Day: June 1, 2022
Metro Rail A Reflection of a New Dhaka
Metro Rail will make Dhaka closer to people living in its immediate vicinity. It will change the landscape of the metropolitan city of 20 million people. It will also change the demography in a city where 45,000 people live in per square kilometer area. Motijheel was called the heart of the Dhaka city but thanks to Metro Rail, each station is being developed as a single heart. So, centering the ‘Mass Rapid Transit’ MRT-6 route’s 17 elevated stations, residential and commercial areas are undergoing major changes. Currently, it takes two hours to travel from Uttara to Kamalapur station; the Metro Rail service will bring that down to 40-45 minutes only. During peak hours, the $3 billion Metro Rail will be able to transport around 1800 passengers on each direction in every three and a half minutes on this route, resulting in an average reduction of 15 buses and 100 different types of vehicles on each direction. Traffic congestion is also expected to be reduced and huge working hours will be saved. As per the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Mr. Obaidul Quader, five more Metro Rail-routes will be constructed in Dhaka by the year 2030 when the face of Dhaka will change. It will cost about US$ 22 billion. On June 26, 2016, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated the construction work of the MRT-6 project. This marked the beginning of the construction work of the Elevated Metro in Dhaka. The elevated Viaduct on which the Trains will run is about 13 meters above the ground. In Dhaka, out of 17 stations on the 21-km-long MRT-6 route, construction of a 12 km railway track from Uttara to Agargaon and construction of 9 stations is nearing completion. Under the construction package CP-3 and CP-4, the stations are Uttara North, Uttara Center, Uttara South, Pallabi, Mirpur-11, Mirpur-10, Kazipara, Shewrapara and Agargaon. The plan to inaugurate the service along this section has been set for December 16, 2022. Each Metro station has a 180 meters long and 25 meters wide Concourse Hall. Passengers will use the stairs, escalators and elevators to purchase/recharge MRT Pass or Rapid Pass from the Concourse Hall and then board the Train from the Platform located above it. Each of these three-storied stations is built on an average 200,000 square feet area. Most of the materials used for constructing these stations have been procured locally. One of which is the use of different types of Tiles. These tiles include floor tiles, wall tiles, glass tiles, tactile tiles (for passengers with special needs), brick claddings for walls, paving blocks for platforms, and stone tiles. And these are special types of vitrified tiles made of high temperature, which do not corrode easily. Only 5 companies in the country are considered eligible to supply these tiles. About 50% cost has been saved due to the use of products manufactured locally. Metro Rail will require about 18 megawatts of electricity to be taken from the national grid. Then it will be converted to DC electricity. For this, eight Traction substations have been installed in Uttara Depot, Uttara North, Uttara South, Mirpur-11, Shewrapara, Bijoy Sarani, Shahbag and Motijheel Stations. The cost of operation and maintenance for Metro Rail is yearly one thousand crore taka will be borne from the fare and other sources such as rental/leasing of commercial and advertisement spaces. The government is thinking about keeping the fare affordable for passengers from all walks of life with subsidies at first. The ministry of Road Transport and Bridges gave an impression that the fare may vary between a minimum of 20 Taka to 100 Taka depending on the length of the journey along the 21-km route. There will be various announcements for passengers in Metrorail in both Bangla and English. From uttara to kamalapur Metro Rail from Uttara to Kamalapur will take about 45 minutes. Although the highest design speed of the Metro Train is 110 kilometers per hour, the actual speed may vary due to the curves on the route and other operating factors. 17 stations in 21 kilometers mean each of the stations are located within one and a quarter kilometers from another. The Trains may stop for a maximum of one minute at each station. During peak hours, trains will run every three and half minutes apart. An estimated 60,000 passengers will be able to commute on both directions per hour from early morning to midnight. Once fully completed, 24 sets of Metro Trains will run from Uttara to Kamalapur. However, 12 sets out of those will be used for the first phase operation from Uttara to Agargaon. Initially each of these trains will have six coaches with an option of adding two more coaches to each of the Train sets if necessary. Each Train will have a total seating and standing maximum capacity of 2,308 passengers. According to this calculation, at the beginning, it will be possible to transport about half a million passengers per day. One of the six coaches on each train will be reserved for women. However, other coaches of the train will also allow men and women to travel together. MRT Line-6 was initially planned to reach Motijheel, but later it was extended by 1.16 km to reach Kamalapur Railway Station. Though, physical work for the extension of Motijheel to Kamalapur section has not started yet, the preparatory works for this extension is ongoing in full swing. In addition to MRT Line-6, 3 other Metro Rail routes (MRT Line-1, MRT Line-4 & MRT Line-2) will also have stations adjacent to the Kamalapur Railway Station. Once completed Kamalapur Railway Station will transform into a modern transit hub. Even though, initially, the timeframe to complete the MRT Line-6 project up to Motijheel was set for 2024, Bangladesh Government is keen to complete the project ahead of that target. If the current pace of work remains unchanged, hopefully, the people of Dhaka will get the much awaited MRT Line-6 by December 2023. Minister Obaidul Quader said
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Reminiscing the memories in new urbanscape SHERATON DHAKA, BANANI
Since the 90s, Sheraton has been one of the prominent names in the luxury scene of Dhaka city. Many of us have fond memories of weekend morning strolls and fun with parents near the poolside landscapes. As the city grew, so did the urbanscape, the economy, and hence a shift of luxury being more contemporary with the time. Sheraton Dhaka in a new location in Banani is an excellent example of the recall value of a brand. The interesting friction with the prior location is that the city dwellers are still getting familiar with and accepting the nostalgia within the new vertical opulence. The contemporary and trendy expression is a boon to the new generation of entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts, alongside the youth crowd. The location of Banani is in a merging mesh of formal and informal zones, may it be corporate offices with the big business companies or a hub for youth to hang out and collaborate. “The new business model of the brand is to connect these dots,” shared Md. Al Amin, Hotel Manager and In-charge of Sales and Marketing. He also added, “Sheraton’s slogan is ‘Where the World Comes Together’ and Sheraton is community which is about ‘We’ rather than ‘I’.” A premium hotel is not just about a beautiful architecture or posh interiors serving the brand value, but the services and how the functionality works. One of the basic guidelines for any hotel is to design the circulation and utility of the spaces. As we visually experience the front of the house and its ambiance, the back of the house provides smooth services subconsciously yielding ease. Since 2016 the 81 years old operating Sheraton Brand became a part of Marriott International. This shift has been an improved revamping session for the brand protocols. As per the brand guidelines, all the designs are executed. High-end and prominent local architectural consultants and a Singaporean design consultancy firm collaborated with the Marriott International design and management team for the execution process. The active participation and suggestion of the local owner, a seasoned hotelier, added value to the output. The hotel has a gourmet café called Toastina, a buffet restaurant and alfresco named The Garden Kitchen, On the Rocks -a whiskey bar, and a high-end Japanese restaurant, Yumi. One of the biggest column-less ballrooms in the city, spanning approximately 8000 square feet. A club Lounge for Club Room Guests and for top-tier Marriott Bonvoy members, a gym with the best city view, spa facilities, and many other support features of a modern and upscale hotel. Marriott International is specific about the arrangement as they achieved the class over the years. Everything is per the standards, from the washroom amenities, mattress, and bed linen to the kitchen layout and room sizes. The restaurant has all freshly imported ingredients to maintain the quality. The hotel is a no-smoking zone. Due to the new branding value of communal developments, the sitting arrangements are for a larger group of people. “Sheraton being a full-service hotel does not just limit itself to bed and breakfast, but rather the ambiance ambiance and overall experience of the service. Sheraton has one of the largest hotel footprints overall within the Marriott’s Brands. Sheraton considered as a flagship in the Dhaka is region,” shared Mr. Al Amin. In an Exclusive Interview with Daniel J Muhor General Manager, Sheraton Dhaka 1. As per the memories of the 80/90’s people and kids, luxury hotels meant the Pan Pacific Sonargaon (existing) and the Sheraton Dhaka, at the present premises of Intercontinental. That shift of nostalgia from a lawn-based architecture to an urban upraised scraper. How do you feel this change is appropriate? There are advantages and disadvantages. People are experiencing a positive shift, just at times struggling between the present and previous location, but still adaptive. For better reference, we are addressing it more emphasized as Sheraton Dhaka, Banani. People are responding to the recall value of the brand. As the land occupancy is getting concentrated in Dhaka city with land as such from Banani, one of the most expensive ones in the world, it is tough to plan the layout horizontally. The location shifted alongside the architectural style from horizontal to vertical planning. Having the fact of generating revenues, every square foot matters. If land such as in Banani gets used for urban landscaping and ground-level outdoor spaces, it would have been tough for the owner to generate revenues. But we have kept an open alfresco area that serves as an outdoor landscape, and at the top, the poolside area adds to it as well. And the panoramic views as you go up the floors add a new experience. Overall, we feel it is an urban retreat within the hassle and bustle of the city. 2. Most people are observing the contrast between Banani supermarket and a five-star rated hotel. How was the selection of the property made keeping such an interesting combination? Initially, the Banani supermarket was a worrying factor. But the existing structure has been a great fortune. The podium coverage that we have is approximately 44000 square feet. And there are lots of examples of shared land-use systems of commercial spaces worldwide. Many premium hotels are operating this way. The owner is investing to improve the ambiance to smudge the contrast. Hence, the supermarket is getting upgraded, increasing its value and the property value parallel. The lower few levels of the market are louvered from outside. The entrance is more decorated, providing a better experience for the people visiting the market. The roots are important too, and the addition of Sheraton will cocreate the landmark. The users need help to be educated about the usability of the facilities in a better way. 3. Hotel and their hospitality differ in many experiential and served ways. How Sheraton, Dhaka is planning to be exceptional in this developing range of upcoming hotels? The hotel’s one of the best-selling points is one of the biggest pillars less ballroom, in a busy
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Surging Potential of CBC Tiles: In conversation with Sayma Islam
China-Bangla Ceramic Industries Ltd. (CBC) is one of the top ceramic manufacturer companies, founded in 2001, as a joint venture private sector entity between Bangladesh and China. It produces a wide range of Wall and Floor tiles including Homogeneous, Decor and Border tiles. China-Bangla Ceramic Industries Ltd is well-known company as importer, supplier, distributor, wholesaler, retailer and manufacturer of ceramic and tiles products in Bangladesh. Everyone can depend on CBC Tiles for their commercial office, living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, outdoors and stair. All products are wall and floor tiles, and cladding. Annual production capacity of unit-1 is 7.5 million sq. metre and unit-2 is 3.5 million sq. metre. Its total employees are 1200 now. It has manufacturing plants in Tarabo, Rupganj, Narayanganj (unit 1) and Charmadhobdi, Bhatpara, Panchdona, Narsingdi (unit 2). All its technology and machinery were imported from Italy, Austria and China. The Chairman of the company is Ferdousi Islam, Managing Director Mr. Md. Shirajul Islam Mollah, CEO and Director Sayma Islam. China-Bangla Ceramic Industries Ltd. A top ceramic manufacturer of BD CBC is a well-known competitor and a leading brand. Ceramic Bangladesh recently had the opportunity to sit with Sayma Islam, CEO of CBC, for a delightful tête-à-tête and learned about the insights of CBC, their tested strategies and future plans. What is your leadership philosophy in creating that change? “It’s been 10 years since I’ve joined CBC. I was appointed as a CEO but I didn’t know what that meant at the time. I was at my learning stage and it took me 2-3 years to figure out the role. My father grew the business with his own hands, and when I joined, I wanted to introduce something that would make CBC better. I wanted to set the vision. It’s a full Bangladeshi company now since we have taken over but we kept the name. And as the newer generation I wanted to introduce sustainability. I set the vision for the company and inherited the norms and traditions from my father. But I got out of the norm and visualised how I wanted the company to grow. I changed the logo and gave it a new look. Set up another factory that is capable of manufacturing modern tiles. And we focused on competing with foreign products that were doing well locally. The team took instant decisions and found out ways to catch up with the industry’s unceasing changes. Now that everything is more digitised, the technology sector is going through rapid transformation. Just a couple of years ago, the industry lacked skilled manpower and had to import raw materials. Now we have all the gaps filled. CBC hires foreign experts now who mostly work in the R&D (research and development) department. This is one of their strategies that helped them immensely.” What do you think has been the key to its success? “We are raising the bar every time by looking for better technicians, using better raw materials, and researching more and more. We chased better quality and looked at the market to see what was in demand. We worked on the designs and quality according to that demand. We started CBC and it’s been 20 years plus already. And when we started there wasn’t anything called ceramic tiles. We are the second introducers of foreign tiles substitute. One of our biggest contribution would be that we’ve increased the local demand for locally made ceramic tiles. Now there is a huge variety of tiles and we focus on CRM when it comes to selling ours in the market.” How do you smoothly manage such a sensitive part? “Most of the employees we have, have been with us for a long time. We give two days off and provide a friendly, newly introduced corporate environment. We are paying incentives, we provide support system for a deceased employee’s family and we motivate our employees to gladly work with us with diligence.” Ceramic industries should focus on research. Ms. Sayma said, “The more R&D we do the better this sector will get. If we can maintain quality in production then the finished good will be good as well.We need modern solutions and constantly research for updated product designs.The market is growing but it hasn’t reached saturation point. We are focusing on constant growth. We are also thinking about real estate now that we have developed so much. We already have 3 ongoing projects. Our plan is to branch out with real estate, cement factories, and sanitary ware.” She added, “What keeps me focused is my father. He plays a gigantic role in our upbringing. Fifteen years back, women weren’t on this scene. After my joining we expanded to another factory, and we are working on a third plant.
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Transforming Time Embracing The Journey of designing a mother’s courtyard to a community courtyard
Architecture as a profession starts with untold responsibilities, especially from the day an architect realizes their observation about the surrounding necessities. The story of Architect Rafiq Azam starts somewhere there when the young and enthusiastic artist started his architectural school at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Uncertain about coping with architecture, his subconscious mind always wandered towards art school. Being born and brought up in the old town and surrounded by its culture, the young Rafiq developed a lateral mindset. The results of his learning reflect on his work even after 30 years of practice as a Principal Architect with his team, Shatotto architecture for green living. From the fond memories of childhood and presently looking back to the missing pieces built the urge to refurbish the old Dhaka with a better story. But it all started with a sudden step on the realization of responsibility that he felt to hold the memories of his family, his mother, and their childhood ambiance, back when he was a third-year student struggling to survive architecture school. After the demise of his father, they wanted to rebuild their house. His mother and her affectional emptiness of giving away her memories with her husband and adapting to a new built environment made him courageous enough to start his first design project, their residence in Lalbagh, Dhaka. The only requirement from his mother was a garden and an “uthan” (courtyard), like the one they had in their old house, where she could walk around and re-live her nostalgia. The first of its kind, he designed a courtyard on the second floor of a building, gifting his mother the patch of green to cherish. Almost after 30 years, he did similar for the people of Rasulbagh, a small community in Lalbagh, Old Dhaka. He designed a communal park collaborating with the Dhaka South City Corporation, that is more like a courtyard gifted to the built community. According to Rafiq Azam, architecture is not just drawing and construction but more about a merging point of nostalgia and new memories. His inspiration for sticking to architecture, lastly, was to create for the mother, the soil, and the country. As he says, “I learned architecture from my mother.” But this journey was not easy and short. The dedicated practice and research over the last 30 years, the showcase of persistence in public domains, developed trust in people. This reliance helped him influence a struggling community like Rasulbagh to revive and celebrate life. His vast experience allowed him to execute his ideas in a way that was widely accepted and even celebrated by society. ‘Architecture’s main focus should be to improve human life, working with the environment and its habitat. It should not only be limited to accommodating the luxury of elites but that of the public as well. That is how a kinship develops. ‘Urban spaces need to improve in the name of development, not just mega infrastructures; otherwise, the quality of human life will not be enhanced. And I have always been on a mission to bring a positive change,’ expressed Rafiq Azam. Rafiq Azam’s practice has always somewhat had its roots in Old Dhaka. Earlier in his career, the wandering mind wondered about the high-thorny boundary walls of the city. He questioned the level of mistrust and hatred that people built over time. From the culture of the old town, the houses had “mer” (plinth) for people to sit and mingle, at times with mud coolers filled with water to offer the passers-by. Dhaka was a city of love and respect; it was about bonding and mingling. The answer to this subconscious dystopia was to break the boundary walls down and oppose the convention. The practice of using glass boundaries to dissolve the visual barriers between the dwellers started. “The words ‘Kancher Deyal’ from the name of Zahir Raihan drama have inspired me to think about how a boundary can be made fragile and transparent. Hence, I started implementing them in the apartment buildings by adding plantations and benches for the passers-by. I took it as an experimental process to observe the interaction of the society,” he explained. In 1998, Rafiq did his first solo art and architecture exhibition in New York. “People and critics appreciated my arts- a few even bought. However, for architecture, I mainly received praise for my ability to draw to international standards. The architecture was not something extraordinary, but rather the approach was very American. While I was coming back, I wrote in my diary, ‘I am coming back with hope and frustration. I realized the need to learn about my own country and how to incorporate that into modern architecture. Much of my foreign learning had to be unlearnt, which was tough. I felt myself to be intellectually corrupted,” recalled Rafiq Azam. With this thoughtful shift of learning and unlearning, his urban and modern architecture went through an evolution. The gathered knowledge about Bangladesh, its geographical and climatic contexts, history, and culture started influencing his architecture. He showed his clients how to reminisce their childhood, just as he did with himself while designing his residence. His western drawings started getting a layer of Bengaliness, influences of poetry and literature. The rooms were no more spaces with four walls but rather got a concept. ‘Goshsha Ghor’ (a space to release anger), ‘Bristy Ghor’ (a space to enjoy rain), ‘Swimming Pond’ with ‘Ghatla’ (rural ponds with shorelines), Jongla’ (sprawl of shrubs and bushes), all these conceptually structured his architecture in better ways. A lot of pivotal points shaped his journey. Rafiq had learned a great deal from Glen Murcutt, who spoke more about nature, history, heritage, and its association with human life. “His advice was to touch the earth lightly. Architecture is a part of nature, and the alliance between two should always be maintained,” he added. Reflections of his learnings are observed in his translation of imagination into spaces. He connected the dots without the interference of foreign
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The Future of Architecture Lies in the Slab Tiles
Large format tiles are becoming new trend as people prefer large format Slab Tiles. The demand for these tiles, which are several times larger than conventional tiles, is increasing worldwide. The competiting countries of Bangladesh like Vietnam, China and India are grabbing the global markets of slab tiles rapidly. Despite the popularity of slab tiles in the Middle East and European countries, India, China and Vietnam have taken the monopoly of slab tiles’ market. Although the technology started in Italy, it quickly became popular in other countries. The speciality of slab tiles are its large size, very fewer joints, nice to see and high aesthetic value with strength and durability. Since there are fewer joints, it also has less chance of catching dirt. It can be cut as desired and set on the floor or wall. Moreover, slab tiles are much stronger and thicker than normal tiles. Several companies including Akij, DBL, Sheltech, Greatwall and RAK have started manufacturing mini slab tiles in Bangladesh. Only three years ago, slab tiles of 1200cm x 2400cm size were imported from Italy. At that time, the largest size of tiles in Bangladesh was 60cm x 60cm. Now 600cm x 1200cm; 800cm x 800cm and 1000cm x 1000cm size slab tiles are being manufactured in the country. Its size is gradually increasing. Within the next couple of years, various companies will run the process of manufacturing 1200cm x 2400cm size perfect slab tiles in the country. At the one hand, the production cost of slab tiles is lower than the conventional small and medium tiles and on the other hand, its price is relatively high in the market. Companies are more inclined towards these tiles due to market demand. Slab tiles are the new trend in the world tiles market now, because its features and advantages are very attractive and consumer friendly. Wide range of usages: Bathrooms, Kitchens, Countertops, Cabinets, Working tables, Offices, Shopping Malls, Hotels, Restaurants, Community centers and many more places Creating a continuity effect: Due to large size, there is less visibility of tile joint and the effect of tile texture is lively. Reduced installation time :Due to large format the installation time is much easier than traditional tiles. More hygienic & easy to clean : With less joints, there are fewer areas in which dirts can be stored and due to porcelain stoneware, it is itself more hygienic and easier to clean. Benefits of Slab Tiles : Excellent appearance due to the narrow joints ensures a seamless surface and vintage look. Sizes are available from 600cm x 1200cm to 1600cm x 3200cm with 5mm to 14mm thickness. The manufactures can cut this slab tiles as per their desired sizes and shapes. They are suitable for both wall and floor surface. Large format tiles can help enhance the look of the house, working wonderfully well in modern and minimalist houses. Each large wall tile and floor tile covers more square feet than a standard tile, leading to fewer grout lines across floors and walls, more seamless and stylish looks, and easier maintenance. Slab tiles are not themselves a different tile material – only a different manufacturing format. Usually made from porcelain or stone, slab tiles differ from normal tiles only in size. They are much taller and wider, with some variants coming in at a whopping 10-by-5-feet. Slab formats are in demand due to a few advantages that they possess over. normal tiles: chief of them being that they are cheaper and easier to work. There is a huge demand for slab tiles in the Middle East and European countries. At the moment, the demand of Slab Tiles is mostly fulfilled by China and India. Time is not far when this will be done by other Asian countries as well. Mr. Khourshed Alam, Director (Marketing) of Akij Ceramics said if it is not 1200cm x 2400cm, it cannot be called real slab tiles. Akij is now manufacturing tiles in the size of 600cm x 1200cm which are called mini slabs and hopefully by mid of 2023 Akij will produce 1000cm x 1200cm. Moreover, with the new technology that Akij is adding to, it will be possible to produce actual size slab tiles within the next 2/3 years ranging 1200cm-2400cm sizes. Pointing out that these tiles have a huge export market, he said, the world is now rapidly moving out of small tiles. Akij is also targeting huge export markets in Europe and the Middle East. He commented that the market of small and medium tiles in Bangladesh will also shrink soon. Because people are now giving more importance to the aesthetics of slab tiles as it can be cut to any size and fitted. Although there will be a little wastage while cutting these tiles, the beauty makes it all worth it. Besides, thanks to its thickness its durability is higher. Mohammad Bayezed Bashar, GM (Operation) of DBL Ceramics said that the demand for slab tiles has been increasing in the Bangladesh market for the past several years. That is why, various companies are now manufacturing these tiles and adopting the required technology. Its size is also increasing step by step. Currently DBL has started manufacturing tiles of 600cm x 1200cm size. There are plans to make it a size of 1200cm x 2400cm in the next two or three years. But at present, the major obstacle in expanding the market for these tiles is the lack of skilled fitters. That is why, DBL is training fitters across the country. They have helped to create at least 10,000 trained and skilled fitters across the country. It will also increase the income of the fitters. It is expected that as the number of fitters trained to install slab tiles increases, the market for these tiles will also expand rapidly. Mr Bayezed also said that the tiles that are currently being made in Bangladesh are done with “press” technology. But the next upgraded technology is “Roller or Compaction” technology, which will come
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How Tiles can be identified Each type of tiles matches a unique place
Terracotta plaques have been used to decorate the walls of houses since ancient times. In addition to enhancing beauty of walls, it improves durability of the plaque. According to historians, not only terracotta slabs, but also ceramic tiles had been used even 1,000 years before the birth of Christ. They were, however, different in size, shape and design. Archaeologists have found evidence of the use of ceramic tiles during the Egyptian and Chinese civilizations. The making and use of ceramic tiles today are quite different. In the beginning, tiles meant only the earthen slabs used on the roof of a house. Those handmade tiles are still admired all over the world as art works. The quality of tiles has increased along with development of technology and there is a difference in the designs as well. Tiles are now being made by using the latest nano technology. Types of tiles There are various types of tiles in the market. People get confused with different types of tile. You can easily find many kinds of tile description, such as ceramic tile, porcelain tile, glazed porcelain tile, unglazed porcelain tile, through-body porcelain tile, mosaic tile and so on. Where and how the tiles can be used depend on the type of it. Here are some of the types of tiles: Ceramic Tiles Ceramic tile is either porcelain or non-porcelain. Ceramic tiles are the most popular one for wall use. As they are light in weight, they are suitable for mounting on any type of wall. These tiles are available in small and medium sizes. Their price is also relatively low. Homogenous Tiles Homogenous tiles are used on the floor. However, it is much cheaper than mirror polished tiles. For those who want to use smaller tiles on the floor, they can choose homogenous tiles. These tiles are much more durable and can bear more loads as every single tile of this type is made of the same material. Mirror polished Tiles Such tiles are commonly used on floors as they are quite large in size. Due to the gloss, the light reflected on these tiles enhances the brightness of the room. Rustic Tiles The biggest advantage of these tiles is that they can be used on both walls and floors. Its design is quite modern and varied. Thus it is more suitable for outside walls, garden, roof, lawn. Available in small and medium sizes, rustic tiles are easy to use. The use of rustic tiles to decorate the walls on either side of the living room or bedroom is more common. This enhances the decoration of the house. Decorative Tiles Decorative tiles are used to enhance the beauty of other tiles. Separately, it has no use. Decorative tiles of various types, sizes and shapes are available in the market. It is especially used with other tiles to enhance the beauty of kitchen, bathroom and ceiling. Decorative tiles with different designs as well as special colour themes are available in the market. Lapato Tiles Lapato tiles are suitable for use in special places like office, shopping mall and factory. These are called semi-polished tiles. Also known as rugged tiles, lapato tiles are more commonly used in commercial places or public places because, these are very strong and long lasting. These tiles are available in different sizes. Cladding Tiles Cladding is a great way to protect a building from adverse weather elements, as well as other types of irritants that could have a negative effect on the building. Wall cladding is the process of layering one material on top of another material which will create a skin layer over the walls. Stairing/Heavy Traffic Tiles Heavy traffic tiles fit together individually, you can easily replace areas of your floor that are subject to heavy foot traffic. Compared to traditional carpet flooring, replacing carpet tiles is much easier and a lot more affordable. Digital and Mosque Tiles High Definition Porcelain is an exclusive trademarked process tile that utilizes the most technological advanced glazing system in the industry today, digital printing. Mosque Tiles ornately painted ceramic tiles carefully crafted to adorn the interior gallery. Parking Tiles/ Clay Pavers Pavers have a broad range of colours, patterns, texture and shapes, they are sturdy and can withstand extreme weather changes, they are load tolerant, they can be easily replaced in case of damage, installation and maintenance are easy and they are non-skid. Pavers are distinctive match or coexistence between us and the natural environment. Colourful pavers do bring creative visual interest in surrounding to otherwise monotonous surroundings. Matt Tiles If you want to up the safety underfoot in your home, then the traction of matt floor tiles make them an ideal option. With a more textured surface that gives better grip you can avoid slips and trips in your home, rather than the less practical glossy alternative. Limestone Tiles Limestone tiles are made of natural stone, and it’s one of the most affordable options if you want to avoid artificial materials for your flooring. Limestone is a better bargain compared to something like granite or marble. Limestone tiles may show the presence of fossils. Roof Tiles Roof tiles are primarily made to keep water out of a home. However, they differ from traditional asphalt shingle roofs in both their material composition as well as their looks. All of Roof tiles are made from processed natural clay. Over the decades, the companies homeowners, are providing architects, engineers and designers with widest selection of size, shape and colour roofing tiles in Bangladesh. Marble and Granite Tiles Granite is an igneous rock formed at extremely high temperatures and is largely made up of quartz and combination of other minerals like mica, iron ores and feldspar. It is an incredibly hard construction-grade material that can receive a high polish or be left in its natural state. You should not be able to scratch granite with a knife. Although typically resistant to staining and acid damage, it is somewhat porous and requires
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The story Roofing Tiles of a Maker of eco-friendly
Did you know who the manufacturer of eco-friendly roofing tiles in Bangladesh is? He is none other than Farid Hossain who has set a pace in roofing tiles innovation. Having a diploma in ceramics, he had an illustrious career for 10 years between 2006 and 2016. But he got immersed in thought about seeking certain scope to develop entrepreneurship as he never felt comfortable at a job under any employers. Mr Farid Hossain was born and brought up in a village in central Gazipur district adjacent to Dhaka city. He used to dig into different innovative ideas and feats. Now in his 40s, he used to visit his neighbourhood since his boyhood only to see potters busy crafting ancient earthenware round the clock. That craftsmanship interested him in the making of eco-friendly traditional clay products. His inborn passion is imprinted throughout his life and career. After obtaining a higher secondary degree, Mr Farid took a four-year diploma degree in ceramic from Bangladesh Institute of Glass and Ceramics in 2006. Later, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from International University of Business Agriculture and Technology amidst his pursuit of a job. The artisans, who crafted different ancient clay items at his village alongside his long career in the ceramic industry, enthused him greatly to contribute to the growth of the sector as a prolific entrepreneur. Mr Farid, who has a four-member family, has a profound love for soil and he keeps on exploring his passion for the motherland. Mr Farid believes human beings are made of soil and they cannot deny it anyway. So, he always tries to explore the strength of fertile soil. Building up a connection with old-age traditional ceramic items, Mr Farid is poised to reshuffle his plan through expanding his business each year beyond the country and reaching out to people across the globe. His factory now produces an estimated 5,000 units of tiles daily, thus amounting to 750,000 units yearly. His fully eco-friendly products are free from harmful oxide. Although Mr Farid was willing to set himself up as an entrepreneur since his early job career, he could not start it because of an acute shortage of working capital, according to this self-made man. His forefathers had been involved in farming for ages. “So, it was a Herculean task to dream of being an entrepreneur as traditionally and typically most of us in society prefer working under employers as it is regarded as better, secure and protected,” Mr Farid said. Process of Making Roofing Tiles Only soil and silicon oil are the vital components for making tiles. Mr Farid collected soil from his localities and oil from some local importers. There is no dearth of soil in the market. Primarily, he used fuel wood to manufacture tiles. But he now uses a reticulated gas system to halt carbon emissions. Mr Farid, however, seeks piped gas as the existing system is too costly that triggers higher prices of tiles. To get a finished product, Mr Farid first collects suitable soil. Then he does the processing in the production line, including crushing, grinding, screening, moisturising, forming, drying up by a dryer, finishing by kiln and sorting to packing. Mr Farid’s Major Innovations Mr Farid was inquisitive about producing engineering products that also inspired him to develop two vital machines, which are being used to shape roofing tiles at his own factory. He used indigenous technology and locally available equipment to develop them. The machines are cheaper than the imported ones. Through these innovations, Mr Farid has been able to start his business with a paltry capital. Why Market Growing Although roofing tiles are costlier than any traditional rooftop solutions, people are becoming more interested in installing the artistically good-looking system as it keeps houses cosy, cold and comfortable in addition to its heat-proof condition. The system has a deciding effect on the appearance of a building and also shields houses or buildings from rain, noise, wind, fire and hails. Roofing tiles also reduce energy consumption. Local and Foreign Market Expansion In 2017, Mr Farid set up his enterprise with Tk 0. 2 million and 12 workers on a 20 decimal of land after amassing the funds from selling his wife’s ornaments and leasing out his father’s land without taking anything from banks or any state support. After the initial teething trouble, his business has now an outlay of over Tk 30 million with 32 employees working on an acre of land amid Covid-19 fallout and a possible recession mainly caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. According to Mr Farid, the domestic market could have expanded further with state patronage. Even local entrepreneurs could have grabbed a slice in overseas markets as the global market size is rising fast due to its aesthetic beauty and eco-friendliness. He attributed market growth to multiple state initiatives for infrastructure development in recent times. The global roofing tiles market size was valued at $30,400.0 million in 2019 and it is projected to reach $41,354.9 million by 2027, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20 per cent from 2020 to 2027. The market size is growing as the state focus on and public mindset towards eco-friendly household products are shifting fast. Local factories are grabbing nearly 60 per cent of the market, whereas China, India and Vietnam are sharing 40 per cent. Local market leaders include Mirpur Ceramics Limited, Tradexcel Ceramics Limited, and Conforce Ceramic and Refractories Limited. Mr Farid has called upon the government to take effective measures to curb the rising import of roofing tiles and patronise the local industry for the sake of further growth of the nascent ceramic industry.
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The Tales of Terracotta Temple
A embodiment of the weirdly mysterious vibe that ancient structures often procure, Kantaji is undoubtedly the most colossal example of terracotta architecture in the region. Often, it’s the grandiosity or beauty of religious space and/or the stories attached that give an inexplicable feeling of peace to believers, and even to the visitors when they enter the space. Kantaji is not only a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, but this sublime piece of architecture meditating on the banks of Dhepa for three centuries, consisting of almost 15,000 pieces of delicate terracotta on its skin, and has its list of stories and myths attached as well. These, when combined, give the space a mysterious character that it tenderly holds. But even if you do not know much about Kantaji, being present at the site at the right time when the wind charmingly flows, you will understand that the atmosphere has suddenly taken you to a place where you do not know how old the time is. The story of Kantaji’s initiation blooms from a bud consisting of conspiracies. It was 1862, the reign of the last mighty Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb, the youngest son of Shahjahan who built the iconic TajMahal. It was also a time when the zamindari of the Dinajpur region was going through a rough phase. The then zamindar, Prannath Roy, was perched on the throne after the consecutive deaths of his two elder brothers. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Prannath was loved by his people. And within a few years, just like many other royal rivalry stories straight out of a novel, enters King Raghbendro Roy, zamindar of Ghoraghat. There was already a rivalry in existence between both the zamindar families of Dinajpur and Ghoraghat. Raghbendro plotted a conspiracy to take advantage of the situation and sent a letter to Aurangzeb, blatantly lying that Prannath had perched on the throne by killing his two elder brothers, Ramdeb and Joydeb. That he was not only a tyrannical zamindar, but also refused to obey the authority of Delhi’s ruler, Aurangzeb, and was irregular in sending the required tax. The plot worked. A furious Aurangzeb ordered a show cause and Prannath eventually traveled to the palace of the emperor with gifts. A while after they met, coming across the integrity of the kind-hearted Prannath, Aurangzeb realised his mistake and, out of kindness, gave Prannath the title of King and ordered him to carry on his usual zamindari of Dinajpur. The story of Kantaji’s initiation blooms from a bud consisting of conspiracies Here comes the most interesting part. As a devotee to Lord Krishna, when Prannath got out of this danger and received the title of King, as a devotee to Lord Krishna, he decided to do something out of love for his religion. While on his journey back to Delhi, he decided to visit Brindaban for a while and set up a Krishna temple in Dinajpur once he returned. During his stay in Brindaban, he was blown away by a beautiful Krishna statue, and he wanted to bring it back home for the temple he wanted to build. But, as said, he had a dream where Lord Krishna himself appeared and asked him not to take this particular statue as the feelings of the local devotees would be hurt. Instead, Krishna was said to have told Prannath to be patient because he was about to receive a Krishna statue identical to the one he desired during bath the next day, and that Krishna would travel with him on that statue. Soon after the divine dream, the next day, as Prannath was having his bath, he found an identical Krishna statue, beaming with its entire godly aura. This is what Prannath brought back Dinajpur to install in Kantaji. But that mysterious Krishna statue is not there anymore. It is believed that after the massive earthquake of 1897, when the temple was badly damaged and lost its original nine spires, for which it was also called “Navaratna”, the statue was stolen from the disastrous site. There is also a myth that Aurangzeb himself ordered Prannath to set up a Krishna temple, whereas Aurangzeb was a Muslim. And speaking of that, the architects Prannath commissioned for Kantaji were all Muslims. You can still find the brick mosque they built for themselves a few minutes distance from Kantaji. Another interesting fact is that just outside Kantaji’s premise; you will find an abandoned temple-like structure. That was the temporary temple that Prannath originally built, but he eventually wanted a grander one, hence he began the construction of Kantaji in 1704. Sadly, Prannath could not live long enough to witness the completion of this terracotta masterpiece. Every inch of the walls is embedded with a highly sophisticated opera of art, composed in a rhythm. Beautiful floral designs, amazing stories depicted from Ramayana-Mahabharata, and many extremely fascinating contemporary local stories, etc. Perhaps the most fabulously interesting ornamentation on the skins of Kantaji would be the depiction of erotic scenes. All these stories say so much about spirituality, about what is pious and what is not, about togetherness between human beings of different religions and so on. King Prannath Roy passed away in 1722. His adopted son, Ramnath Roy, took charge of the throne and, according to the last wish of his beloved father, finished the construction in 1752, which stands till date. With no tickets required, the temple is open at any time of the day and is open to all, regardless of faith. It’s one of the major archeological sites in Bangladesh.
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Pursuing Prestige: The Radisson blu water garden
We rarely find a person acquainted with Dhaka who has not heard the name Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden or has not seen the iconic pitched roof building on the airport road. For years the name has carried the essence of luxury, exclusivity, and prominence to mass people. Just paying a visit to Radisson is enough to make someone feel special. Since 2006, Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden has been a prominent name in the luxury hotel market. The luxury and exclusivity with a touch of nature make it the perfect blend for people who want to experience proper five-star hospitality in Dhaka. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden is between the city center and the airport area, making it easy to locate and access, especially for international travelers, including most of the target group. Being situated away from the urban chaos gives it a spacious room to breathe, making it worth battling through the Dhaka traffic to spend quality time with the city dwellers. The building stands as an icon of a five-star hotel in Dhaka city amidst water bodies and green landscapes. The whole area comprises 7-acre of land, but the building stands only on 2.5 acres, leaving the rest to embrace the natural landscape. It becomes hard to miss due to the fusion of Modernist architecture with the nostalgia of our traditional pitched roof. The project is a partnership between the property owner, Sena Hotel Developments Limited, and the multinational corporation, Radisson Hotel Chains, which provides quality management. International and local consultants worked together to develop the building by the brand criteria. Every element, from service, food, room amenities, comfort, building materials, and local experience to security and safety, is carefully designed to provide guests with a meaningful and unforgettable experience. The grand ramped driveway is one of its kind in this hotel. It is rare to find such a spacious approach in Dhaka due to the congestion and scarcity of land. One can see the unhindered view of the cityscape of Dhaka from the drop-off area, overlooking the wide airport road. After a careful security check, the ceiling height change to the lounge is awestriking. This open salon is visible from all floors above. Its height has been scaled down to human proportions by chandeliers of various sizes and height levels, which creates a more inviting atmosphere. The visual drama of the lounge and its modernist design, circular shape, and strategically placed features give the space an impressive appearance. It provides an interactive space for both the visitors and the occupants. The main entrance is from the first floor, and all the public functions comprise the ground floor and first floor, making it easily accessible without any contact with lift buttons or door handles- which proved to be highly useful during the Covid-19 situation. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, is one of the prominent names in arranging national and international high official Government and private events, particularly in terms of its security and hospitality. They offer versatile conference rooms that can accommodate up to 1,100 attendees, ensuring the success of events of all sizes covering approximately 3,000 square meters. The Grand Ballroom’s 990 square meters can accommodate a memorable wedding celebration or buffet. The Utshab Banquet Hall is available for product-launching-style events. Several boardrooms are also accessible for personal meetings, training courses, breakout sessions, and other smaller events. Healthy food over taste is a primary priority at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. The four restaurants and one bar named Blaze Entertainment Lounge & Bar, try to maintain the international standard in every dish. One can enjoy fresh, wholesome Bangladeshi cuisine at ‘Sublime’- a restaurant perfect for a romantic evening or an important client meeting. ‘The Water Garden Brasserie’ can be a perfect option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and choose from the international buffet and cook-to-order stations. ‘Spice & Rice’ offers a contemporary twist on Asian food, and ‘Chit Chat’, a deli café, can satisfy the cravings for savory snacks and sweet treats. They also have a dedicated space for smoking called ‘the Cigar bar’. The hotel business is going through a period of transition. The market has been divided into subsets to cater to a wide range of potential clients. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden strives to appeal to locals and tourists by incorporating local cultural elements into its decor and the standard they promise. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden offers accommodation services with its 200 five-star standard hotel rooms and suites. All the rooms have a balcony that offers stunning views of the hotel’s pool, rich landscape, and bustling city streets. In addition, they offer non-smoking floor services for the convenience of their customers. A significant feature of this hotel is the abundance of positive natural light seen throughout. At different times of the day, the play of light and shadow produces contrasting yet complementary effects. The garden, pool, and pond create sublime atmospheric peace. The pond area’s natural splendor lies in the fact that it has been preserved in its original setting, thus enhancing the genuineness and significance of the overall experience. The significance of this pond is enhanced by the jogging path that circles it. The open lounge area next to the pool, surrounded by organized nature, is a beautiful spot to spend some quiet time in the fresh air. The entire garden is planned such that there are always blooms to be seen, no matter the time of year. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, tries to encourage energy conservation and an eco-friendly environment. They reduce water waste by rainwater harvesting. The hotel promotes low and efficient water and electricity use by creating awareness whenever possible. They utilize as much natural light as possible indoors, given that most of the space is outdoors. The day light-sensitive technology used in light fixtures ensures minimal or no waste of energy. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden promises to provide the best when it comes to service. However, finding skilled human resources who can meet the
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Ceramic Industry will be Sick if Gas Price Hiked
BCMEA REPORT When the world economy is in turmoil due to the effects of the Corona virus and the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Bangladesh economy is in the grip of inflation and runs risk of recession but expecting to make a rebound, the process of raising gas and electricity prices has started in the country. A proposal is made to increase the price of gas by 117 per cent and that of electricity by 66 per cent. Six gas distribution companies have applied to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to raise the tariffs. The BERC held a public hearing on 21-24 March 2022. Its technical committee has approved a 20 per cent hike in gas price and a 45 per cent increase in electricity wholesale price. However, the country’s industrial entrepreneurs said if the price of gas is raised again at this point in time, the country’s industrial sector will lose its competitiveness. Exports and employment will be challenged. The country will be filled with foreign products. Mr. Irfan Uddin, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), vehemently opposed the move to increase gas prices, saying fuel costs account for 20 to 22 per cent of the total expenditure on ceramic products. Ceramic is essentially an energy-dependent and labour-intensive industry. Now, if the price of energy or gas increases, the cost of production will increase. But it will not be possible to sell ceramic products at higher prices. Such a situation will make many factories sick and reduce employment. Some may also default in repaying bank loans. “This will be the eighth time in the last 10 years that the government has planned to increase gas prices by an average of 117 per cent. Another hike will raise production cost by 18-20 per cent.” He said the price of gas had been increased more than once earlier with a pledge to resolve the gas crisis. In the past 10 years, the price of gas has been raised by 400 per cent, with promise every time of uninterrupted supply and proper pressure of gas. However, that did not happen so far. So, the gas price should not be raised without implementing the pledge. Moreover, while Titas made a profit of Tk 1,500 crore in the last four years, there is no moral basis of increasing gas price. On the other hand, system loss of Titas is still 12%, where 1% system loss is equivalent to Taka 300 crore. Mr. Irfan Uddin further said the country’s ceramic sector is paying more than Tk 1,200 crore in gas bills annually. For half of a day there is very low pressure of gas or even no gas and as a result, most of the kilns have to be shut down and running products in these kilns are wasted. According to the conditions, gas will be supplied at a pressure of 15 PSI, but it dropped from 3 to maximum 5 PSI after 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Almost 50-60 per cent of the production capacity of many factories remain utilised due to the gas crisis. Titas is taking bills with ‘air’ instead of gas. In order to deal with this situation, Titas authorities are importing EVC (electronic valve control) meters but not supplying them to the factories. He said most of the factories had to set up captive power plants at a huge cost. The entrepreneur pointed out that some of investments are not coming to the country only because of the energy crisis. Ceramic makers urge Govt. not to raise tariffs The Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association has urged the government not to hike the price of gas. “This will be the eighth time in the last 10 years that the government has planned to increase gas prices by an average of 117 per cent,” association president Mr. Shirajul Islam Mollah told a press conference recently. He urged the government not to increase the price of gas used in manufacturing ceramic items to protect the gas-dependent industry and thus help it stay competitive in the global market. He mentioned that, in 2019, production cost of ceramic products per kilogram increased by 10-12 per cent on average as a result of about 33 per cent increase in gas prices. Another hike will raise production cost by 18-20 per cent and will also have a cascading effect on all areas, transportation cost, he added. Mr Shirajul Islam said they need to keep kilns or chimneys turned on 24 hours a day in a ceramic factory. Even if gas pressure goes down frequently, they have to pay bills for full pressure. “We demand immediate installation of EVC meters to stop injustice in gas supply.” He said ceramics is one of Bangladesh’s largest industries. “We need to keep kilns or chimneys turned on 24 hours a day in a ceramic factory. Even if gas pressure goes down frequently, we have to pay bills for the full pressure. We demand immediate installation of EVC meters to stop this injustice in gas supply.” – Mr. Shirajul Islam Mollah CAB calculations have shown that the price of gas can be reduced by 16 paisa more per unit. There is scope to reduce gas price: CAB Professor Shamsul Alam, an energy adviser at the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said the gas distribution companies were all profitable. At present the people cannot afford to pay extra. And companies have failed to justify price increases. CAB calculations have shown that the price of gas can be reduced by 16 paisa more per unit. The crisis is not over yet because of Covid-19. At a time when subsidies were supposed to increase, there was no provision for subsidies. About Tk 6,000 crore was supposed to be subsidised, but so far only Tk 3,000 crore has been given. Although the government has said no to subsidiesm the BERC technical committee unjustly calculated it and recommended a 20 per cent price increase. He said the government is taking
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