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

Driving Tile Innovation in Bangladesh

Introduction: Bangladesh’s Ceramic Industry on the Rise Over the past decade, Bangladesh has witnessed remarkable growth in its ceramic industry, particularly in the field of ceramic tiles. What was once a modest segment catering primarily to domestic demand has now evolved into a thriving sector, contributing significantly to the country’s industrial output, employment, and exports. With rapid urbanization, rising consumer aspirations, and infrastructural development across the nation, ceramic tiles have become a symbol of both practicality and modern living. At the heart of this growth story lies a crucial but often less visible factor: the availability of high-quality raw materials, advanced technology, and reliable technical support. Without a steady supply of consistent, innovative, and globally benchmarked inputs, manufacturers would find it challenging to compete on quality, efficiency, and design. This is where Xphere Global has played a pivotal role through its flagship company, Vidres India Ceramics, driving innovation and providing dependable solutions that have reshaped Bangladesh’s ceramic landscape. Equally important is the role of technology, where Kerajet, Spain, has emerged as a new alternative for world-class digital printing solutions. These advanced technologies are now being introduced to Bangladesh through Trans India Ceramics, the authorized distributor of Kerajet and another group company of Xphere Global. Together, this integrated approach ensures that manufacturers have access to not only the finest raw materials but also cutting-edge printing technology — empowering the industry to deliver tiles and tableware that meet global standards of design and performance. Our Flagship Presence in Bangladesh: Building Trust Over 5 Years A key milestone in the evolution of Bangladesh’s ceramic tile industry has been the entry of Xphere Global and Vidres India Ceramics, which forayed into this market five years ago. Since then, the company has established itself as one of the trusted brands in the sector, delivering reliable solutions that empower manufacturers to enhance quality, innovate with confidence, and stay aligned with global trends. Through a blend of high-quality raw materials, consistency, and innovation-driven partnerships, Xphere Global and Vidres India Ceramics have contributed significantly to raising benchmarks in the Bangladeshi ceramic industry. Our efforts are not just about supplying materials — they are about nurturing long-term relationships and enabling manufacturers to bring world-class surfaces and finishes to both domestic and export markets. Beyond Supply: Technical Support as a Differentiator In the competitive world of ceramics, having access to raw materials is not enough. The real edge comes from knowing how to use those materials effectively to produce innovative, market-ready products. This is where our superior technical support sets us apart. Collaborative Development: Our technical teams work closely with Bangladeshi tile manufacturers, helping them fine-tune formulations, experiment with new surfaces, and troubleshoot production challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that our partners are not just keeping up with trends but setting them. Training & Knowledge Sharing: We conduct technical workshops, training sessions, and joint development programs to upskill local teams. By transferring knowledge and expertise, we empower manufacturers to push boundaries and explore new market opportunities. Problem-Solving Expertise: From glaze application issues to kiln performance, our experts provide hands-on guidance, reducing downtime and ensuring smoother operations. For many manufacturers, this level of support is the difference between staying competitive and falling behind. Technology Partnerships Driving Innovation Alongside raw material excellence, technology plays a transformative role in defining the competitiveness of the ceramic industry. Here, Trans India Ceramics has emerged as a crucial partner, serving as the official distributor for Kerajet S.A., Spain. Kerajet is recognized globally as a pioneer in digital printing technology, delivering highly effective printing solutions that cater to both the ceramic tile and tableware industries. By bringing this cutting-edge technology to Bangladesh through Trans India Ceramics, manufacturers are now empowered to produce tiles and tableware with superior design precision, versatility, and efficiency, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of both domestic and international consumers. This synergy of world-class raw materials, robust technical support, and state-of-the-art printing technology positions Bangladesh’s ceramic sector to compete confidently on the global stage. Leveraging Global Trends for Local Growth Ceramics is a truly global industry, with trends often originating in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia before spreading worldwide. Our presence in multiple international markets gives us a unique vantage point to bring global insights into the Bangladeshi context. Some of the key global trends we have been helping Bangladeshi manufacturers embrace include: Large-Format Tiles: Growing popularity of slabs and large surfaces for modern architecture and interiors. Eco-Friendly Production: Increased demand for sustainable, low-carbon processes and recyclable materials. Digital Printing & Advanced Surfaces: Innovative printing technologies creating wood, stone, and marble-like finishes. Functional Surfaces: Anti-slip, antibacterial, and easy-to-clean finishes gaining traction with health-conscious consumers. By aligning our raw materials and technical services with these trends, we enable Bangladeshi producers to compete not only in domestic markets but also internationally, enhancing the reputation of “Made in Bangladesh” ceramics.

Spotlights

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

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

FORM.3 Architects Wins Holcim Foundation Awards 2025

FORM.3 Architects and their team have been honoured with a regional award in the Asia Pacific category at the Holcim Foundation Awards 2025. The firm received the prestigious recognition for their project, “Conservation of Old Dhaka Central Jail History, Historical Buildings & Development of Surroundings Area.” The project reimagines a historic jail site in Old Dhaka as a vibrant public realm, merging adaptive reuse, passive design, and local craftsmanship to create a culturally rooted and economically viable model for sustainable urban renewal. The Old Dhaka jail was built on 36.76 acres of land in the eighteenth century. According to the website of the prison authority, a “criminal ward” was established in Dhaka in 1788. Later, the prison was constructed on Nazimuddin Road, becoming one of the largest jails in the country. The main goal of the project, for which FORM.3 Architects and their team received recognition, was to create a cultural centre that provides much-needed open space for community gatherings within the dense urban fabric of Old Dhaka. Design plans include preserving existing historic buildings and structures while integrating them with new developments. The project also aims to address key urban challenges such as traffic congestion and limited accessibility. Proposed interventions include widening peripheral roads, developing underground pedestrian passages, and introducing specific vehicular zones to streamline movement around the Chawkbazar area. The Holcim Foundation Awards are the world’s most significant competition celebrating sustainable design and construction—spotlighting projects that are reshaping the built environment and driving transformation across the construction sector. Founded in 2003, the Holcim Foundation has led the global movement for sustainable design and construction, guiding the building industry with visionary initiatives. “This year’s 20 winners use the right materials in the right places, bring communities into the process from day one, and design with nature as an ally. The projects are inspiring because the solutions they offer are replicable and implementable—they set a credible path forward for the industry,” says Laura Viscovich, Executive Director of the Holcim Foundation. The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction has announced 20 winning projects for the 2025 Holcim Foundation Awards, spanning Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and North America, with a total prize pool of USD 1 million. An event will be held in Venice on November 20, 2025, to showcase all the winners, accompanied by a global live stream for audiences worldwide. Photo Courtesy: FORM.3 Architects Written by CBM desk

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