ANM MOHIBUB UZ ZAMAN

Bashundhara Paper Mills Ltd. (BPML) turned into a major global exporter from a national industry leader through striving growth, product diversification, and a commitment to quality.

The company has advanced from meeting domestic demands to holding a significant presence in international markets, exporting its paper and tissue products to dozens of countries across multiple continents.

Bashundhara Paper began its journey in 1993 when the Bangladeshi paper industry was at crossroads, heavily dependent on imports. That beginning with a modest ambition to make quality paper locally has since grown into a story of industrial transformation that turned a nation’s need into a global opportunity.

Bashundhara Group, under the visionary leadership of its founder and Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, saw an opportunity not just to build a business, but to transform an entire industry.

Three decades later, Bashundhara Paper has become a symbol of Bangladesh’s industrial maturity and self-reliance. The company now meets more than 30% of the country’s total paper demand and exports to over 50 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

From classrooms and corporate offices to printing presses and packaging industries, Bashundhara Paper has become an essential part of everyday life.

With a population of over 166 million and rising literacy and industrialisation, the demand for paper has surged. Its consistent quality, affordability and wide availability have made it the first choice for printing presses, corporates and educational institutions.

Today, Bashundhara Paper stands as the largest paper producer in South-East Asia, supplying more than 30% of Bangladesh’s paper demand and exporting to over 50 countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its success rests on a foundation of consistent quality, affordability and trust values that have earned the brand four consecutive Superbrands Bangladesh titles between 2018 and 2026.

The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it the Superbrands Bangladesh award four times consecutively in 2018–19, 2020–21, 2023–24 and 2025–26. With four advanced production units (BPML Units 1, 2, 3 and BMPIL), Bashundhara Paper is now the largest paper producer in South-East Asia. Its paper products dominate the SAARC region and are exported in bulk to over 25 countries.

Recognised for excellence by both consumers and industry experts, Bashundhara Paper has also earned a strong reputation on the Dhaka and Chittagong Stock Exchanges. Its versatility and constant innovation have made it the preferred brand for both domestic use and international OEM requirements.

Behind the success lies an ongoing pursuit of innovation. From introducing the country’s first NCR, Art Card, Duplex Board and Sticker Paper to developing eco-friendly processes like reusing carbon dioxide emissions in production, Bashundhara has consistently stayed ahead of the curve.

Bashundhara Paper is the only Bangladeshi paper brand certified with both ISO 9001:2015 for process excellence and ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management. Additionally, it holds the FSC-CoC (Forest Stewardship Council - Chain of Custody) certification showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices.

Bashundhara’s influence extends beyond commerce. Its’ products power classrooms, offices and industries, helping shape the nation’s educational and economic growth. With four advanced production units – including Bashundhara Multi Paper Industries Ltd. launched in 2015 – the brand has become synonymous with innovation and reliability.

Bashundhara Paper’s strong market presence is reinforced through a vast distribution network, promotional campaigns and sponsorships of cultural and sporting events at domestic market. Bashundhara Paper’s promotional footprint extends globally as well. By participating in prestigious international trade fairs in Germany, Dubai, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka and beyond, the brand showcases its innovation and builds strategic alliances. These global interactions have positioned Bashundhara as not just a national leader but a credible international contender.

Its branding efforts emphasise quality, sustainability and trust-values that customers resonate with. Through thoughtful messaging and consistent product excellence, Bashundhara Paper continues to lead the category and strengthen its brand legacy at home and abroad.

Guided by its mission to support “education, communication, business and social awareness through eco-sustainable paper-based solutions,” Bashundhara Paper continues to redefine what it means to be a Bangladeshi brand on the world stage.

Its journey rooted in foresight, responsibility and resilience proves that good paper doesn’t just ensure good printing; it helps write a nation’s story of progress.

To meet rising domestic and international demand, Bashundhara Paper has heavily invested in technological advancement and eco-friendly production. In 2015, the launch of Bashundhara Multi Paper Industries Ltd. (BMPIL) expanded the company’s capacity making it the largest paper producer in Bangladesh and the South-East Asia region.

The company has introduced new paper variants like Cup Stock Paper, Art Card and PVC Stickers responding directly to evolving market needs. It also ventured into in-house production of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) and Wet Ground Calcium Carbonate (WGCC), key filler materials for high-quality paper.

Impressively, the manufacturing process reuses carbon dioxide emissions from its own power plant ensuring sustainable innovation.

Bashundhara Paper’s focus on environmental protection is further evident through its Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) guaranteeing responsible waste management.

Additionally, each unit houses a dedicated quality control lab to maintain excellence across every batch.

With a highly skilled engineering team and commitment to greener growth, Bashundhara Paper continues to drive innovation and value. Its influence extends beyond business. It plays a vital role in national industry leadership as a key member of the Paper Mills Association of Bangladesh.

______________________________  

The reporter can be reached at [email protected]