Most Popular Top 20 Groups of Companies in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's economy has transformed dramatically over the past decade, evolving from a primarily agrarian nation to a dynamic hub of manufacturing, exports, and innovation. At the heart of this growth are its top 20 groups of companies in Bangladesh, which dominate sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and consumer goods. These conglomerates not only contribute significantly to the GDP—accounting for over 40% of industrial output—but also employ millions, fostering job creation and skill development. As of 2025, with Bangladesh's GDP projected to exceed $500 billion, these business groups are pivotal in achieving the nation's Vision 2041 to become a developed economy.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the leading business conglomerates in Bangladesh, highlighting their company information, history, future prospects, and types. Whether you're an investor eyeing Bangladeshi top companies for investment, a student researching Bangladesh's industrial giants, or a business professional scouting partnerships, this SEO-optimized article provides in-depth insights. From Bashundhara's real estate empire to Beximco's global pharma reach, discover how these entities are shaping Bangladesh's economic landscape in 2025.

1. Bashundhara Group: The Real Estate and Manufacturing Titan

• Type of Company: Bashundhara Group is a diversified conglomerate specializing in real estate, manufacturing, media, and retail, making it one of the largest industrial groups in Bangladesh.

• Company Information: Headquartered in Dhaka, Bashundhara employs over 50,000 people and boasts annual revenues exceeding $2 billion. Key subsidiaries include Bashundhara City (Asia's largest shopping mall), Meghna Cement Mills, and East-West Property Development. It dominates the construction and cement markets, with a portfolio spanning residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

• Company History: Founded in 1987 by Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, Bashundhara started as a cement manufacturing venture amid Bangladesh's post-independence reconstruction boom. By the 1990s, it expanded into real estate with landmark projects like Bashundhara Residential Area. The 2000s saw diversification into media (Jamuna TV) and paper production, solidifying its status as a top Bangladeshi conglomerate through strategic acquisitions and innovation.

• Company Future: Looking ahead to 2030, Bashundhara plans to invest $5 billion in sustainable urban developments, including green smart cities and renewable energy integrations. With expansions into Southeast Asia, the group aims to export cement and real estate expertise, targeting a 20% annual growth rate while prioritizing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards to align with global sustainability trends.

2. Beximco Group: Global Exporter in Textiles and Pharma

• Type of Company: Beximco is a multinational conglomerate focused on textiles, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, aviation, and real estate, renowned for its export-oriented operations.

• Company Information: Based in Dhaka since 1972, Beximco generates over $1.5 billion in revenue annually and employs 100,000+ workers. It exports to 50+ countries, with Beximco Pharmaceuticals ranking among the top 10 generic drug makers in emerging markets.

• Company History: Established by brothers Salman F Rahman and Sohail F Rahman as a trading firm, Beximco pivoted to textiles in the 1980s, capitalizing on Bangladesh's RMG (Ready-Made Garments) boom. The 1990s marked pharma entry with FDA-approved facilities, while aviation (Beximco Airlines) and media ventures followed in the 2000s, navigating economic liberalizations and global partnerships.

• Company Future: Beximco's 2025-2030 roadmap includes $3 billion in R&D for biotech and sustainable textiles, aiming for carbon-neutral factories by 2028. With LDC graduation looming, it eyes African and Latin American markets for 30% revenue growth, leveraging digital supply chains to enhance competitiveness in the Bangladeshi top companies arena.

3. Abul Khair Group: Steel and Consumer Goods Leader

• Type of Company: A family-owned conglomerate in steel, cement, tobacco, food & beverage, and consumer products, emphasizing industrial manufacturing.

• Company Information: Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Chattogram, it employs 25,000 and reports $1.2 billion in sales. Iconic brands include Abul Khair Steel and Frutika juices, with a strong presence in Eastern Bangladesh's industrial belt.

• Company History: Started by Abul Khair Litu as a tobacco trader, the group diversified into steel during the 1970s nationalization era. Post-1990s privatization, it built mega-factories, entering cement and ceramics by 2000. Philanthropy via the Abul Khair Foundation has been integral since inception, supporting education and healthcare.

• Company Future: Abul Khair envisions $2 billion revenue by 2030 through eco-friendly steel production and agro-processing expansions. Plans include EV battery material ventures and ASEAN exports, focusing on circular economy models to mitigate climate risks in Bangladesh's leading conglomerates.

4. PRAN-RFL Group: Agribusiness and Plastics Powerhouse

• Type of Company: Agro-industrial conglomerate spanning food processing, plastics, electronics, and furniture, with a farm-to-table ethos.

• Company Information: Dhaka-based since 1981, PRAN-RFL serves 100+ countries with $800 million revenue and 100,000 employees. PRAN Foods is Bangladesh's largest exporter of processed foods, while RFL excels in household plastics.

• Company History: Launched by Ahsan Khan Chowdhury amid food security challenges, PRAN began with fruit processing in the 1980s. The 1990s merger with RFL added plastics, followed by electronics (Marcel brand) in the 2000s. Export growth surged post-2010, earning UN awards for rural empowerment.

• Company Future: Targeting $1.5 billion by 2028, PRAN-RFL will scale organic farming tech and smart appliances. International joint ventures in India and the Middle East promise 25% growth, emphasizing climate-resilient agriculture for sustainable Bangladeshi business groups.

5. Meghna Group of Industries: Chemicals and Food Innovator

• Type of Company: Diversified manufacturer in cement, edible oils, paper, steel, and consumer goods, known for quality certifications.

• Company Information: Established in 1976 in Dhaka, it employs 20,000 with $1 billion turnover. Brands like Fresh soaps and Meghna Cement lead domestic markets.

• Company History: Founded by Mostafa Kamal during industrial deregulation, Meghna started in edible oils. The 1980s expansion into cement coincided with infrastructure booms, while 2000s acquisitions boosted paper and steel. Awards like Prime Minister’s Industrial Trophy highlight its trajectory.

• Company Future: Meghna aims for green manufacturing with $1.5 billion investments in biofuels and recycled materials by 2030. Export diversification to Europe and digital ERP systems will drive 15% yearly growth among top 20 companies in Bangladesh.

6. City Group: Food and Hospitality Giant

• Type of Company: Consumer-focused conglomerate in food, beverages, real estate, and hospitality, blending tradition with modernity.

• Company Information: From 1972 in Dhaka, City Group employs 15,000 and earns $700 million. Radhuni spices and Westin Dhaka hotel are flagships.

• Company History: Started by Fazlur Rahman in spices trading, it grew into full F&B by 1980s. Hotel acquisitions in the 1990s and pharma entry in 2000s marked diversification, with City Foundation aiding disaster relief since 2005.

• Company Future: With $1 billion goals by 2029, City plans luxury eco-resorts and plant-based foods. ASEAN expansions and AI-driven supply chains position it as a resilient player in Bangladesh's economic powerhouses.

7. Akij Group: Tobacco to Diversified Empire

• Type of Company: Multi-sector conglomerate in tobacco, textiles, cement, ceramics, and healthcare.

• Company Information: Dhaka HQ since 1940s, 30,000 employees, $900 million revenue. Akij Cement and Biri tobacco dominate.

• Company History: Founded pre-independence in trading, Akij industrialized in 1970s textiles. 1990s saw cement booms, with healthcare additions in 2000s despite regulatory scrutiny.

• Company Future: Akij targets sustainable tobacco alternatives and $1.2 billion via African exports by 2030, investing in digital health tech for broader impact.

8. ACI Limited: Pharma and Agri Leader

• Type of Company: Science-driven conglomerate in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, consumer goods, and retail.

• Company Information: Since 1968 in Dhaka, 10,000+ staff, $600 million sales. Shwapno supermarkets and ACI Pharma are key.

• Company History: Begun as chemical importers, ACI entered pharma in 1970s. Retail and agri expansions in 1990s fueled growth, earning UN Global Compact recognition.

• Company Future: ACI eyes biotech R&D with $800 million by 2028, focusing on precision farming and e-retail for 20% growth.

9. Square Group: Healthcare and Pharma Pioneer

• Type of Company: Primarily healthcare-oriented conglomerate with pharma, textiles, and hospitals.

• Company Information: Dhaka-based from 1958, 20,000 employees, $1 billion revenue. Square Pharma is a DSE blue-chip.

• Company History: Started in textiles, Square pivoted to pharma in 1980s, becoming Bangladesh's largest by 2000. Hospitals followed in 2010s.

• Company Future: $1.5 billion target by 2030 via vaccine production and telehealth, expanding to South Asia.

10. Transcom Group: Media and Consumer Brands

• Type of Company: Beverage, pharma, media, and electronics conglomerate.

• Company Information: From 1985 in Dhaka, 12,000 staff, $500 million. Pepsi bottling and Prothom Alo newspaper shine.

• Company History: Began with appliances, added beverages in 1990s. Media entry in 2000s boosted influence.

• Company Future: Transcom plans digital media hubs and sustainable packaging for $700 million growth.

11. Walton Group: Electronics and Auto Innovator

• Type of Company: Consumer electronics, automobiles, and home appliances manufacturer.

• Company Information: Dhaka HQ since 1977, 50,000 employees, $2 billion exports to 20 countries.

• Company History: From sewing machines, Walton surged in TVs/refrigerators post-2000, becoming a local brand leader.

• Company Future: EV and smart home focus for $3 billion by 2030, with EU market entry.

12. TK Group of Industries: Edible Oils and Paper

• Type of Company: FMCG, industrial materials, and financial services conglomerate.

• Company Information: Chattogram-based since 1972, 25,000 staff, $800 million.

• Company History: Oil refining start, diversified to paper/tea in 1990s.

• Company Future: Biofuels and e-commerce for 18% growth.

13. S Alam Group: Food and Energy Diversifier

• Type of Company: Food, construction, oil & gas conglomerate.

• Company Information: Chattogram from 1985, 15,000 employees, $600 million.

• Company History: Poultry beginnings, energy shift in 2000s.

• Company Future: Renewables investment for $900 million.

14. Partex Group: Furniture and Renewables

• Type of Company: Furniture, plastics, solar, and textiles.

• Company Information: Dhaka since 1959, 20,000 staff, $700 million.

• Company History: Furniture pioneer, solar in 2010s.

•  Company Future: Green energy exports for expansion.

15. Navana Group: Automobiles and Hospitality

• Type of Company: Auto distribution, construction, real estate.

• Company Information: Dhaka from 1964, 10,000 employees, $500 million.

• Company History: Toyota importer, hotels in 1990s.

• Company Future: EV dealerships and smart cities.

16. Habib Group: Aviation and Cement

• Type of Company: Aviation, cement, energy conglomerate.

• Company Information: Chattogram since 1947, 12,000 staff, $400 million.

• Company History: Trading to aviation post-1970s.

• Company Future: Airport expansions and green cement.