Md Wahiduzzaman, founder of the organic skincare and haircare brand Ribana, has been named the National SME Micro Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 by the SME Foundation. The award acknowledges his contribution to the national economy and rural employment generation.
Launched in 2015, Ribana originated from a small handmade soap initiative, inspired by a natural soap Wahiduzzaman received as a gift.
Overcoming initial challenges including limited capital and sourcing difficulties, he pioneered Bangladesh’s first handmade natural soaps, formulated with 95 percent natural ingredients procured from rural communities.
The brand has grown into one of the country’s leading organic personal care labels. Its products are now sold via Amazon in Australia, the US, and Dubai.
Ribana is officially registered in the US as Ribana Corporation, with preparations ongoing to open its first retail outlet in the country.
“This recognition encourages us to move forward with even greater confidence as we expand into international markets,” Wahiduzzaman said while explaining how a local organic brand reaching global markets is a national milestone.
