Nabil Group of Industries – a Rajshahi-based conglomerate – has strengthened its position as a major player in Bangladesh’s agro-commodity, while the group has significantly contributed to importing essential commodities such as lentils, soybean meal, yellow peas, and wheat.
This came to light through an analysis of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) import data from January 2023 to August 2024. Nabil Group entered the billion-dollar club in imports in FY2023-24, despite the country’s businesses struggling to import commodities due to the USD crisis.
During the fiscal year, the group spent $1.21 billion to import lentils, soybean meal, yellow peas, and wheat, including the revenue that they paid to the government. The imports are through Nabil Auto Flour Mill, Nabil Naba Foods Ltd, and Nabil Feed Mills Ltd.
The Nabil Group leads the lentil import market with a staggering 49.34 per cent share, accounting for nearly half of the country’s total imports in January 2023 to August 2024.
During the period, this positions them far ahead of City Group (17.44 per cent) and BSM Group (8.90 per cent). Other market players contributed 24.31 per cent of lentil imports, highlighting Nabil Group’s overwhelming dominance in this sector.
The soybean meal import sector shows a more balanced distribution, with Nabil Group holding a 15.84 per cent share.
Though a key player, Nabil falls behind Meghna Group [23.43 per cent] and City Group [20.41 per cent], with other importers collectively holding 40.32 per cent of the market.
Speaking to the Business Post, Nabil Group of Industries Founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kbd Md Aminul Islam said, “Since our inception in 2006, Nabil Group of Industries has experienced a remarkable journey marked by significant achievements and valuable lessons.
“We are trying to keep the supply chain smooth through adequate imports of business and consumer goods. Besides, we are trying to play a role in the country’s food security by locally producing eggs, poultry products, rice, and other essential products.”
Aminul pointed out, “Nabil Group is supporting the economy, ensuring food security, and maintaining social stability. We imported a single product 'wheat' in the name of my proprietorship concern of Tk 7,134.59 million, which was equivalent to $63.70 million, during the FY24.
“The proprietorship concern and limited companies' import during FY24 was an estimated Tk 133,156 million, which was equivalent to $1,222 million.”
The Nabil Group managing director then added, “From the beginning, Nabil Group of Industries has evolved into a leading player in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer goods.
“Our growth is a testament to our dedicated team and our relentless pursuit of continuous development.”
Nabil Group further solidifies its leadership in the yellow peas market, controlling 56.83 per cent of total imports, far surpassing Akij Group 13.67 per cent market share. Other companies collectively accounted for 29.51 per cent of the imports, but Nabil’s commanding share demonstrates its control over this segment.
In addition to lentils and yellow peas, Nabil Group also holds a significant 24.47 per cent share of the wheat import market, positioning it as the top importer. Following Nabil Group are City Group [14.62 per cent], Meghna Group [12.99 per cent], and Akij Group [7.52 per cent], among others.
Nabil Group’s dominance in the agro-commodity market underscores its growing influence and strategic importance in Bangladesh’s food supply chain.
The group’s extensive import operations play a crucial role in stabilizing the country’s supply of lentils, soybean meal, yellow peas, and wheat, which is essential for the food processing industry and livestock, feed production.
Aminul Islam also said Nabil Group has always taken loans from commercial banks in compliance with banking laws and regulations. No irregularities or manipulations were ever resorted to in our loans. Nabil Group's sister concern is regularly repaying the loan installments.
He noted that so far, the group has not rescheduled or defaulted on any loan. We are determined to pay regular loan installments in the future as well.
“We continuously strive to enhance our offerings to meet and exceed market demands with reasonable prices,” he added.
According to the company's source, in 2006, Shimul Enterprise, the flagship trading venture of Nabil Group of Industries, was established.
Known for its excellence as a premier ingredient supplier to top feed mills in Bangladesh, Shimul Enterprise set the stage for the company's expansive growth.
Currently, the group has 17 companies. These are Nabil Naba Food, Flower Mill, Feed- Mill, Auto-Rice Mill, Dal Mill, Consumer Products, Nabil Farm, Cattle Farm, and Nabil Transport.
Its six best products are mentioned in the product options on this web site. These include – rice, flour, atta, semolina, pulses, and fodder.
