Doing good for the country and doing good for business need not be separate objectives.

When I first conceived the idea of re-refining used lubricants in the 1970s, I saw more than an industrial opportunity. I saw a responsibility—to serve our country, conserve its resources, protect its environment, and build something that could create lasting value for generations to come.

At the time, the concept of recycling used oil was virtually unknown in Bangladesh. I believed that a resource as valuable as petroleum should not be discarded after a single use. With determination, and after gaining practical knowledge and training in re-refining technology, I returned to Bangladesh with a vision of establishing an industry that could transform used oil from an environmental burden into a valuable resource.

That vision led to the establishment of Min Oils Ltd. in 1985. What began on a pilot scale has grown into one of Bangladesh's pioneering re-refining operations, dedicated to recovering and returning valuable petroleum resources to productive use.

For me, re-refining has always been about more than producing base oil. It is about responsible resource management and giving back to the country.

Every litre of used oil that we collect and re-refine is a litre that does not have to be improperly discharged into our soil and waterways or burned as waste. Through recycling, we reduce pollution, conserve scarce petroleum resources, and significantly reduce the energy required compared with producing equivalent products from virgin crude. At the same time, every unit of quality recycled base oil produced locally contributes to reducing our dependence on imported petroleum products and helps retain valuable foreign exchange within the country.

The impact extends beyond the environment and the balance of trade. An industry built around collection, transportation, processing, manufacturing, laboratory testing, engineering and distribution creates opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship across the value chain. In this way, recycling used oil becomes part of a broader circular economy—where waste is transformed into value, resources are conserved, and economic opportunity is created.

Over the years, technology and industry standards have evolved considerably. We have therefore remained committed to continuously improving our processes, investing in technology, maintaining rigorous quality standards and developing products that meet the needs of automotive and industrial users. Our objective has never been simply to recycle used oil, but to recycle it responsibly and transform it into products that our customers can trust.

I take great pride in seeing how an idea that began decades ago has developed into an industry that contributes to Bangladesh's economy and environment. But I believe our greatest responsibility lies ahead. As our country continues to industrialize and consume greater quantities of petroleum products, the need for responsible collection, recycling and re-use will only become more important.

My vision remains unchanged: to build an industry that serves the nation while respecting the environment; that turns waste into a resource; that reduces dependence on imports; and that creates meaningful opportunities for our people.

Min Oils was founded with a belief that doing good for the country and doing good for business need not be separate objectives. With innovation, integrity and responsible stewardship, they can—and should—go hand in hand.

I am grateful to our customers, employees, partners, regulators and the Government of Bangladesh for their trust and support throughout this journey. Their continued confidence inspires us to uphold the standards on which Min Oils was founded and to carry our vision forward for the generations to come.