Md. Quamrul Hassan
Chief Business Officer
ACI Consumer Brands

The Daily Star (TDS): Could you provide an overview of your company's current position and performance in the cosmetics and toiletries sector?

Md. Quamrul Hassan (MQH): Our cosmetics and toiletries portfolio at ACI is constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of today's consumers. We offer a wide range of products across the personal care, hygiene, and skincare segments—each designed with a strong focus on quality, safety, and relevance. Within our toiletries portfolio, we proudly feature trusted household names such as Savlon—a flagship brand that spans multiple categories, including handwash, soap, liquid antiseptic, and antiseptic cream.

Our lineup also includes Septex Soap and Handwash, the elegant Leona Beauty Soap, and Baby Soft—our dedicated baby care brand, formulated with the gentlest ingredients for delicate skin. We also address specific consumer needs with herbal soaps and handwashes enriched with neem, SkinZEN and Savlon Men Shower Gel, as well as cutting-edge skincare products like Angelina Hyaluronic Booster.

TDS: How would you assess the current position and performance of local brands?

MQH: In Bangladesh's cosmetics and toiletries sector, local brands are gaining significant traction. While historically dominated by global players, the market is now witnessing the rise of homegrown brands that better understand local needs, preferences, and price sensitivities.

However, challenges remain—including limited access to R&D facilities, insufficient branding expertise, and the scarcity of high-quality raw materials. With the right support and strategic investment, these local brands have the potential to emerge as strong contenders, both within the domestic market and on international platforms.

TDS: What are the major challenges or barriers limiting the growth and expansion of the local cosmetics industry?

MQH: Since the majority of necessary components are not produced domestically, the industry's heavy reliance on imported raw materials is a major issue. As a result, the industry remains highly vulnerable to fluctuations in the USD exchange rate, which have an immediate impact on import prices and overall costs.

Additionally, a lack of infrastructure, advanced technological knowledge, and local innovation potential hampers product development and competitiveness. For the industry to grow sustainably and prepare for integration into the global economy, these obstacles must be addressed.

TDS: What are your company's current strategic priorities and future growth plans in the cosmetics sector?

MQH: Our current cosmetics initiatives at ACI are firmly anchored in the concepts of wellness, health, and enhancing consumers' lifestyles. Our goal is to provide safe, skin-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing products that meet the needs of contemporary consumers who seek self-expression and self-care.

Our future plans include incorporating more natural and functional ingredients, expanding into derma-cosmetic solutions, and strengthening customer education through digital platforms. We aim to build a cosmetics portfolio that not only enhances beauty but also promotes overall well-being, empowering consumers to feel good, inside and out.

TDS: What policy changes or government support are needed to drive further industry growth?

MQH: Policy support is essential to unlocking the industry's full potential. Reducing taxes and VAT on raw materials, simplifying import procedures for quality ingredients, and strengthening regulatory frameworks for product safety would significantly accelerate innovation and responsible scaling.

Government investment in technology-driven education could also help nurture a new generation of professionals, supporting smarter, more sustainable industry growth. Companies like ACI are well positioned to lead the development of a more competitive and resilient cosmetics industry—provided the right support mechanisms are in place.