200 Years
Legacy
1820
The Beginning
Our journey began in South Asia when Haji Mohammad Hashem (1789–1850) moved from Isfahan to Bombay and established a trading business that laid the foundations for what was to come.
1830
Entering the Tea Trade
Haji Mohammad Hashem became the only Muslim member on the Calcutta committee of the Assam Tea Company— an early entry into the global tea trade, with operations expanding through Calcutta.
1860–1880
A Broader Footprint
Mirza Mehdy (1841–1913), Hashem’s grandson, moved the business headquarters to Madras. He also spent 12 years in Cairo, trading Indian produce including leather, tea, turmeric, tamarind, and peanuts.
1880–1900
Expanding into New Cities
In 1880, a branch was established on Ezra Street in Calcutta. Subsequently, in 1890, another office was opened in Dhaka where Ispahani remains active to this day. In 1900, Mirza Mohammad Ispahani (1871–1925), son of Mirza Mehdy, formally founded the partnership M.M. Ispahani & Sons. That same year, the business expanded internationally with a London branch near Oxford Street.
1918
Transition and Continuity
Mirza Ahmed Ispahani joined the firm and formally took over as head of the company in 1925, continuing the family’s commercial legacy into the next chapter.
1934
Incorporation and Growth
Mirza Ahmed Ispahani, along with his brothers Abul Hassan and Mirza Mahmood, formally incorporated M.M. Ispahani Limited as a private limited company, headquartered in Calcutta.
1940
Leading in Jute
M.M. Ispahani Limited became one of the largest exporters of raw jute in India. The group also established Victory Jute Products, which was later relocated to Chittagong.
1946
Taking to the Skies
Mirza Ahmed Ispahani founded Orient Airways, one of the first airlines in India. It was later nationalised and became Pakistan International Airlines — which remains Pakistan’s national carrier today.
1947
New Roots in Chittagong
Following the partition of the subcontinent, the group shifted its headquarters from Calcutta to Chittagong, where it remains to this day. Around the same time, the Ispahani Building was constructed in Motijheel, Dhaka — one of the first major commercial buildings in the area.
1950
Diversifying Industry
The group expanded its jute operations and entered textiles and matchmaking manufacturing, establishing some of the country’s leading industrial units. Mirza Ahmed Ispahani also remained a prominent tea trader and continued to take a keen interest in the tea business.
1960
Commitment to Public Welfare
The Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital was founded as a charitable dispensary. Today, it remains a not-for-profit institute and the country’s leading eye hospital, treating approximately 1,500 patients every day.
1960
Tea Gardens Acquired
The group began tea production by acquiring four estates: Zareen, Ghazipore, Mirzapore, and Neptune — a key moment in our long-standing relationship with tea.
1999
New Ventures in Food
Ispahani Foods Limited was established, initially producing Chips and Toast. Its product range has since grown to include powdered drinks (ISPI), biscuits (Butterful), and baked goods under the Bakery Fresh line.
2017-18
Industry Leadership
Chairman Mirza Salman Ispahani became the first spinner and first buyer to be elected President of the International Cotton Association. In the same period, Pahartali Textiles Limited expanded with the construction of its fifth spinning unit.
2018
A Milestone Year for the Brand
Ispahani Mirzapore was named the “Overall Best Brand” in Bangladesh by the Bangladesh Brand Forum. Kantar Worldwide also ranked it as the country’s leading beverage brand — ahead of both local and global competitors.
1970-90
Becoming a Household Name
M.M. Ispahani Limited became Bangladesh’s leading tea trader. During this time, Ispahani Mirzapore emerged as one of the most recognised tea brands in the country. The group also entered real estate with the establishment of Century Tower in Maghbazar.
2003–2004
National Recognition
In 2003, M.M. Ispahani Limited received the “Enterprise of the Year” award at the Bangladesh Business Awards. In 2004, the American Chamber of Commerce named Managing Director Mirza Salman Ispahani “Business Executive of the Year”.
2007
Agricultural Growth
Ispahani Agro was founded to support the tea estates. It has since grown into a leading seed company and, in 2018, launched a modern rice mill in Dinajpur.
2020
and Beyond Evolving with Purpose
In 2021, Ghazipore and Neptune tea gardens were among the first to receive the Green Factory Award. Several Ispahani companies — including Ispahani Tea Limited, Pahartali Textiles, and Ispahani Foods — received National Productivity and Excellence Awards, recognising contributions across multiple sectors.
2021
Green Factory Award 2020 and National Productivity and Quality Excellence Awards
2023
Blender's Choice - The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards 2022
We successfully hosted the show for the second time honoring the brilliance of those who captivate and inspire us with their extraordinary contributions to the world of entertainment.
2023
National Tea Day
We won the National Tea Award ‘3rd National Tea Day’ at Sreemangal in
Moulvibazar.
2024
International Mother Teresa Award 2024
We have been acknowledged for our noteworthy contribution to sports and education in Bangladesh in the 24th edition of the International Mother Teresa Award.
2024
National Tea Day
We won the National Tea Award ‘3rd National Tea Day’ at Sreemangal in Moulvibazar.
