Bangladesh can become cosmetics exporter: Shama Obayed
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed Islam has said Bangladesh has the potential to reduce its dependence on imported cosmetics and emerge as an export-oriented manufacturing hub for cosmetics and skincare products.
She made the remarks while visiting the pavilion of Remark-Harlan, a cosmetics and skincare manufacturer, at Cosmetica Dhaka 2026, an international exhibition being held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.
During her visit, the state minister reviewed products manufactured in Bangladesh for international brands and sought information about the company's production capacity, research and development, packaging and printing facilities, raw materials, quality-control systems and export markets.
Shama Obayed praised the quality and modern manufacturing capabilities of locally produced cosmetics and skincare products, saying Bangladesh is gradually developing the capacity to manufacture personal care products that meet international standards.
She said companies such as Remark-Harlan could play an important role in reducing import dependency while creating opportunities to expand Bangladesh's cosmetics and personal care products into overseas markets.
“By expanding local production capacity and export markets while maintaining global standards, the cosmetics and personal care sector can make a significant contribution to the national economy,” she said.
The three-day Cosmetica Dhaka 2026 began on Thursday at ICCB, with Remark-Harlan Group participating as an associate partner. According to organisers, 58 companies and 132 brands from 16 countries are taking part in this year's exhibition.
Following the opening ceremony, Shama Obayed toured the Remark pavilion and viewed a range of global cosmetics and skincare brands manufactured by the company in Bangladesh.
The visit was also attended by BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Remark-Harlan Director (Pharma) Sukanta Das, Harlan Store Head of Marketing Md Habibullah Habib and Remark-Harlan Senior Operative Director Mizanur Rahman, among others.
Sukanta Das said Bangladesh's cosmetics and personal care industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with manufacturers increasingly looking to meet international standards and explore export opportunities.
“International platforms such as Cosmetica Dhaka can help connect Bangladesh's cosmetics industry with global traders, technology providers and potential business partners,” he said.
According to Remark-Harlan, the company obtained Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification in November 2024 and currently operates its manufacturing facilities in accordance with cGMP, ISO and Halal standards.
The company said cosmetics and personal care products manufactured in Bangladesh for global brands are now being marketed in several overseas markets, including India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Remark-Harlan said products under brands including Lily, Nior and SiODIL have already been launched in India's Uttar Pradesh and Bihar markets, with plans to expand into other states.
The growing presence of Bangladeshi-made cosmetics in foreign markets comes as local manufacturers seek to move beyond the domestic market and tap into the expanding global beauty and personal care industry.
Organisers said Cosmetica Dhaka 2026 is designed not only as a trade exhibition but also as a platform for business networking, technology transfer, knowledge sharing and collaboration among companies operating in the cosmetics and personal care sectors.
The exhibition is bringing together industry professionals, traders, entrepreneurs, makeup artists, beauty enthusiasts and general visitors.
