10TH ISSUE
Domestic Entrepreneurs Stare at a Bright Future of Electric Cable Industry
Even though the electric cable industry in Bangladesh has a long history, the sector has grown vastly in the past several years, thanks to extension of power gridlines, growing urbanisation, and industrialisation. Home-grown companies are now playing a significant role in meeting local demand for the electric cables at both households and industrial units in the country. The BBS Cables Limited, a sister concern of Bangladesh Building Systems Ltd. (BBSL), is one of the home-grown cables companies has been contributing to the industry for more than one decade. Innovation for Sustainability The BBS Cables Limited was established in 2009, though the Cable Industry started its journey before Bangladesh came into being in 1971. BBS Cables Ltd. has been an integral part of Bangladesh’s development journey for the past 14 years. The Company understands that shared value creation is essential to a brighter future. “We prioritize sustainability in all our endeavours and believe our efforts must help society as the nation’s sustainable development partner,” Head of Brand of the BBS Cables Md. Rabiul Kamal told the Ceramic Bangladesh. There is a market of around Tk 12,000 crore in the country. The sector is growing around 15 per cent over the past 10 years. Around 50,000 people of total of 120 branded and non-branded companies have been contributing to the sector. Of this, 2500 employees of the BBS cables are directly engaged in the industry. Rabiul Kamal said their company produces various types of products such as Copper Cables, Silicon Cables, Power Cables, Railway Signaling Cables, Jelly-filled Cables, FRLS Cables, Submersible Cables, Flexible Cables, Tele-communication Cables, Aluminum Cables, Optical Fiber Cables, HR-FRLS Cables, Rubber Cables, Welding Cables, Automobiles Cables, Coaxial Cables, Fire Resistance Cables, and FR Skin Coated Cables. Both BBS Cables products enjoy a high degree of acceptance among customers for the high quality of the products and excellent delivery services. The products are distributed through an elaborate chain of BBS Cables Dealers in divisional towns, village and cities of the country. “To grow the cable industry, we need government tax facilities and infrastructural development. The government should reduce the tax on importing raw material and should to be imposed higher tax on foreign cable,” he added. “We are one of the best in cable industries. BBS Cables is a top-tier manufacturer of cables with a reputation for producing high-quality products that meet the needs of a broad range of industries. However, we re-dedicated ourselves to steering our Company’s efforts toward the national goals for the 2030 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) journey and then to the magnificent Vision 2041 for building a smart and developed society with a brighter future for all,” he explained. Mr Kamal said the BBS Cables strives to create a sustainable business promoting diversity and inclusion, fostering collaboration, and providing equal opportunities for all. Their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives have made a meaningful difference to millions of lives through skills development, education support, women empowerment, portable drinking water, and healthcare initiatives. Together, anchored in trust, integrity, and accountability, they are cementing a brighter future where opportunities are abound, communities f lourish and individuals reach their full potential. They try to optimise the use of natural resources, prevent pollution, injury and ill-health in all activities. Safety, Quality and Environmental Policy With the rapid urbanisation from corner to corner worldwide, the necessity of transmitting power assumes significant for sustainable industrial growth. So, the company’s objective is to manufacture electrical Cables, Wires and Conductors of the highest quality and provide unparalleled Customer Service to contribute to national economic growth. They strongly believe that the relentless effort to quality and continuous improvement is the key to long term success. BBS Cables Ltd is equipped with state-of-the-art technology machineries to manufacture and test all types of quality Cables, Wires and Conductors in conformity with the latest version of National and International Standards e.g. International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), German Standard (VDE), British Standard (BS), Bangladesh Standard (BDS), Australian Standard (AS), Indian Standard (IS) and also meet the specific requirements of the customer. They believe in a world that is safe and sound for people and also for A building generally is sustained 100 years. Quality cables also sustain 80-100 years and BBS cables meet the time period, Mr Kamal said. “Now, we produce underground cables with highly protected steel wire armored cable in Bangladesh. To build Smart Bangladesh, more internet services are needed across the country. In Bangladesh market needs modern, speed, safe and sustainable cables. In this context, BBS Cables uses the latest European modern technology for produce internet cables like CAT6e cables for internet service.” The government has decided to transmit electricity through underground instead of overhead conductors. As a result, underground cable replacement has already started by removing the overhead conductors. This has increased the demand for medium voltage cables for electricity transmission in Bangladesh and a new awakening has started in this industry. At present its market is about one thousand crore taka yearly. BBS Cables is conforming to agreed standards to meet customer requirements and continually improve quality, health, and safety and environmental performance. BBS improving product quality and reduce waste to enhance customer satisfaction and business profitability by optimising the use of natural resources, prevention of pollution and of injury. Because high quality cables reduces power wastages. They comply with applicable Health, Safety and Environmental legislation and other requirements, as well as creates a work environment for employees which promotes team work and problem solving in order to improve QHS&E performance. Engineering Excellence BBS Cables Ltd. has successfully established it strength as the “Trusted Brand” in Cables sector of the country. The company has achieved the “Asia’s Greatest Brand Award-2018”. During this period, the Company prepared FR Skin Coated Cables which is known as fire resistance cables for ensuring safety. Unlimited Export Potential The demand for electrical products is not only increasing in the local market but also globally. Electrical items production rate increased by 22 per cent in Europe, 21 per cent in North
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Congratulations to Newly Elected MPs From Ceramic Sector
With the 2024 elections held, and the oath of office taken, the re-elected governing party under the leadership of honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken the reins. The 12th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) elections chose leaders from the ceramic sector as elected members of parliament. Congratulations to them! Mr. Salman F Rahman, MP the Vice Chairman of Shinepukur Ceramics Ltd., won in the constituency of Dhaka-1 (Dohar-Nawabganj). A visionary leader and iconic businessman, he has been a beacon of light for the growing nation – a politician, an industrialist, and a philanthropist. He has been the Private Industry and Investment Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Govt. since 2019. He employs over 70,000 individuals under his conglomerate BEXIMCO Group. The company is the largest employer in the private sector. Mr. Salman Rahman entered politics in the mid-1990s with a political party he had founded under the banner Samriddhya Bangladesh Andolan. He later joined Bangladesh Awami League. During Mr.Rahman’s career, he had hurdled through tough terrains to bring in foreign direct investment and fuel business growth. Mr. Md. Shirajul Islam Mollah, MP the Managing Director of China-Bangla Ceramic Ind. Ltd., Bengal Tiger Director of Prime Bank Ltd. Cement Industries Ltd., United Shipping Lines Ltd., United Progressive Dredging Ltd., SIMCO Real Estate Ltd., SIMCO Ceramics Ltd., Trustee Securities Ltd. and the President of Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (BCMEA). He is also the Ex-Chairman & founder Director of Prime Bank Ltd. A leading businessman and a charismatic political leader, Mr. Mollah, won the election independently this year with a lion’s share of votes in the constituency of 201-Narsingdi-3 (Shibpur). He is a member of Dhaka Stock Exchange. A steadfast leader and a prodigal son of Narsingdi, Mr. Mollah is the Chairperson of the People’s University of Bangladesh and founder President of Bajnabo Abul Fayez Mollah High School in Shibpur. Mr. Mollah is also the founder Chairman of Surjivan Orphanage and Madrasa and provide employment opportunity to many unemployed people of his electoral area and has a foundation called the Shirajul Islam Mollah Samaj Seba Foundation located in Dhaka. Newly elected MPs from Ceramic Sector Mrs. Sultana Nadira, MP the Chairperson of Madhumati TilesLtd. and Advisor to BCMEA, won from Barguna-2 (Betagi-Bamna-Patharghata). Mrs. Sultana, a diligentleader and an exemplary politician, has become MP from the constituency of Barguna-2, taking over theresponsibility of the area under her able wings. A female politician representing strength and honour,she is a true example of a queen in shinning armours. Mrs. Sultana Nadira was elected as a member ofparliament for the reserved seats for women in the 11th Jatiyo Sangsad. Her late husband Golam SaburTulu was also an MP of Barguna-2 constituency. An incredible woman leader, she is now elected to takecharge of Bamna, Betagi, and Patharghata Upazillas, and pave ways for improvement in the regions. Mr. SAK Ekramuzzaman, MP a visionary leader in Bangladesh Ceramic Industry, who is also theManaging Director of RAK Ceramic (BD) Ltd. won in the constituency of Brahmanbaria-1 (Nasirnagar).Mr. Ekramuzzaman, an affluent entrepreneur and a politician devoted to his country, has won this year’selection, and under his care resides Brahmanbaria-1. A successful businessman with decades of expertise, and a political leader with an admirable voice, Mr. Ekramuzzaman has stated that he dreams of opening a University in Nasirnagar, promised to found Mosques and Madrasas, Mandirs, among other educational institutions, and establish a world-class hospital in Nasirnagar. Mr. Ekramuzzaman was in the UAE when he learnt of the ceramic industry after coming in contact with Dr. Khater Massad of RAK Ceramics. His ceramic journey began in 1983 and he climbed to an executive position in three years. Mr. Ekramuzzaman has held the head roles of 22 different companies and is a ceramic icon in Bangladesh.Ceramic Bangladesh is proud to have the very own leaders of the Ceramic Industry as the leaders of the nation, and offer heartfull congratulations to all four MPs and pray all their visions be fulfilled.
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Innovative Architectural Views Attract More Visitors at DITF-2024
Like previous years, the Commerce Ministry and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) organised month-long 28th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) in Purbachal that ended on 20 February, 2024. With a view to attracting local and foreign visitors, the exhibitors brought innovative architectural view at their pavilions and stalls made of various materials such as steel, board, wood, bamboo, electric cables, lights, colour and ceramic items. Premium pavilions, premium mini pavilions, reserved pavilions for women, foreign pavilions, general pavilions and food stalls were set up at the fair venue. A good number of architects and carpenters as well as workers used to work hard to set up the pavilion and stalls to attract visitors and make the fair a success. The minimum rent for the Premier Pavilion floor was around Tk 22 lakh, the stall rent Tk 4 lakh for general stalls and Tk 4.5 lakh for reserved stalls. And, the minimum rent for the reserved mini pavilion was Tk 11 lakh. However, more than 304 companies showcased their products at this edition of the fair, with nine enterprises from five countries—India, Hong Kong, Türkey, Indonesia, and Singapore. The exhibitors displayed local and foreign products, including electronics, apparel, jute and leather goods, furniture, plastic products, handicrafts and various food items in the stalls. Many traders offered discounts ranging from 5 to 30 per cent as well. 41 organizations received awards At the closing ceremony of the fair, the authority gave the awards for best pavilions among the participants at the fair like previous years. A total of 41 stalls and pavilions were awarded the best participants in various categories. This year, 14 best pavilions and stalls in various categories got the first prize of Gold Colour Trophy, 15 pavilions and stalls of different categories got the second prize Silver Colour Trophy, and 12 pavilions and stalls of different categories got third prize Bronze Colour Trophy. They were awarded for winning the appreciation of customers through service and making a significant contribution to the overall success of the fair. Among the awardees are Walton Hi-Tech Industries, Group, Jute PRAN-RFL Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC), Diamond World, KY Two Tone, Olympic Industries, Directorate of Prisons, Dutch-Bangla Bank, Jayita Foundation, Clay Image, MR Technology, Bangladesh Tea Board, HATIL, Navana Furniture and Pentel (Singapore). Like other companies, Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC received “Gold colour Trophy” as the first prize of the best stall in the electronics product category at the DITF. Talking to the Ceramic Bangladesh, Walton coordinator at DITF-2024 Tarikul Islam said, they set up their pavilion by their own architect, used most of their own electronics materials like lights and cables except boards and steel. And they built a pavilion with three general stalls and one premium stall at Hall-‘A’ of the DITF. It covered 20 feet by 80 feet space there. “Before building a pavilion, we thought how much innovation could be brought to the pavilion as per our management direction. And, we created a theme related to our products. We followed international standard. We just displayed our products to inform customers about the products not to sell in the fair,” he also said. In-charge of the architecture designing section of the company Md Monir Hossain Khan said, “We have to think about many issues like cost, colour, height, space, and reuse of the materials. The Bangabandhu Tunnel was our focal point this year. At first, we make a design by computer on our theme. And, we set a focal point so that visitors are attracted to see our pavilion.” The head of architect of Walton also informed that they need 3-4 days to set up a pavilion in any exhibition. “Some 70-72 Walton staffers including designers, electricians, and carpenters worked to construct the pavilion at DITF-2024. Our total budget was TK 18 lakh to construct this year’s pavilion. We will reuse 70% materials used to set up it. So, we try to use maximum used materials,” he also said. The largest pavilion at this trade fair was PRAN-RFL Group. The three-storied pavilion had a huge collection of the country’s best household products. Export orders worth Tk 392 crore with cash sales of Tk 400 crore State Minister for Commerce Mr. Ahsanul Islam said that the Dhaka International Trade Fair will be diversified from next year to increase the country’s exports. He said, seminar, symposium will be organized in the next fair to increase the interest of foreign buyers. The Vice Chairman of EPB and Chief Executive Officer AHM Ahsan said they received good response from visitors in the fair. “Our export order increased 15 per cent this year compared to the previous year. We received export orders worth USD 3.56 million, which is equivalent to about Tk 392 crore, with cash sales of around Tk 400 crore.” However, they plan to arrange a 3-5 days ‘sourcing fair’ at the Purbachal venue for foreigners to attract them to the expo from next year. Because foreign companies do not want to participate in a month-long fair. He explained that they have a committee to select the best pavilions for the award. They scrutinise various issues to select them. Basically they asked exhibitors to fill-in a form about export orders. Later, EPB announced final amount after collecting all data. The DITF usually started on the first day of the New Year, but this year the fair was deferred it to the third week of January due to the 12th parliament elections.
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