Ever thought about who’s behind Bangladesh’s biggest brand’s marketing campaigns and how they come up with great ideas which build movements? Today, we will get to know one of them.

TBS Graduates had the opportunity to converse with Mashrur Hasan Mim, one of the marketing legends who has been in this industry for more than a decade. 

In the past, he has played crucial roles in Bangladesh’s biggest brands. From Warid Telecom, Airtel, Samsung Electronics, Banglalink, SureCash, Dotlines, HungryNaki, Daraz Bangladesh, to his current role as chief marketing officer (CMO) at Cartup and Foodi (sister concerns of US Bangla Airlines)—he has led marketing campaigns and major initiatives which have helped change how people in Bangladesh connect with brands.

In an interview with TBS Graduates, he shares his experiences and suggestions for working in the marketing arena.

Falling in love with marketing: Story of curiosity and passion

When we asked what made him fall in love with marketing in the first place, he replied, “The journey began during my undergraduate days. I  completed my graduation from North South University; at that time presentations, vibrant faculty, and engaging case studies—it all clicked. I completed my internship at Warid Telecom, which gave me a taste of real-world marketing, media, branding, product strategy and so on. That’s when I knew this is where I belong.”

However, he shared that it wasn’t just classes, marketing campaigns and brand deals that shaped him. It was the self-discipline he built through reading books, case studies, and observing how marketing connects with human behaviour. 

“I failed a lot. I struggled too. But I kept learning,” he added.

Airtel days: Where passion met purpose

Reflecting on his career, Mashrur mentioned how the launch of Airtel Bangladesh was one of the most defining moments. “During that time I was young, and the brand was young too,” he laughs while adding that he was the one behind Airtel Buzz, the brand’s first social media page.

Back then, social media wasn’t hyped like it is today. These platforms just started during that period. He said, “Engaging the first 100 followers was a milestone. But they weren’t just followers—they were the start of a community. That emotional bond never faded.”

And he shared how that digital-first experience still stayed close to his heart, setting the tone for many campaigns to come.

Behind the glamour: What it really takes

To many students and graduates, marketing looks glamorous, with its flashy product launches, award ceremonies, big budgets, viral campaigns and so on. But what’s behind the curtain?

“It’s still glamorous,” the CMO smiled. “But the game has changed. Now, you have to master tools, follow tech trends, and dive deep into AI. No one will sit you down and teach you everything anymore. You have to learn on your own.” He also shares, “AI isn’t going to take your job. But someone who knows how to use AI better than you will.”

Skills that set you apart

When asked what advice he’d give to a student preparing to enter the field, he paused and said, “When I started out, digital marketing was just starting. Now it’s non-negotiable. Today’s aspiring marketers need to know how to build online communities, understand digital tools, and interpret customer behaviour—not just from data, but by getting their shoes dusty in the field. 

“You can’t just sit in an office and assume what the customer wants. Go out, interact, and learn how people think. Yes, it’s not possible overnight; it takes time and requires lots of practice. So did I as well.”

Future of marketing in Bangladesh

The marketing industry has evolved a lot over the past few decades. Mashrur believes Bangladesh still needs to catch up with the global standard. “We’re still stuck in traditional, commercial-driven marketing. But today, it’s all about data-driven decisions, rapid execution, and tech integration. Globally, growth marketing, AI, and business intelligence are becoming the central point of marketing. On the other hand, in our country, the industry still operates in a top-down manner, with limited autonomy for marketing teams,” he shares. 

He also mentioned local brands are growing rapidly, and “They’re investing more than ever. But to truly progress, we need to embrace data, tech, and speed.”

Message to young dreamers

Finally, when asked what he would tell the future marketing stars, specifically those who are hoping to break into the marketing field, Mashrur didn’t sugarcoat it, rather said “It’s competitive. It always has been.Be passionate. Hone your skills. Don’t chase the salary too early. In your first job, focus on learning. 

“In my case, honestly speaking, I got paid less than many of my peers. It didn’t feel fair. But I loved my work and stayed consistent. I built a strong portfolio and experience. Eventually, when I finally moved on, everything aligned—money, role, impact.”

The CMO emphasised, “Give yourself two to three years, and learn everything you can. Then the market will look for you.”

Last but not least, the story of Mashrur Hasan Mim shows us that success in marketing doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from patience, passion, and persistence. If you are someone who has just started out, focus less on titles and more on growth. The rest will follow.