A formal grievance has been filed against a senior official of Unilever following an alleged incident of misconduct at a high-profile media event in Dhaka.

According to the complaint submitted by TN (she didn’t want to disclose her full name and wanted to be identified by her initials), a media professional and clinical researcher, the incident occurred on April 3 during the grand finale of the Lux Channel i Superstar.

TN, who attended the program as an invited guest, accused Nabila Jabeen Khan—Director of People Experience and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) for South Asia—of behaviour that she described as “hostile, disrespectful, and harassing.”

In her written complaint addressed to Unilever’s global and regional leadership, TN stated that upon arrival she was directed by event staff to an unmarked seating area.

Despite identifying herself as an invited guest, she alleged that Khan repeatedly demanded she vacate her seat without offering any alternative arrangement.

The complaint details that the situation escalated when Khan allegedly used “verbal hostility” and made statements that TN found demeaning.

TN further claimed that event staff were instructed to remove her from the seat, despite the venue being fully occupied.

She noted that other senior Unilever officials present at the program acknowledged her presence respectfully, which she says made the behaviour of Khan more concerning.

TN stated that the repeated confrontations—reportedly occurring four times—created a distressing environment, ultimately forcing her to leave the venue before the program began.

She described the experience as psychologically unsettling and inconsistent with the values of respect and dignity expected at such events.

In her complaint, TN also highlighted her professional background, identifying herself as an integrative psychotherapist, member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and a long-time contributor to Bangladesh’s media industry.

She emphasized that, as a senior and respected figure, she expected basic courtesy at a program associated with a global organization.

The complaint further questions the suitability of Khan’s leadership role in ED&I, arguing that the alleged behavior contradicts the principles of inclusion and respect that the position represents.

As of now, Unilever has not publicly commented on the matter. The complaint calls for a formal investigation and appropriate action in line with the company’s ethics and compliance policies.

The incident has raised broader concerns about professional conduct and guest treatment at major corporate-sponsored events in Bangladesh.

Bangla Outlook tried to reach Nabila Jabeen Khan for her comment but couldn’t get it.

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