In a surprising economic success story, Bangladesh's state-owned liquor company has reported record-breaking profits despite operating in a predominantly Muslim nation where alcohol consumption faces strict religious and legal restrictions.
Historic Distillery Defies Expectations
Carew and Co, established 87 years ago during British colonial rule, has become an unlikely financial powerhouse in the world's fourth most populous Muslim country. The distillery, which operates as Bangladesh's sole licensed alcohol producer, generated an impressive $10 million in profit during the 2024-25 fiscal year while contributing an equal amount in taxes to government coffers.
"This is the highest profit since the company's establishment," revealed managing director Rabbik Hasan in an exclusive interview. "We expect further growth in the coming year." The distillery's success comes amid significant political changes in Bangladesh, where recent mass protests ousted the long-standing government of Sheikh Hasina.
Operating in a Restricted Market
The company's achievement appears particularly remarkable given that the vast majority of Bangladesh's 170 million residents cannot legally purchase its products. Alcohol sales remain tightly controlled, requiring special government permits issued primarily to non-Muslims and foreign residents.
Hasan Maruf, director general of the Department of Narcotics Control, clarified the regulatory position: "Alcohol is forbidden, but exemptions exist for certain communities." These exceptions include the country's substantial Hindu minority population, particularly workers on tea estates where Carew's affordable liquor brands enjoy popularity.
Among the distillery's popular offerings are Imperial Whisky and Tsarina Vodka, the latter distilled from local sugarcane with flavorings imported from the Netherlands. The company maintains a delicate position in the market, with management emphasizing they "never encourage anyone to drink—we only sell to those who already do."
Community Impact and Cultural Context
Despite the controversial nature of its business, Carew and Co has become an important community fixture near the Indian border. The facility provides employment and supports local education initiatives, earning praise even from Muslim employees who abstain from alcohol consumption.
Shah Alam, a 38-year veteran of the bottling unit who has never tasted the products he helps produce, acknowledged the distillery's positive local role. "I don't drink anything from here, nor am I involved with the selling," the 59-year-old Muslim employee stated. "All I am doing here is my job."
The company also serves a crucial public health function by providing regulated, safe alcoholic beverages in a country where illegal moonshine operations and dangerous adulterated liquor have posed persistent health risks. As fish trader Prince Mamun, a 20-year customer, confirmed: "It's cheaper and safer than imported brands. I drink Carew products with zero doubt."
While Islamist groups have grown more assertive following recent political changes, their focus has remained on cultural activities they deem "anti-Islamic," leaving the state-run liquor operation surprisingly untouched by their campaigns.
