Akij Group

Akij Group is one of the largest Bangladeshi industrial conglomerates. The industries under this conglomerate include textiles, tobacco, food & beverage, cement, ceramics, printing and packaging, pharmaceuticals, consumer products etc. In 2009, Akij Group paid 390 million euros in tax, making it the biggest local tax-payer, contributing two per cent to this nation's entire budget. Akij also provides services in healthcare, information and communication technology. Its turnover in 2009 was 89 billion Taka. Akij Group was established in the 1940s by industrialist Sheikh Akijuddin as a jute trading business, before moving into cigarettes and other areas of business. It has faced criticism for employing child workers. In August 2018, Japan Tobacco acquires Akij's tobacco business for US$1.5 billion.