Unilever Bangladesh celebrates grand finale of fifteenth BizMaestros

Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), the country's leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, concluded the 15th edition of its flagship business competition, 'BizMaestros,' at a grand finale held in Dhaka.      

Following a challenging contest among the top five finalist teams, a team from the Institute of Business Administration—University of Dhaka, consisting of Md. Tahmidur Rahman Khan, Nusrat Fauzia Nishu, and Maisha Islam Monamee, emerged as the champion, lifting the coveted trophy of this prestigious business competition.

The finalists were evaluated by a distinguished panel of jurors, including Masud Khan, Chairman of Unilever Consumer Care Ltd.; Mominul Islam, Chairman of Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC (DSE) and Founder of CLink Advisory; and senior leaders from Unilever Bangladesh, namely Zinnia Huq, Finance Director; Shadman Sadikin, Marketing Director—home Care; and Zaheen Islam, Marketing Director—beauty and Wellbeing.

The awards were presented by Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd., Durdana Kabir, Human Resources Director, jury members and management committee members.

The First Runner-Up title was awarded to a team from Institute of Business Administration - University of Dhaka and Islamic University of Technology (IUT), consisting of Md. Shamsul Arefin Chowdhury, Hridita Islam and Sawda Muntaha.

Sameeha Rahman, Afra Nawal and Raiyan Ibne Hossain from Institute of Business Administration - University of Dhaka and Islamic University of Technology (IUT) claimed the Second Runner-Up position.

BizMaestros 2024 was themed 'Power of U,' encouraging participants to showcase their unique passions and strengths. The competition allowed students to tackle real-world business cases from Unilever's portfolio, honing their problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.

The three-round competition began with online submissions from students across Bangladesh, where thousands applied. In the second round, 45 selected students underwent comprehensive mentorships, boot camps, and immersive experiences, which culminated in the selection of culminating in selecting the top five teams for the finale.

This year's champions will now represent Bangladesh at the Unilever Future Leaders' League (FLL) 2025, competing against top university teams from around the globe.

Additionally, all members of the Top 5 teams will receive fast-tracked opportunities for internships and management trainee programs with Unilever Bangladesh, enabling them to experience the organization's dynamic culture and diverse career pathways. 

Masud Khan, a jury member for this year's Grand Finale, said "The BizMaestro finals was an exhilarating experience, showcasing the innovative spirit of business graduates. Teams presented well-researched insights on the emerging market for luxury body wash in Bangladesh, analysing consumer behaviour and untapped potential. The discussions highlighted strategies to grow the segment, from branding to distribution channels. Engaging with bright minds and expert judges fostered a rich exchange of ideas and solutions."

Mominul Islam from the jury panel said, "The BizMaestros 2024 Grand Finale, organized by Unilever Bangladesh, was a remarkable celebration of innovation and talent. This event brought together the brightest young minds, showcasing their exceptional ideas and problem-solving skills on a prestigious platform. This shows Unilever's unwavering commitment to nurturing future leaders and fostering creativity in Bangladesh. The enthusiasm and energy of the participants were truly inspiring."

Durdana Kabir, HR Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, said, "BizMaestros is more than just a business competition; it; it is a platform for developing future leaders who can tackle the complex challenges of the future. We aim to bridge the gap between academia and corporate life, equipping young talents with the skills and experiences they need to succeed. We are committed to supporting the youth of Bangladesh in their journey towards becoming effective future business leaders".  

Unilever Bangladesh remains committed to fostering youth employability and equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary for thriving careers, reinforcing its position as a leading advocate for talent development in the country.