Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine

Industry Leaders Unite for a Greener Bangladesh

A Call for Sustainable Transformation On January 30, 2025, the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka hosted “Shaping Bangladesh: Designing Tomorrow, Building Today”, a landmark event organised by Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine. It brought together leaders from construction, real estate, and ceramics to champion sustainability and innovation in response to environmental challenges. Thought Leadership for a Greener Future As part of the series “Innovating for a Sustainable Future II”, the multi-panel format featured experts from ceramics, cement, and real estate. Moderated by Dr. Amir Ahmed of Daffodil International University, the panels included Muhammad Badrul Hassan (BBS Cables), Salehin Musfique Sadaf (GPH Ispat), Architect Faysal Ahmed (Concord Real Estate), AKM Ziaul Islam (Magna Ceramic), Mohammad Khorshed Alam (Akij Bashir Group), Asadul Haque Sufyani (Metro Cement), and Babor Hossain (Khadim Ceramics). Key Recommendations for Sustainability Panelists urged greater investment in R&D to reduce reliance on imports and foster local innovation. They called for collaboration across sectors to promote recycled materials and eco-friendly components. Suggestions included using fly ash and slag in cement, adopting hybrid or electric furnaces, and implementing energy-efficient manufacturing. Smart Materials and Policy Reform Experts advocated for smart glass technologies—low-E, solar, and self-cleaning—to boost building efficiency. They also recommended policy reforms to protect local manufacturers from zero-tariff imports and emphasized the need for government-run clay mines to secure raw materials for ceramic production. Bangladesh’s Tile Industry Comes of Age AKM Ziaul Islam highlighted the tile industry’s evolution since 1984. “We started with 100 mm tiles in one color. Now, we export to the USA,” he said. Despite high production costs, innovation has improved working conditions and sustainability, making the industry globally competitive. Real Estate and Domestic Innovation Architect Faysal Ahmed reflected on the sector’s overreliance on imports between 2000 and 2015. He stressed the importance of collaboration among architects, engineers, and academics to develop sustainable materials locally and reduce dependency on foreign technologies. Material Optimization for Environmental Impact Salehin Musfique Sadaf emphasized that optimized material use can reduce emissions and speed up construction. “Using 15,000 kg of cement instead of 20,000 kg without compromising strength means real sustainability,” he explained. Rethinking Cement and Energy Asadul Haque Sufyani discussed the carbon footprint of cement production and promoted fly ash and slag as eco-friendly alternatives. He stressed the need for affordable, sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies. Energy Crisis and the Future of Glass Mohammad Khorshed Alam raised concerns about gas shortages affecting glass furnaces. He urged investment in hybrid furnaces and advanced technologies and called on architects to incorporate more locally produced glass to avoid overcapacity and unsold stock. Ceramic Bricks: A Smarter, Greener Choice Babor Hossain showcased ceramic bricks’ advantages over handmade red bricks—lower water absorption, higher strength, and reduced structural load. “They were used in national landmarks and can cut construction costs by 13 percent,” he said, advocating for government-run clay mines to sustain innovation. A Unified Path Forward The event concluded with a call for synergy among policymakers, industry, and academia. With rising climate risks and infrastructure demands, embracing innovation is not just strategic—it’s essential. Photo: Courtesy

Create your story in the alley of Kalabagan

magine walking down a road in a residential area when suddenly an old brick gateway catches your attention. A softly lit alley leads you towards a small, cosy restaurant with a beautiful antique and warm ambience. Located right beside the popular “Tea & Tea” restaurant and owned by the same person, this place remains crowded most of the time. Youngsters keep the restaurant lively throughout the day, while in the evening and at night families usually come here to dine. The cosy environment, ambience, décor, and food, everything is bound to make your time memorable. Architect Hashim Reza Opu, principal architect of Arch_Station, is the designer of this beautiful restaurant. He shared with us the design journey, concept, theme, and challenges. Designing a restaurant in such a compact area, only 12 by 23 feet, or 550 square feet in total, while accommodating seating, a counter, a spacious kitchen, an attached toilet, and even a semi-outdoor smoking zone, was a huge challenge. The building was old, and the designer wanted to keep its essence intact. Creating an antique-themed restaurant within a limited budget and compact space was also demanding. To meet the challenge, he began with the layout plan. By removing partition walls, he created a free-flowing space for the main dining area. Ar. Opu said, “Creating a memory, creating a story was the main concept of the design. Stories can be of many types — rock story, sad story, soft story, museum story. But what I wanted to tell was an old story. Kalabagan is a nostalgic place for many. People have memories here. I wanted to preserve that memory.” The walls, with plaster falling off in many places, were preserved in their natural undulated patterns. A basic colour coat was applied to the brick portions, and the lower plastered layer was finished with a thick skim coat in the colour of old lime plaster. This undulation gives the walls the vibe of a broken hill. Seating was carefully designed with ergonomics in mind. Sofa heights were adjusted for comfortable dining, and circulation was kept clear. Multiple seating modules make the compact space versatile: couple seating, four-person arrangements, and cluster options where two four-person tables can easily host eight. There’s also a single chair tucked into a corner by a bookshelf, where someone can sip a drink and read; either a book, or simply the whole atmosphere of the place. The handcrafted, polished tables are beautiful enough to spark curiosity about their story. Every detail starting from the tables to the antiques on the wall, from the windows to the ceiling ribs is thoughtfully designed to capture attention. The window grills, repurposed from the upper floors, were painted in vintage green and white. The ceiling features wooden ribs reminiscent of old zamindar houses, with concealed lighting that creates a warm ambience. The lighting adapts to the crowd, with three different moods: concealed ceiling lights, hanging lamps above tables, and directional spotlights highlighting the exhibits. The walls act as canvases, displaying art and antiques: rickshaw wheels with strip lights, a striking wood carving of a woman, an antique clock, a heavy bell, and more. Solid doors were partially replaced with glass, creating curiosity and ensuring visibility of the place. On one wall, an “urban elevation” was designed with two doors and two windows, and even a vintage grill was placed on a closed wall to continue the elevation effect. The counter is particularly unique. Built from the bricks of the existing walls, it alternates layers of wood, brick, and lime plaster, with lighted glass voids in between. This experimental design turned out beautifully. Behind it, a compact 8-by-12-foot linear kitchen supports the operation. One highlight is the “Van Gogh Corner,” where a large Café Terrace at Night painting adorns the wall. This veranda-like space serves as a smoking zone and makes visitors feel as though they are inside the painting. The artwork extends into the seating area and lighting, with warm illumination falling on stone flooring below. Every small detail contributes to the crafted atmosphere. The walkway, handmade with brass concrete textured using nails, is designed like a landscaped path inside a city alley. From its entryway to its tiniest detail, the restaurant tells a story; a story of memory and nostalgia, enriched with antiques and thoughtful design. The alley of beautiful memories is waiting for you in Kalabagan. Written by Sadia Tarannum

The Spatial Journey of Architect Naimul Ahsan

Architecture begins with a dream, but its true value lies in design—making buildings easy to construct, comfortable to inhabit, and meaningful for those who live in them. This is the guiding principle of Naimul Ahsan Khan, founder of Spatial Architects, who spoke about his philosophy on a calm evening in his studio. For Khan, architecture exists for the people. Simplicity is not just aesthetic but ethical—a way to make spaces accessible, functional, and enduring. His career, marked by both imagination and pragmatism, reflects this belief. After graduating from BUET in 2006, Khan began his professional journey at VITTI Sthapati Brinda Ltd., while teaching at the University of Asia Pacific, later joining S. Islam Consultants to gain formative experience. Yet even before these formal beginnings, in 2005, he co-founded Matra Architects with three friends, working from a small room at Sher-e-Bangla Hall before moving to Kalabagan. Though the firm dissolved in 2009, it set Khan on the path to independent practice. That same year, he and his wife, architect Farzana Rahman, established Spatial Architects, which has since delivered over 200 projects across Bangladesh. Khan’s design philosophy is rooted in modernist minimalism, inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s dictum “less is more.” But he translates this principle into a distinctly Bangladeshi context, using simple forms, local materials, and designs that respond to everyday life. Tagore’s words— “simple words are not easy to say”—resonate with him; simplicity in architecture is often the hardest to achieve. Influenced also by Arundhati Roy, who abandoned architecture because of its alienating language, Khan strives to make his work understandable to ordinary people. This approach is evident in his most celebrated project, Shikor. More than a farmhouse, it is a journey back to rural roots, connecting four generations of the family it was designed for. The design process was deceptively simple: reinterpret elements of rural architecture in a universal, contemporary language. The project transformed the surrounding village, too—muddy roads were paved, solar lights brightened the nights, and a community library was built. “A city family reconnecting with their village changed the village itself,” Khan reflects. In Chattogram, his Chandrapuray Kichukhon project challenges the dominance of isolated urban apartments. The nine-storey residence, designed for an extended family, revolves around courtyards, gardens, and communal spaces, reviving collective living in a dense city. “We won’t be here forever, but the memories will remain,” the clients told Spatial Architects—a vision the design honours. Even religious projects follow Khan’s principle of restraint. In Narsingdi, the Baitul Mamur Mosque occupies a modest 55 by 25 feet plot. “It’s such a small piece of land—nothing conventional could be built, so we decided not to force anything,” he explains. Instead, perforated brick walls breathe, and a lightweight metal roof allows air and sunlight to flow freely, creating a spiritual space that feels open and alive. Khan’s influence extends into education architecture. Working with the Education Engineering Department, he is reshaping rigid, prison-like school layouts into environments that foster joy, safety, and learning—a quiet revolution in the country’s classrooms. His work has earned international acclaim: First Prize in the Fael Khair Programme International Competition (2009), the Gold Diploma at the Eurasian Prize (2021, Russia), Best of Best at the Architecture Master Prize (2021, California), and First Prize in the NESCO Head Office Complex Competition (2024). Yet for Khan, success is measured not in awards but in client satisfaction. “I want to put my clients first. Their satisfaction is my real achievement,” he says. Sustainability, for him, is local. “Being local is sustainable,” he asserts, advocating for indigenous materials and designs that respond to climate, context, and community. Initially skeptical contractors come to appreciate the clarity of his solutions, and over time, he has built trusted teams of masons and builders who “understand his language”. Khan is equally outspoken about urban planning in Bangladesh. “We’ve done master plans and detailed area plans, but what we need is urban design,” he insists, warning against overburdening Dhaka and urging development in other cities. He is critical of RAJUK, which he sees as prioritizing promotion over development, emphasizing that regulations must be transparent and serve the public. Deeply influenced by Bashirul Haque and Mazharul Islam, Khan consults their work when in doubt. He admires contemporaries like Kashef Mahbub Chowdhury and Marina Tabassum, while following global figures such as Tadao Ando. He also champions architectural publications, asking, “A hundred years from now, how will people know what Bangladeshi architecture was like?” For him, publications bridge architects and the wider public. Optimistic about the younger generation, he says, “They’re smarter than us. They don’t need our advice.” Yet he encourages students to study more about Bangladesh if they intend to practice locally. Khan’s buildings do not compete for attention—they settle into their surroundings, listening to the land, the people, and the passage of time. For him, architecture is a lived experience, not an abstract statement. By making it easy to build, easy to inhabit, and easy to love, he has created a practice that resonates deeply with the essence of Bangladesh itself. Written By Arefin Murad

Spotlights

Urban October 2025: IAB Organises Daylong Event, Three-Day Exhibition

The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) on November marked Urban October 2025 with a day-long celebration at its Multipurpose Hall, bringing together students, professionals, and policymakers to reflect on the future of urban design in Bangladesh. Timed to coincide with World Architecture Day, World Habitat Day, and World Cities Day, the event began at 10:30 am with the opening of a three-day exhibition showcasing student urban design studio projects from architecture departments across IAB-accredited universities. Participating institutions include Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh University (BU), BRAC University (BRACU), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), North South University (NSU), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Khulna University (KU), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Daffodil Institute of IT (DIT), Southeast University (SEU), Stamford University, State University, and the University of Asia

Bangladesh’s Largest Travel Expo Begins Thursday

The 13th edition of the Biman Bangladesh Travel & Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2025 opened Thursday morning at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) in Dhaka, marking the return of the country’s largest international tourism expo. Organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the three-day event runs from October 30 to November 1 and is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, including over 2,000 trade professionals. The fair is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with an entry fee of Tk 50 per person. Students, freedom fighters, and July war heroes are granted free entry, ensuring inclusive access to the event. This year’s fair features participation from more than 120 local and international organisations, showcasing their products and services through around 220 stalls and 20 pavilions. Among the international participants are national tourism boards, airlines, tour operators, hotels, resorts, travel agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. Twenty international hospitals are promoting medical and wellness tourism, reflecting the growing interest in cross-border healthcare travel. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the title sponsor of BTTF 2025, joined by IHG Hotels & Resorts as the gold partner and bKash as the payment partner, with cashback offers available for visitors purchasing entry tickets via bKash. Spanning 60,000 square feet, the exhibition is divided into four themed halls—Celebrity, Carnival, Harmony, and Milky Way—designed to facilitate targeted engagement between exhibitors and attendees. The layout includes dedicated spaces for B2B sessions, seminars, country presentations, cultural performances, and documentary screenings on Bangladesh’s tourist attractions, offering a comprehensive platform for both commercial exchange and public interaction. The opening ceremony on Thursday was presided over by Md. Rafeuzzaman, president of TOAB, and formally inaugurated by Lutfe Siddiqi, special envoy to the chief adviser on international affairs, who served as chief guest. Md. Taslim Amin Shovon, director (trade & fair) at TOAB, delivered the welcome address, while Mohammad Yunus, director (media & publications), conducted the programme. Friday’s programme includes a B2B networking session, multiple seminars, and a roundtable discussion, while Saturday will feature a grand raffle draw and the closing ceremony. Daily cultural shows and sideline events are expected to enhance visitor engagement. TOAB, which has been organising BTTF annually since 2007, aims to position Bangladesh as a competitive player in the global tourism market. With 751 active members, the association regularly participates in international fairs such as ITB Berlin, WTM London, and FITUR Madrid, and collaborates with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Tourism Board, and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. According to organisers, BTTF 2025 is designed to promote both inbound and outbound tourism, with a special focus on niche segments including culinary, cultural, leisure, cruise, and adventure travel. Business and corporate travel also feature prominently, alongside medical tourism, which has seen increased demand in recent years. Distinguished guests at the inauguration included Saima Shahin Sultana, chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation; Naila Ahmed, joint secretary (tourism-1 branch) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, managing director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines; Md. Mainul Hasan, additional IGP of Bangladesh Tourist Police, and Nuzhat Yasmin, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board, alongside TOAB advisors, directors, and steering committee members. Written by Nibir Ayaan

CUET to Host 3rd International Conference on Green Architecture

The Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) will host the third International Conference on Green Architecture (ICGrA 2025) from December 4-5 this year, bringing together more than 100 scholars and thousands of professionals to explore sustainable design and community-scale environmental responsibility. The conference will be jointly organised by the Green Architecture Cell (GrACe) and the Department of Architecture (DoA) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET). Themed “Healthy Buildings on the Path to nearly Zero Emission Communities (neZECom),” the event will examine the relationship between building-level well-being and broader sustainability goals. The Bengali interpretation of neZECom, “Reduce self-need,” reflects the conference’s ethos: a low-emission future begins with mindful consumption and responsible environmental behaviour. Building on the success of its earlier editions in 2017 and 2018, ICGrA 2025 continues a legacy of fostering awareness and collaboration on sustainability in the built environment. The conference venue, CUET’s Department of Architecture, lies between the Bay of Bengal and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, offering a scenic setting for dialogue and discovery. The conference is supported by a wide network of collaborators, including the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), the ZEMCH Network at the University of Melbourne, and architecture departments from DUET, KUET, RUET, KU, SUST, MIST, and Dhaka University, alongside institutional partners such as the Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation (BHBFC) and alumni associations from BUET and CUET. Prof. Dr. Md Ashikur Rahman Joarder of BUET is chairing the ICGrA 2025 and Prof. Dr. Sajal Chowdhury of CUET is the conference secretary. The 2025 edition will feature keynote addresses, paper and poster presentations, exhibitions, cultural events, and the publication of proceedings. Selected papers will be considered for publication in indexed journals. Five parallel workshops will be organised on separate topics as part of the third ICGrA 2025. Each workshop will be led by distinguished faculty members from BUET and CUET, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with experts in the field. Workshop Topics and Leaders • Thermal Comfort Led by: Prof. Dr. Khandakar Sabbir Ahmed, BUET Focus: This workshop will delve into strategies for achieving optimal thermal conditions in buildings, addressing passive cooling, material selection, and climate-responsive design to enhance occupant comfort and energy efficiency. • Acoustics Led by: Prof. Dr. S. M. Najmul Imam, BUET Focus: Participants will explore acoustic performance in architectural spaces, including noise control, sound insulation, and design techniques for creating healthy auditory environments in residential and public buildings. • Daylighting Led by: Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Joarder, BUET Focus: This session will examine the role of natural light in building design, covering daylight simulation, visual comfort, energy savings, and integration of daylighting strategies into architectural planning. • Environmental Experience Design (EXD) Led by: Prof. Dr. Sajal Chowdhury, CUET Focus: The workshop will introduce participants to user-centred environmental design, focusing on sensory experience, spatial perception, and psychological well-being in built environments. • Computational Building Information Modeling (BIM) Led by: Md Mizanur Rahman of BUET Registration Details Date: December 5, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Venue: CUET, Chattogram, Bangladesh Early Bird Registration (per topic): Tk 5,000 (by October 31, 2025) Regular Registration (per topic): Tk 7,000 (by November 15, 2025) Seats are limited, and participants must complete a separate registration for each workshop they wish to attend. Individual registration is allowed for any of the four topics. Awards will be presented for Best Paper, Best Presentation, and Best Poster. Topics for submission span health and well-being, green buildings, zero energy and emissions, community and lifestyle, user-centred design, climate resilience, decarbonisation, circularity, life cycle assessment, energy efficiency, vernacular architecture, retrofitting, conservation, innovation, policy, materials, methods, water and waste management, safety, and pedagogy. Organisers say ICGrA 2025 aims to drive practical action, inform policy, and strengthen academic and professional collaboration across disciplines. Written by Nibir Ayaan

Architect Irteza Ameen to Deliver Fall 2025 Lecture

The Department of Architecture at Bangladesh University is set to host the third lecture of its Fall 2025 series, spotlighting the power of visual storytelling in design. Titled “From Concept to Composition: Building Visual Narratives,” the session will feature Architect Irteza Ameen, founder of the multidisciplinary studio Design Commune. This lecture marks the 14th instalment of Chorcha, the department’s signature platform for architectural discourse. Ameen will guide audiences through the evolution of design thinking—from the spark of abstract ideas to their transformation into spatial compositions where form, material, and graphic language converge to express identity and intent. Drawing from a rich and varied portfolio, Ameen will demonstrate how visual storytelling functions not only as a design tool but as a communicative language—shaping how we interpret, inhabit, and emotionally connect with space. Ameen, a Bangladeshi architect and designer, is known for his seamless integration of architecture, graphic design, and user experience. His studio, Design Commune, operates at the intersection of built form and cultural narrative, crafting works that are both contextually grounded and visually articulate. His notable collaborations include archival and publication projects on three of Bangladesh’s architectural luminaries—Architect Muzharul Islam, Architect Bashirul Haq, and Professor Shamsul Wares—as well as a wide array of architectural, interior, and exhibition design ventures. Through his practice, Ameen exemplifies a rare synthesis of architectural rigour and graphic precision, producing designs that resonate with character, clarity, and cultural depth. Event Schedule: Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 Time: 3:30 pm Venue: Room 101, Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University. Written by Nibir Ayaan

Business Insights

AkijBashir Group and MHM Properties Ltd. Partner to Enhance Premium Living Experiences in Bangladesh

AkijBashir Group has signed a strategic partnership with MHM Properties Ltd. to strengthen collaboration in providing premium building material solutions and enhancing customer value in Bangladesh’s real estate and construction sectors. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on October 14, 2025, marking a significant step toward integrating design excellence, innovation, and quality in modern living spaces. In the deal, MHM Properties Ltd. will promote and sell the top brands of AkijBashir, namely, Akij Ceramics, ROSA Sanitaryware, Akij Particle Board Mills Ltd., Akij Door, Akij Bathware, and AkijBashir Glass using its own network and outlets. The partnership is expected to provide the tiles, sanitaryware, bathware, boards, doors and glasses, as a one-stop solution in the world-class quality and design of their products, with the aim of having a trusted partner. Directors of MHM Properties Ltd. Mr. Mahmudul Hasan Tonmoy, Director, Akij Ceramics Ltd. Mr. Mohammed Ashraful Haque, General Manager, Sales, and AkijBashir Group Chief Operating Officer were the signatories of the MoU. At the signing, Mr. Khourshed Alam remarked that we are happy to collaborate with MHM Properties Ltd. in order to increase the outlets of the various product lines of AkijBashir. This

AkijBashir Group has entered into a strategic partnership with the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)

In a major step toward sustainable industrial growth, AkijBashir Group has entered into a strategic partnership with the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy across its operations. The collaboration, formalized at an event held at Sheraton Dhaka, marks a significant milestone in advancing green industrial practices in Bangladesh. AkijBashir Group has been funding several sustainability projects in the last couple of years through its Energy Efficiency and Rooftop Solar financing programs funded by IDCOL. These projects have enabled the deployment of industrial rooftop solar capacity of more than 90MWp, of which over 60MWp has been deployed and has become one of the largest solar portfolios in the private sector in Bangladesh. One of the highlights of the joint venture is a pioneer project of Janata Jute Mills Ltd. in Boalmari, Faridpur, that will become the first in the world to be a fully operational jute mill using renewable energy by the first quarter of 2026. In the long-term sustainability, the Group targets to produce a renewable energy of 1,000 MWh every day by 2027. During the event, AkijBashir Group Managing Director, Mr. Taslim Md. Khan, and IDCOL Executive Director and CEO, Mr. Alamgir Morshed, emphasized the role of collaboration in the development of the future of the low-carbon industry. AkijBashir Group is determined to be 100% renewable in all its manufacturing plants by the year 2030, which is in line with its vision Beyond Tomorrow- impetus on sustainability, innovation, and industrial perfection.

World Investor Week rings the bell on financial fraud awareness

A global initiative to promote investor education and protection is underway as World Investor Week 2025 runs from October 6 to 12, led by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). Now in its latest edition, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy, responsible investing, and the protection of investors in an increasingly digital and complex financial landscape. The global campaign features participation from securities regulators, exchanges, financial organisations, and educators across six continents, with events tailored to national and regional contexts. Activities include public awareness drives, webinars, training sessions, and outreach campaigns designed to help investors make informed decisions and guard against fraud. A flagship feature of the campaign is the “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy” initiative, held in collaboration with the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE). Stock exchanges around the world symbolically “ring the bell” to demonstrate their commitment to investor education and market transparency. Focus on Fraud, Digital Threats, and Investor Awareness This year’s programme includes a strong emphasis on the emerging threat of digital fraud, particularly those involving artificial intelligence and online scams. On October 7, U.S. regulators including the National Futures Association (NFA), FINRA, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) hosted a webinar titled “Deconstructing to Disrupt Fraud”, which was a two-part event featuring Dr. Arda Akartuna. The session explored how AI technologies are being weaponised by fraudsters, and how regulators and investors can respond with vigilance and education. In Indonesia, the national financial regulator Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) is hosting a regional webinar on October 9 titled “Empowering Investors: Invest Wisely and Stay Safe from Fraud and Scams.” The event features speakers from IOSCO’s Committee on Retail Investors and will discuss practical strategies to improve retail investor protection. Investor education for older adults is also a priority in this year’s campaign. In the United States, the CFTC, FBI, and AARP have partnered on outreach aimed at Americans aged 50 and older, focusing on helping them identify and avoid scams. The organisers report that over 250 participants registered for this dedicated session. Global Backing and Institutional Support World Investor Week is supported by a wide range of international partners, including: The World Bank OECD G20 Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) These partnerships reinforce IOSCO’s broader mission to promote not only awareness, but also long-term behavioural change among investors and institutions globally. As the global standard-setter for securities regulation, IOSCO collaborates closely with the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the G20 to ensure that investor protection remains a key pillar of global financial integrity and stability. Building Resilience in a Complex Investment Landscape With financial markets rapidly evolving due to digitisation, AI technologies, and cross-border investment platforms, retail investors are exposed to new complexities and risks. World Investor Week serves as a timely reminder of the need for robust financial education, stronger regulatory safeguards, and proactive public engagement. As the campaign continues through October 12, organisers hope to empower individuals with the knowledge to navigate risks, detect fraud, and contribute to more resilient financial markets across all levels of society. Written By Nibir Ayaan

Bangladeshi Hotels, Resorts Win Big at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Bangladesh’s hospitality sector received a resounding endorsement on the international stage as several leading local hotels, resorts, and tour operators were honoured at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, held at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo. The glittering ceremony, widely regarded as one of the region’s most prestigious events in the travel and tourism calendar, brought together top-tier organisations from Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. A total of 53 Gold Awards and 113 Silver Awards were presented across a range of categories, recognising excellence in service, innovation, and guest experience. Bangladeshi winners spanned multiple categories, reflecting the country’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for regional and international travellers. Award Winners from Bangladesh Baywatch: South Asia’s Best New Hotel and South Asia’s Leading Beach Resort HANSA – A Premium Residence: Leading Designer Hotel/Resort Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre: Leading City Hotel Intercontinental Dhaka: Leading Luxury Hotel Momo Inn: Leading Family Hotel & Resort and Leading Convention Center Award Platinum Grand: Leading Boutique Hotel Platinum Residence: Leading City Hotel and Leading Budget Hotel Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View: Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Radisson Blu Dhaka: Leading Airport Hotel and Leading Meeting & Events Sayeman Beach Resort: Leading Wedding Hotel/Resort Sayeman Heritage: Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort The Palace Luxury Resort: Leading Palace Hotel The Peninsula Chittagong: Best CSR Program, Leading F&B Hotel, and Leading Business Hotel The Westin Dhaka: Leading Wellness and Spa Hotel/Resort Bangladesh Tour Group (BTG): South Asia’s Leading Inbound Travel Agent and Best Promotion Campaign in South Asia Travel Classic (Pvt.) Limited: Leading Travel Agent – Outbound Winning awards in different categories was no easy feat. Each submission underwent a rigorous selection and evaluation process. The SATA 2025 Awards were presented to organisations that embody excellence in service delivery, innovation, sustainability, leadership, and overall industry impact. During the evaluation stage, 60 percent of the marks came from the professional judges’ report cards, with the remaining 40 percent from online public voting. Judges scored submissions based on multiple criteria: service excellence, innovation and improvement, customer satisfaction, sustainability and responsibility, operational excellence and safety, sales and revenue performance, leadership and team development, and industry contribution. This year, SATA placed particular emphasis on sustainability, cultural authenticity, and digital innovation. “SATA brings together over 300 delegates from across the South Asian region to celebrate the best of South Asian hospitality brands,” said SATA President Ismail Hameed at a press conference held during the event. He added that international establishments such as the Taj Mahal Palace, as well as brands from Nepal and Bhutan, which are unique in their own right, took part in this year’s show. “From travel agents’ associations to hotel associations to tourism boards — all are part of SATA,” Hameed said. He noted that South Asian destinations hold great tourism potential, offering everything from cool weather and beaches to mountains, heritage, history, culture, food, and delicacies. Md Mohsin Hoq Himel, Secretary of the Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA), who attended the event, said: “BIHA has been working with the South Asian Travel Awards in Bangladesh.” Under the overall guidance of Hakim Ali, founder of BIHA, the association has participated in the prestigious event every year, he said. Through this platform, BIHA aims to highlight the service standards of Bangladesh’s local hotels and resorts, showcasing their uniqueness and distinctiveness alongside other regional hotels, Himel added. “This year, every Bangladeshi hotel and resort has achieved remarkable positions. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners.” According to representatives of Bangladesh’s hospitality sector, this international recognition will further advance the country’s tourism and hotel industry in the global market and strengthen Bangladesh’s brand image worldwide, he said. The first edition of the South Asian Travel Awards began in 2016 and has been organised by Highrise every year since, with the support of multiple associations and tourism bodies from across the South Asian region, according to the SATA website. The annual search for South Asia’s most outstanding travel organisations spans a month each year from March to April, calling upon industry professionals to name their preferred travel suppliers in the region who have risen above the competition and surpassed expectations, it read. “The awards programme continues to serve as a platform for nations to come together, not in competition, but in celebration of shared triumphs and brilliance.” Written by Nibir Ayaan