Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine

A Litmus Test for Bangladesh Economy

It began with a verdict. Not a speech, not a scandal—just a quiet ruling from Bangladesh’s judiciary. On June 5, 2024, the High Court reinstated a quota system for government jobs, reserving 56 percent of positions for specific groups, including descendants of freedom fighters. For many students, it felt like a door slamming shut. Within days, campuses across the country stirred with frustration. The movement that followed—Students Against Discrimination—was born not in fury, but in resolve. Their rallies were orderly, their chants measured. But beneath the surface, tension simmered. By early July, that tension boiled over. The protests evolved into the “Bangla Blockade,” a sweeping shutdown of roads and highways that paralysed the nation’s arteries. Buses vanished. Containers stacked up at ports. Supply trucks idled outside factories. Dhaka’s markets emptied as perishables spoiled in the heat. Exporters missed deadlines. Small traders watched their earnings evaporate. What began as a student movement had metastasized into an economic crisis. DEFINING MOMENTS June 5 | 2024 High Court reinstates quotas June 7-15 | 2024 Students begin peaceful rally, social media activism July 01 | 2024 Nationwide Bangla Blockade begins July 16 | 2024 Violent crackdown, leaving dozens killed Late July | 2024 FDI approvals drop 40%; export delays, gas shortages August 5 | 2024 Interim Government formed Sep–Dec | 2024 Interest hits 10%; ADP spending 49-year low Jan–Mar | 2025 Remittances peak; inflation eases; current account surplus Apr–Jul | 2025 Recovery phase: DSEX up 12.5%; exports rebound; MFS grows 64% August 5 | 2025 One-Year Anniversary A Nation on Edge On July 16 of 2024, the calm shattered. Security forces moved in with batons, tear gas, and live ammunition. The clashes were brutal. Ambulances raced through smoke-filled streets. Students lay bloodied on stretchers. Families camped outside police stations, desperate for news. Independent monitors reported hundreds injured and dozens dead. The government disputed the numbers. But the images—broadcast across television screens and social media—left little room for doubt. The shockwaves were immediate. Investor confidence collapsed. The Dhaka Stock Exchange saw its sharpest single-day drop in five years. Foreign direct investment approvals fell nearly 40 percent in the second half of 2024, according to the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The city, once buzzing with commerce, fell into a hush. Three weeks later on August 5, an interim government was announced, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus along with a panel of technocrats and civil society leaders. Their mandate: restore stability, rebuild trust, and prevent further economic unraveling. The Economic Aftershocks The July Uprising, as it came to be known, left no sector untouched. While the garment and ceramic sectors bore the immediate brunt, the ripple effects extended far wider. The banking system, already strained by years of financial irregularities, teetered on collapse. A post-uprising asset quality review revealed widespread non-performing loans and misappropriated funds, prompting the interim government to initiate recovery drives and liquidity injections. The Bangladesh Bank raised the policy rate to 10 percent to tame inflation and stabilise the exchange rate. Net foreign direct investment (FDI) dropped to a five-year low in 2024, as global investors cited political instability and opaque regulatory frameworks. The World Bank flagged Bangladesh’s deteriorating investment climate, while local chambers warned that the budget lacked a clear roadmap for restoring investor confidence. The energy sector faced dual shocks: gas shortages crippled industrial output, while privatisation efforts triggered an 18 percent hike in urban electricity tariffs, sparking fresh protests. The mental health toll was staggering. A Bangladesh Medical University seminar revealed that 82.5% of injured protesters suffered from depression, and 64% showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, underscoring the long-term human cost of the crisis. In the ceramic industry, 70 factories struggled to stay afloat. The Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA) reported that gas pressure—critical for kiln operations—dropped to as low as 2 PSI in some zones, far below the required 15. Production stalled. Costs soared. Their demands were precise: uninterrupted gas supply, priority allocation, compressor permissions, a five-year tariff freeze, and duty-free solar imports. None were met. The garment sector fared no better. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) confirmed shipment delays averaging two weeks during the unrest. Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data showed a 7.8% decline in garment exports in Q3 of 2024. Buyers in Europe and North America have shifted orders to Vietnam and India. Smaller exporters faced penalties and lost contracts, according to the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA). The Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) called for stronger rule of law, faster customs clearance, and smoother approvals. The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) highlighted the plight of agro-processors, many of whom faced wastage and layoffs. Their appeal: concessional loans and tax relief. Even real estate, long seen as a safe haven, stumbled. The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) reported a sharp drop in property transactions, citing high registration fees, interest rates, and uncertainty over the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) revisions. Across industries, the message converged: without urgent reform, Bangladesh’s hard-earned gains risked slipping away. The Numbers Behind the Crisis The numbers told a sobering story. By late 2024, exports faltered, imports shrank, and growth slowed to its weakest pace in years. The disruptions that began with student protests soon seeped into every corner of the economy, from factories to food markets. Inflation surged through the summer, eroding wages and squeezing households already under strain. Though the pace of price rises eased the following year, the scars remained. Construction sites went quiet, housing demand collapsed, and long-promised infrastructure projects were postponed. The slowdown was no longer abstract—it showed in half-finished bridges and shuttered shops. Private investment also lost its footing. Business registrations dwindled, banks groaned under bad loans, and confidence withered. Even as revenue collection improved, it could not

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

Dhaka’s Moving Tribute to July Revolution

Pedestrians paused in silence, bus conductors gazed from their windows—some recognising familiar faces, others lost in painful memories. A powerful street exhibition in Dhaka displayed haunting images from Bangladesh’s July 2024 Mass Uprising, bringing the city’s recent trauma into public view. “While traditional galleries in Dhaka often cater to only a certain class of people, a floating street exhibition was envisioned as a way to bring art into public spaces—making it accessible to people from all walks of life,” says Taslima Akhter, the acclaimed photojournalist and activist who organised the event alongside Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. On August 11-12 of 2025, five exhibition vans set out from the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University, bringing the story of the July Uprising to the streets of Dhaka, covering most of the significant spots where the revolution took place. The key aspects of this floating exhibition were to demonstrate the participation of students, professionals, everyday people—especially women—and the significance of D-Day, August 5. Creatively set up on vans, photographs and artworks were mounted on temporary house-like structures with striking red roofs, drawing the attention of day labourers, students, office workers, chauffeurs, and people from all walks of life—just as they once came together to free the country from the 15-year authoritarian regime under Sheikh Hasina’s government. The vans stopped at key sites of the uprising, letting visitors engage with the images. Organisers admitted the street exhibition was challenging—but they were committed to reaching as many people as possible. Originally planned to honour the martyrs on the uprising’s first anniversary, the exhibition was postponed due to logistical challenges. “What you see now is a collection of the works we were able to gather, with consent from the participating photographers,” said Taslima. She further said how we’re not only fighting the effects of fascist ideology in our society, but also confronting it within our own thought processes. In the past, many artists and photographers hesitated to share their work—uncertain whether to publish without captions, or anxious about choosing the right words. But now, we’re seeing more and more artists overcome that fear, driven by a collective urge to tell the truth through their work. When asked about the downside of everyone having a camera in their hands today, Taslima shared a different perspective. On the contrary, she explained how portable devices have empowered not just photographers but everyday people to document history like never before. If it weren’t for ordinary citizens, much of the horror of the July revolution across the country would have gone unseen. What was once a tool for personal use has now become a powerful instrument for capturing and sharing the truth. Exhibitions like this mark a crucial shift in the power dynamics of information. They democratise memory, ensuring the story of the revolution belongs to everyone—not just a privileged few. They also remind us that art and photography are powerful tools of resistance and collective remembrance. Written by Fariha Hossain Photo: Md. Rasel Ahmed

Spotlights

Rezwan’s floating school wins Unesco Confucius prize

Bangladeshi architect Mohammed Rezwan’s solar-powered floating schools have received the Unesco Confucius Prize for Literacy 2025, one of the world’s highest honours for advancing education and lifelong learning. The Chinese government sponsors this award, said a press release. Among hundreds of nominations worldwide, Unesco selected three winners: Bangladesh’s Shidhulai Floating Schools, Ireland’s Learn with NALA eLearning, and Morocco’s Second Chance School and Inclusive Education Program. The 20th award ceremony was held on September 27 in Qufu, Shandong Province, China, the birthplace of Confucius. Rezwan accepted the trophy and certificate on behalf of his organisation, Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, which launched the world’s first floating school in 2002. Growing up in Chalanbeel, he saw how annual floods forced schools to close for months. His simple yet transformative solution was to take schools to the water. Today, solar-powered boats serve as classrooms, libraries, and training centres

Cubeinside Design bags DNA Paris Design Awards 2025

Cubeinside Design Ltd, a prominent Bangladeshi architectural and interior design firm, has earned international acclaim after being named one of the winners at the DNA Paris Design Awards 2025—an internationally sought-after recognition for architects and creative people. The award-winning project, Bait Ur Rayyan, is a small-scale mosque designed by Cubeinside, located near the banks of the mighty Arial Kha River in Bangladesh’s Madaripur. The Bangladeshi firm was the consultant for the project, built for the Rokeya Feroza Foundation on a land area of 7,346 square metres. Cubeinside says: “This particular design is an exercise of abstract interpretation of basic symbolism of Islamic architecture. Geometry has been the principal tool for this abstraction in terms of transforming both the form and spatial quality.” The DNA Paris listed Khandaker Ashifuzzaman and Shakhawat Hossain Rocky as the lead designers of Bait Ur Rayyan, which won the award in the Public Architecture category. The annual awards also mentioned Mehri Farnaz, Anis Khan Shanto and Abdullah Al Jaber as members of the mosque’s design team. About the mosque, it was noted on the DNA Paris website: “A human-centric approach created a space for community, keeping the scale sacred yet intimate, using local materials like red bricks, while lights played the most vital role to uplift the spiritual entity of this mosque.” “The concept of ‘Abstract Semiotics’ was applied in measurable mass and space, and other immeasurable aspects with a deeper perceptual level.” DNA Paris, which celebrates the best in global design from over 70 countries, recognises excellence in Architecture, Landscape, Interior, Product and Graphic Design, with entries divided into ‘Professional’ and ‘Emerging’ categories. The latter is reserved for outstanding student work. Farmani Group, a global authority in architecture, design and photography curation, in partnership with In Between, a Paris-based collective of creatives and thinkers, jointly organise the DNA Paris Design Awards. In addition to typology-based subcategories, the most distinguished entries across all five disciplines and both sections are awarded the Grand Prix—the highest honour of the programme. Recipients of the Grand Prix receive a trophy created by Studio Briand & Berthereau, designed to strike a balance between form and function, while addressing the financial and environmental constraints faced by every project. All submissions are evaluated by an expert jury of design luminaries. The jury committee is comprised of designers, editors and creatives who are devoted to true excellence in design. The juries come from different countries, including the UK, the USA, Spain, Argentina, Japan, Sweden, France, Kenya, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, South Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, Greece and Saudi Arabia. The evaluation of entries is based on a range of criteria that are constantly adapted to current standards. DNA Paris has already announced all winners across different categories for this year, who will be honoured at an event in Paris on October 24. Written by Nibir Ayaan

Prof Rafiq Azam to Headline DNA Paris Design Awards 2025

Prominent Bangladeshi architect Professor Rafiq Azam is all set to join the 2025 edition of the DNA Paris Design Awards—one of the most important design awards worldwide—as a keynote speaker. The internationally renowned architect, born in Old Dhaka, Bangladesh, is scheduled to participate in the show beginning on October 24 this year. He is widely recognised for his unique approach to green architecture, which weaves together tradition, nature and mysticism. Rafiq Azam, founder of SHATOTTO—an architecture firm dedicated to green living—draws inspiration from Bengali poets and mystics, while incorporating artistic influences from global masters. His designs place particular emphasis on light, shadow, water and air. With more than 30 years of experience, Professor Azam has received a number of international accolades, including the 2025 ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence, the CAA Robert Mathew Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, the ARCASIA Gold Medal, the LEAF Awards, and the UIA & UN-HABITAT Awards in 2022. His work and perspectives have appeared in leading publications such as TIME Magazine, The New York Times and CASA Vogue. As a visiting professor at BRAC University, Professor Azam supports emerging architects through the Rafiq Azam Travel Bursary programme. The DNA Paris Design Awards, where the renowned Bangladeshi architect will deliver a keynote speech, celebrate the best in global design from over 70 countries. The annual awards recognise excellence in Architecture, Landscape, Interior, Product and Graphic Design, with entries divided into ‘Professional’ and ‘Emerging’ categories. The latter is reserved for outstanding student work. The DNA Paris Design Awards are organised by the Farmani Group, a global authority in architecture, design and photography curation, in partnership with In Between, a Paris-based collective of creatives and thinkers. In addition to typology-based subcategories, the most distinguished entries across all five disciplines and both sections are awarded the Grand Prix—the highest honour of the programme. Recipients of the Grand Prix receive a trophy created by Studio Briand & Berthereau, designed to strike a balance between form and function, while addressing the financial and environmental constraints faced by every project. All submissions are evaluated by an expert jury of design luminaries. The jury committee is comprised of designers, editors and creatives who are devoted to true excellence in design. The juries come from different countries, including the UK, the USA, Spain, Argentina, Japan, Sweden, France, Kenya, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, South Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, Greece and Saudi Arabia. The evaluation of entries is based on a range of criteria that are constantly adapted to current standards. The 2025 edition’s project submission early bird deadline began on December 13, 2024, while the regular deadline ended on May 9 this year. However, the late final deadline was extended until May 23 of the current year. The entry fee for professional project submissions in the architecture, interior, landscape and product categories was 350 British pounds, while it was 100 British pounds for the graphic category. For students, the entry fee for every category was set at 75 British pounds. DNA Paris has already announced the winners for this year, who will be honoured at an event in Paris on October 24. This year, Bait Ur Rayyan—a project by Cubeinside Design Limited, a Bangladeshi architecture firm—has emerged as one of the winners of the DNA Paris Design Awards in the Public Architecture category. On the DNA Paris website, Khandaker Ashifuzzaman and Shakhawat Hossain Rocky are listed as the lead designers of Bait Ur Rayyan, with Mehri Farnaz, Anis Khan Shanto and Abdullah Al Jaber named as members of the design team. Written by Nibir Ayaan

Architectural Design Contest Launched to Redesign Dhaka Residential Model College

A nationwide architectural design competition has been launched to transform the campus of Dhaka Residential Model College (DRMC), one of Bangladesh’s most prestigious educational institutions. The initiative, jointly organised by the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and DRMC, calls for proposals to design a ten-storied academic building that will serve as a modern educational hub for over 3,000 students. The competition aims to address long-standing infrastructural challenges at DRMC, which currently operates in two shifts due to a shortage of classroom space. With most of its buildings dating back to the 1960s, the college’s facilities are no longer adequate to meet the demands of its growing student body and evolving academic programs. A Legacy in Transition Established in 1960, DRMC spans 52 acres in Mohammadpur and accommodates approximately 6,000 students across various academic levels. Initially governed by the Central Government of Pakistan, the institution underwent several administrative transitions before being placed under the Ministry of Education in 1972. Despite its autonomous status and historical significance, the college’s infrastructure has aged considerably, prompting the Board of Governors (BOG) to approve a major upgrade during its 162nd meeting on June 26, 2025. The new academic building will be constructed on a 3,000 sq.m site currently occupied by a grassy football field. According to the competition brief, the structure will be a reinforced concrete (RCC) building with pile foundation, designed to accommodate students from classes 9 to 12. Facilities will include a cafeteria, exam halls with 800 seats, modern toilets, and parking provisions. Competition Details and Design Vision The competition, launched on October 5, 2025, is a single-stage open call for Bangladeshi architects. It seeks innovative, sustainable, and contextually responsive designs that integrate seamlessly with the existing campus. Architects are encouraged to use local materials and environmentally friendly technologies, with an emphasis on rapid construction techniques and low future maintenance costs. Design considerations outlined in the brief include: climate responsiveness and passive cooling, universal accessibility, integration of landscape and open spaces, cultural and contextual relevance, interconnectivity with existing academic buildings, energy efficiency and future-readiness The building’s shape may follow an I, U, hollow box, or full box configuration, with each floor serving distinct academic and administrative functions. The ground floor will house parking and essential services, while upper floors will include classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and student amenities. Organisers and Eligibility The competition is jointly organised by IAB and DRMC. Eligible participants must be regular IAB members with at least eight years of professional experience and compliance with the Dhaka Mohanagar Imarat Nirman Bidhimala, 2008. Registration, which requires a Tk 2,000 fee, is open from October 5 to October 11, 2025, at the IAB office in Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Each participant will receive a unique registration code and may submit only one proposal. All submissions must maintain strict anonymity, with documents marked only by a blank square box and the registration number. Any breach of anonymity or direct contact with jury members will result in disqualification. The design competition is going to be launched on October 5,2025, inviting participants to register by October 12. A query session will open on October 13, and all inquiries will be addressed by October 15. Participants must submit by November 20. Jury Deliberation will take place in November 22 to December 9, followed by an exhibition scheduled for December 9 to December 10, 2025. Submissions must include conceptual sketches, detailed plans, elevations, sections, renderings, and a physical model. Reports on design concepts and estimated construction costs are required in sealed envelopes. Digital copies must be submitted via DVD or pen drive. The brief also requires labelling with the 14-digit registration number and a blank square box. The jury panel comprises five distinguished members: Brigadier General Mohammed Zaber Hossain, PhD – Principal, DRMC, Moshiur Rahman – Acting President, Old Remians Welfare Association, Ar Jalal Ahmed – Principal Architect, JAARCHITECTS, Ar Patrick D’ Rozario – Principal Architect, Synthesis Architects Limited, and Ar S.M. Nazimuddin Payel – Associate Professor, Architecture Discipline, Khulna University. The jury will evaluate entries based on innovation, contextual relevance, sustainability, and feasibility. Their decisions are final and binding, with results to be announced during the exhibition. Awards and Future Engagement The competition offers substantial monetary rewards and professional recognition: First Prize: Tk 2,50,000 and a certificate, Second Prize: Tk 1,75,000 and a certificate, Third Prize: Tk 1,00,000 and a certificate, Special Mentions (3): Tk 25,000 each and certificates, if awarded by the jury. The first-prize winner will be formally appointed as the design architect for the project, subject to compliance with IAB’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The appointment will follow Rule 111 of the Public Procurement Rules 2008, with consultancy fees set at 6% of the total construction cost (inclusive of AIT, exclusive of VAT). If the first-prize winner is disqualified, the second or third-place winners may be considered. A New Master Plan for DRMC The competition is part of a broader master plan revision for DRMC’s campus. The existing master plan, which did not account for new academic buildings, is being restructured to accommodate future growth and integration with existing facilities. Key components of the revised master plan include: vertical extension of Academic Building-3, extension and renovation of Kudrot-E-Khuda and Joynul Abedin Houses, construction of a duplex principal residence, a G+6 vice-principal residence, renovation of the boundary wall, upgradation of the water distribution system, and installation of a 500 KVA electric substation These developments aim to modernise the campus while preserving its legacy and enhancing operational efficiency. Legal and Ethical Framework Participants must adhere to the competition’s legal and regulatory principles. The organiser reserves the right to cancel the competition, in which case entries will be evaluated and prizes awarded. However, none of the submitted designs may be executed without the architect’s consent. In such cases, the first-prize winner will receive three times the prize money as compensation. DRMC will retain ownership of submitted documents until results are published. Entrants will retain copyright but grant DRMC a perpetual, royalty-free licence

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