A fridge that takes selfies—who would’ve imagined? Walton, Bangladesh’s leading refrigerator brand, delights tech enthusiasts with a line-up of head-turning AI-powered fridges this Eid. These innovative models don’t just flaunt the latest features—they’re also designed with sustainability in mind. In this exclusive interview, Mohammad Rayhan, managing director of Walton Plaza, shares insights into the new launches, their cutting-edge technology, customer benefits, and much more.

Daily Sun: What new products are in the offing for customers this Eid-ul-Azha?

Mohammad Rayhan: For Eid, we have recently unveiled seven new models of refrigerators, enriched with the world’s most advanced smart technologies and features, including Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Among these are: a smart refrigerator with an 8-in-1 convertible mode, Dolby sound, and a 21.5-inch Android display; a three-door side-by-side smart refrigerator equipped with IoT and AI Doctor features; inverter technology-based convertible reversible door models; water dispenser models (both bottom and top mounted variants); semi no-frost models with digital control displays; and sleekly designed freezers. These innovations mark a significant forward leap for Bangladesh in the production and marketing of high-tech refrigerators, setting a new benchmark. Through technological excellence and capability, Walton—the nation’s number one fridge brand—has once again set a unique precedent.

Daily Sun: Could you tell us about the cutting-edge technologies, features, and benefits of these models?           

Mohammad Rayhan: Among the latest Eid offerings is a 620-litre ‘Multimedia Hub’ smart refrigerator featuring a 21.5-inch Android display with an enhanced viewing angle and stereo sound system. Users can enjoy YouTube browsing, online grocery shopping, offline video and audio playback, internet browsing, selfie camera, weather updates, and more multimedia functionalities. This model also features metal and duo cooling settings. It’s MSO (Matrix Speed Optimisation) Plus inverter technology automatically adjusts cooling performance based on ambient temperature, ensuring energy-efficient yet powerful performance. Users can tailor the cooling of the fridge and freezer compartments to their needs, significantly reducing electricity consumption, while maintaining fresh, healthy, bacteria- and virus-free food.

Another model, the 560-litre three-door smart refrigerator, includes MSO inverter technology, dual temperature control, and holiday, turbo, and super mode cooling settings. Uniquely, it features Walton’s proprietary ‘AI Doctor’, which detects and attempts to resolve issues in real-time. If self-resolution isn’t possible, it immediately notifies the nearest service centre, ensuring preemptive after-sales support – often before the customer even notices a fault. Thanks to the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) features, customers can also control their refrigerators from anywhere in the world via smartphone.

Additional models include 343 and 308-litre reversible door refrigerators with inverter and convertible modes, a 268-litre water dispenser model, a 348-litre semi no-frost refrigerator with intelligent inverter technology, and a 210-litre freezer with a slim design and digital control display.

These refrigerators use specific light wavelengths to keep fruits and vegetables as fresh as nature intended, preserving nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The UV-C technology protects food from airborne bacteria and viruses, while the Intelligent Germ Terminator destroys airborne germs. A three-layer odor-safe guard keeps unwanted smells at bay, preserving the natural taste. Smart controls allow users to operate the fridge with a simple touch on the upper door panel, without even opening the door.

Despite all these features, Walton refrigerators are priced more affordably than other brands. While multimedia hub fridges from other brands are priced above Tk3 lakh, Walton’s version – with advanced Android features and high-quality visuals – is available for less than Tk2 lakh.

Daily Sun: How many models are currently available in the market? Could you share their price range and purchase benefits?      

Mohammad Rayhan: Walton is synonymous with refrigeration in Bangladesh. Catering to all social classes, professions, and income groups, we offer more than 100 fridge and freezer designs and models. Prices start from Tk15,000 and go up to Tk2 lakh. We offer easy instalment facilities – including six-month zero-interest options and up to 36-month plans.

Moreover, we are providing special benefits including financial assistance for customers who purchase products on instalment facilities from any Walton Plaza across the country under its ‘Hire Purchase and Family Protection Policy’. 

Daily Sun: Are there any exclusive offers or deals for customers buying fridges this Eid?           

Mohammad Rayhan: Walton traditionally offers special deals during major festivals, and this Eid is no exception. Since 20 February 2025, our nationwide ‘Digital Campaign Season 22’ has been running. Under this, buyers of Walton refrigerators have the opportunity to become millionaires. Every purchaser is also guaranteed a gift. Numerous buyers across the country have already become millionaires by purchasing Walton fridges, and many more will have the chance to win before Eid-ul-Azha.

Daily Sun: What kind of after-sales services can buyers expect with these new fridges?             

Mohammad Rayhan: We provide international-standard after-sales support including a one-year replacement guarantee, 12-year compressor warranty, and up to five years of free service. With 86 service centres under the country’s first ISO-certified and largest service network, Walton ensures rapid, top-tier service across Bangladesh.

Daily Sun: Walton has long been the country’s number one refrigerator brand. What’s the secret to sustaining this position?

Mohammad Rayhan: We design and market fridges tailored to all classes and professional needs. Our engineers at South Asia’s one of the largest research and innovation teams have equipped Walton fridges with the most advanced technologies. These appliances meet international standards and are remarkably affordable, saving up to 75% in electricity. Add to that the assurance of our extensive ISO-certified service network, and it’s clear why Walton fridges have secured the major share of the refrigerator market and earned consumer trust and attained Superbrand status.

Daily Sun: What priorities are in place to maintain Walton’s Superbrand status in the future?

Mohammad Rayhan: We’re focusing heavily on automation, product research, and innovation within the refrigeration sector to maintain our top market position. Significant investment is going into implementing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and aligning with global advancements. Our Research and Innovation Centre continues to study emerging demands in a changing socio-economic landscape, ensuring our product innovation meets the expectations of the next generation.

Daily Sun: How far ahead is Walton in producing energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigerators compared to competitors?

Mohammad Rayhan: Producing environmentally friendly, energy-saving fridges is our top priority. Walton fridges utilise MSO Plus inverter technology based on AIoT to optimise cooling with minimal energy use according to external temperature. We were the first in Bangladesh to produce fridges certified with BSTI’s five-star energy rating. Walton has also led internationally in phasing out harmful CFC and HCFC gases through joint initiatives with the Department of Environment and UNDP. As a result, carbon emissions have significantly reduced. Our current models use globally recognised eco-friendly gases like R600a and R290, contributing to both environmental conservation and efficient electricity usage.

Daily Sun: In what ways does Walton stand out in Bangladesh’s competitive refrigeration market?

Mohammad Rayhan: Walton offers the widest variety of designs, models, technologies, and features. Our standout advantage lies in having South Asia’s one of the largest research and innovation teams. They design fridges suitable for weather conditions in more than 100 countries. Since climate varies across Bangladesh’s regions, Walton refrigerators are crafted to adapt accordingly – making them exceptionally durable. Every model must pass over 70 quality control tests before hitting the market. We offer sizes ranging from 50 to 660 litres, catering to every class and profession. Additionally, our ISO-certified, nationwide after-sales network ensures prompt, premium service. These factors distinguish Walton and have earned us the ‘Best Brand Award’ eleven consecutive times.

Daily Sun: How is Walton investing in research, innovation, and advanced technology? How successful have the smart features been so far?  

Mohammad Rayhan: A significant portion of Walton’s investment goes into product research, innovation, and automation. At our High-Tech Park in Chandra, Gazipur, we’ve established South Asia’s one of the largest Research and Innovation Centres, staffed by engineers from Bangladesh, Korea, Italy, China, and Taiwan. Thanks to their efforts, Walton has pioneered the use of AIoT in refrigeration. Their tireless work has made Bangladesh the first South Asian country to produce French-door fridges and the world’s first manufacturer of 8-in-1 convertible side-by-side refrigerators – transforming Bangladesh into a global hub for smart refrigerator production.

Daily Sun: How accessible are fridges to the middle- and lower-income groups, especially amid rising inflation?               

Mohammad Rayhan: Once a luxury of the elite, fridges became accessible to middle and lower-income families after Walton began commercial production in 2008. Despite rising costs due to foreign exchange constraints and increased import expenses, we’ve restrained our pricing so that fridges remain within reach. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority.

Daily Sun: Which countries are Walton fridges exported to, and what is the export strategy going forward?            

Mohammad Rayhan: Walton exports refrigerators and components to over 50 countries, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Turkey, and Austria. Last fiscal year, we exported nearly one lakh units. By 2026, we aim to export over five lakh units. To achieve this, we are expanding our global footprint in Europe, America, Australia. We’ve built a skilled Global Business Team and established a research centre in South Korea. There, we continuously study global standards, climates, customer preferences, and food habits. Additionally, Walton has acquired three historic European electronics brands—ACC, Zanussi Elettromeccanica (ZEM), and Verdichter (VOE)—which we plan to market globally. Walton has also participated in prestigious international expos, such as CES in Las Vegas and the Canton Fair in China, to boost export trade.