name East-West Property Development (Pvt) Ltd, Bashundhara Group has risen to prominence as one of the leading business conglomerates in Bangladesh. Initially focusing on real estate, the group now operates more than 50 diverse concerns throughout the nation and employs over 700,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the country.
The Early Days of Real Estate Success
Bashundhara Group began its journey by capitalizing on the urgent need for housing in the rapidly expanding city of Dhaka. Its first project in 1987 aimed to provide affordable and high-quality housing solutions, which quickly garnered trust and credibility among the city's residents. This successful launch provided a strong foundation for the group's future diversification and growth.
The success of their initial real estate projects encouraged the group to expand its services and products to meet the broader needs of Bangladeshis. This led to the adoption of their mission statement, "For the People, For the Country." This guiding principle has continued to drive their expansion and diversification across various sectors.
Expanding Into Manufacturing and Trading
In the early 1990s, Bashundhara Group ventured into the manufacturing and trading sectors, marking its entry into industries such as cement, paper, tissue, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These products' high quality and reliability quickly established them as market leaders, further enhancing the group's reputation.
A significant milestone was achieved in the early 2000s when Meghna Cement Mills Limited was listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). This public listing allowed the group to raise capital for expansion and cemented its reputation as a credible and reliable business entity. Meghna Cement Mills has since become one of Bangladesh's most successful listed companies, exemplifying the group's financial success and stability.
Creating New Opportunities in Real Estate
As Bashundhara Group's reputation grew, it continued to innovate and expand its real estate offerings, focusing on projects that met the evolving needs of its clients. The group's dedication to customer satisfaction and innovative solutions played a key role in the continued success of its real estate ventures.
One of its landmark projects, Bashundhara City Development Ltd. (BCDL), integrates a shopping mall and a recreational center, providing a one-stop entertainment and shopping destination in Dhaka. This project is a testament to Bashundhara's ability to adapt to consumer needs and market trends.
The Rise of East West Media Group
In 2009, the group expanded into the media industry by forming East West Media Group Ltd. This entity manages several leading publications in Bangladesh, including "Kaler Kantho," "Bangladesh Pratidin," and the English daily "Daily Sun," as well as the news portal "banglanews24.com." Additionally, the group ventured into broadcasting with News24, a leading news channel, T Sports, the first dedicated sports channel in the country, and Radio Capital, a diverse FM station, significantly influencing the media landscape in Bangladesh.
Industrial Contributions and Innovations
Beyond real estate and media, Bashundhara Group has made significant strides in key sectors such as Ready-Mix Cement, Toiletries, Paper, LPG, Oil and Gas, and Food. It offers high-quality cement for construction, hygiene products under Bashundhara Tissue, and sustainable paper products from Bashundhara Paper Mills. The group is also a major player in the LPG market with Bashundhara LP Gas and contributes to the nation’s food supply with Bashundhara Food & Beverage Industries Ltd., which produces edible oils and other food products.
Awards and Recognitions
Bashundhara Group's excellence in various fields has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. For example, Bashundhara Tissue and Bashundhara LPG Gas have consistently won the "Best Brand Award" in their respective categories. In 2023, four of the group's products were awarded the prestigious "Superbrands" status, and in 2021, it was named the "Best Business Conglomerate Group."
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
Through its philanthropic arm, the Bashundhara Foundation, the group supports various social initiatives, including education, healthcare, disaster relief, and sustainable development. The foundation's work, such as supporting tea workers in Bangladesh with training and resources, underscores the group’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities and improving livelihoods across the country.
Vision Shaping the Journey
With aspirations to become the leading business entity in Bangladesh and a notable player globally, Bashundhara Group is committed to fostering economic growth and social development. It is driven by core values of patriotism, honesty, fairness, and service to the nation, which guide its business practices and employee relations and help shape a prosperous future for the company and the country.