Bangladesh's leading gateway to international publishing — connecting global knowledge with a nation's ambition for nearly five decades.
Your Best Source for Books, Journals & Academic Materials
Karim International's beginnings can be traced back to 1976, when this new organization started its activities based in the old part of the city working as publishers' representatives, indentors and consultants to the different institutional buyers of books and journals in Bangladesh.
It was a time when such services were badly needed as the local trade were not fully organized in rendering the specialized and diversified services in getting their required publications from abroad.
From our early days in Old Dhaka to our modern headquarters at Yasin Bhaban, we have evolved from a niche representative into the nation's leading gateway for international publishing. For nearly five decades, we have served as the vital link between global publishers and the academic, institutional, and commercial sectors of Bangladesh.
Over the years, we have built up a tradition in meeting all the requirements of our clients for books and journals in all subject areas — from Astronomy to Zoology — from all over the world, by representing the major international publishers and distributors both on exclusive as well as non-exclusive basis.
From organizing Bangladesh's first international book exhibitions to representing the nation on the global stage, every milestone reflects our commitment to bridging knowledge across borders. Explore Our Exhibition Gallery →
Karim International participated at the 1984 World Book Fair in New Delhi, projecting Bangladeshi publications on the global stage. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India visited Karim International's stand.
Organized the first-ever Book Exhibition for Foreign Publishers at the National Book Centre in Dhaka — a pioneering effort that was very much welcomed by readers across the country.
Organized CUP's 400th Anniversary Book Exhibition at the British Council in Dhaka. Such exhibitions were also held in the University cities of Chittagong and Rajshahi.
Organized the Dutch Academic and Scientific Book Exhibition at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, the same year Karim International moved to its new headquarters at Yasin Bhaban in Tejgaon.
Participated at the Frankfurt International Book Fair in 1989, and again in 1992, representing Bangladesh and promoting local publications to the international publishing community.
After years of campaigning, foreign publications were finally permitted at the Dhaka Book Fair. PM Begum Khaleda Zia visited the Pavilion of Karim International. Both 1995 and 1996 events were highly rewarding for serious readers.
Karim International is now working as the main supplier of Bangladeshi publications to the Library of Congress — the single biggest purchaser of publications from all over the world.
This represents the highest recognition of our ability to promote local scholarship on the global stage, projecting Bangladesh's intellectual output to the international community.
We provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to facilitate the seamless flow of information across borders — from Astronomy to Zoology.
We act as the local face for world-renowned publishers, managing brand presence and market growth — representing major international publishers both on exclusive and non-exclusive basis.
Specialized in the procurement of foreign books, journals, microforms, and AV materials. We make direct imports on our own account from publishers worldwide.
We cover the entire market of Bangladesh, supplying to almost all institutions all over the country — universities, research centers, government libraries, and medical facilities.
We are the main supplier of Bangladeshi publications to the U.S. Library of Congress — the single biggest purchaser of publications from all over the world — promoting local scholarship on the global stage.
Our dedicated Subscription & Backset Division manages complex journal and serial orders for researchers and medical professionals, providing a newly setup specialized service.
From September 1995, the North-South University Book Shop started its operation at the main campus as a project of Karim International. The formal opening ceremony and the launching of the Cambridge University Press Low Price Edition took place on 25th October 1995.
Not only as a University Book Shop but as a General Book Shop for all categories of readers, N.S.U. Book Shop has become one of the best book shops in the city — your best source for books, journals & stationery.
N.S.U. Book Shop
Star Tower, 12 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
Karim International is more than a distributor; we are market builders who have shaped Bangladesh's relationship with international publishing.
The first organization in Bangladesh to organize Book Exhibitions for International Publishers — holding several exhibitions not only in Dhaka but also in Chittagong and Rajshahi, where maximum advantage of showing publishers' products was possible. Readers could straightway look at publications from foreign publishers.
After many years of campaigning, from 1995 onwards the annual National Book Fair organized by the National Book Centre began permitting the participation of foreign publications. Karim International's presence at both the 1995 and 1996 Dhaka Book Fairs displayed a very wide range of titles from different publishers.
We collaborated with Cambridge University Press to launch Low Price Editions (LPE) for developing countries like Bangladesh. We believe publishers worldwide will follow this idea of making low-priced books accessible to students. As prices rise, such initiatives are vital for education in developing nations.
Keeping in mind the importance of projecting Bangladeshi publications abroad, we participated at the 1984 World Book Fair in New Delhi and the Frankfurt International Book Fair in 1989 and 1992 — promoting Bangladesh's literary and academic output to the world.
Tanvir Yasin Karim is a multifaceted business leader with a distinguished background in International Business and Marketing. With a career spanning over a decade, he bridges the gap between traditional family institutions and modern industrial ventures. Currently serving in leadership roles across the packaging, distribution, and publishing sectors, Tanvir specializes in strategic marketing, government procurement (Navy/Coast Guard), and global supply chain logistics.
A strategic leader and entrepreneur dedicated to bridging the gap between established institutional excellence and modern industrial innovation — scaling high-impact ventures across the packaging, distribution, and publishing sectors while navigating complex government tenders, optimizing international supply chains, and driving marketing excellence.
Leading marketing initiatives and long-term strategic planning for industrial packaging solutions.
Company ProfileManaging the domestic sourcing of premium food products and scaling international export operations.
Company ProfileOverseeing the distribution of world-class publishers (Oxford, Wiley, Mallory) to elite institutions, including the Bangladesh Navy and NSD.
Company ProfileOrchestrating specialized export-import operations and cross-border trade.
Company ProfileEstablished a premier gateway for the importation of global leaders in Islamic education.
Company ProfileExpert navigator of military and government tenders, specifically within the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, and maritime academic institutions.
Maintaining critical linkages between global publishers (Wiley, Oxford) and the Bangladeshi market.
Leveraging early experience with Garment factories like IDS, IFL to drive growth in the packaging sectors.
Deep expertise in the regulatory and operational complexities of both import-heavy (publishing) and export-oriented (food/industrial) businesses.
BBA in International Business & Marketing (North South University)
International Studies at Laurentian University, Ontario, Canada — gaining international academic exposure and a global business perspective that complements the family's cross-border commercial enterprises.
Nephew of Enayet Karim (Bangladesh's first Foreign Secretary) and grandson of both Mohammad Yasin (Solicitor) and the founder of Ashraf Textile & Jute Mills.
Tanvir Yasin Karim serves as a beneficiary of the Khan Saheb Emdad Ali Waqf Estate, carrying forward a distinguished family heritage and legacy. As an active member of the management committee, he oversees a portfolio of significant historical and economic value — from the expansive 25-bigha grounds of Gonimiarhaat to the strategic 18-katha commercial hub in Dhaka's Moulvibazar.
"Director at Moonstar Packaging & Printing | Partner, Bengal Reliance International | Specialist in Defense Procurement & Global Trade"
Our management team brings together decades of expertise in publishing, international trade, and institutional supply — ensuring excellence in every aspect of our operations.
Leading operational excellence across all divisions
Managing partnerships with global academic publishers
Ensuring seamless delivery to academic institutions
Overseeing financial planning and regulatory compliance
Managing import/export and distribution networks
Driving market presence through exhibitions and outreach
Curating academic resources for the university community
Today Karim International is being considered as the best source of foreign books and journals in Bangladesh by all our valuable clients. We will carefully consider all proposals of developing mutual business so that we can continue to render services to all concerned.
For promotion, distribution & sales of your publications — including microform publications & AV materials — to the institutional and commercial buyers in Bangladesh.
Having a long experience of representation, distribution & sales of foreign publications in the developing market of Bangladesh since 1976.
Cover the entire market of Bangladesh & supply to almost all institutions all over the country.
Make direct imports on our own account, ensuring efficient and reliable procurement.
Organize exhibitions for foreign publications in Bangladesh as a method of most effective promotion, besides normal promotional activities including direct mail campaigns.
Having a newly setup 'Subscription & Backset Division' to supply journals, serials, and manage complex subscription orders.
Expertise in the local regulatory and commercial landscape since 1976 — nearly five decades of navigating Bangladesh's publishing ecosystem.
A network covering every major institution — universities, research centers, government libraries, medical facilities, and booksellers across the country.
From direct mail campaigns to large-scale exhibitions at National Book Centres and hotels, we ensure your titles get maximum exposure in Bangladesh.
For promotion, distribution and sales of your publications in the developing market of Bangladesh, kindly write us with copies of your promotional materials & detailed trade terms.
Get In TouchYasin Bhaban, 64/1 Monipuri Para,
Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Star Tower, 12 Kemal Ataturk Avenue,
Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh