Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine

Organized by BCMEA, the Four-day Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 Set to Begin on November 27

The Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 is set to begin on November 27 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Kuril, Dhaka. The four-day international ceramic fair—one of Asia’s most prominent—is being organized by the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA). For the fourth time, this world-class exhibition on ceramic raw materials, machinery, and technology will feature participation from 300 brands representing 135 companies from 25 countries, including Bangladesh. In addition, 500 international delegates and buyers will join the event. The expo will also include three seminars, a job fair, B2B and B2C meetings, raffle draws, attractive gifts, live demonstrations, spot orders, and opportunities for launching new products. At a press conference held today, November 23, the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium in the capital, BCMEA President Moynul Islam shared these details. In addition, Fair Committee Chairman and BCMEA General Secretary Irfan Uddin spoke, highlighting various aspects of the expo. Also present at the event were BCMEA Senior Vice President Md. Mamunur Rashid, FCMA; Senior Vice President Abdul Hakim Suman; Vice President Rasheed Mymunul Islam; and Director Mohd. Ziaul Hoque Zico. From the Principal Sponsor of the fair, Sheltech Ceramics Ltd., Director (Sales & Marketing) Syed Ali Abdullah Jami, Didarul Alam Khan, Head of Marketing of Platinum Sponsor DBL Ceramics Ltd., Md. Ashraful Haque, General Manager (Sales & Marketing) of Akij Ceramics Ltd., and Shahjada Yeasir Arafat Shuvo, Manager (Brand) of Meghna Ceramic Ind. Ltd., were present. The press conference announced that on November 27, the expo will be formally inaugurated at the ICCB by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin. In addition, on November 29, Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain will attend a special segment of the expo as the chief guest. BCMEA President Moynul Islam said that more than 70 ceramic tableware, tiles, and sanitary ware factories have already been established in the country. The annual sales volume in the local market is approximately Tk 8,000 crore. Over the past ten years, production and investment in the ceramic sector have grown by nearly 150 percent. Bangladesh exports ceramic products to more than 50 countries worldwide, earning around Tk 500 crore annually. Export earnings in this sector are increasing, as is investment. Many countries, including major ceramic-producing nations such as China and India, have shown interest in investing here. The sector has attracted investments of over Tk 18,000 crore, and it directly and indirectly provides employment to nearly five lakh people. Fair Committee Chairman and BCMEA General Secretary Irfan Uddin said that due to superior quality and attractive designs, the demand for Bangladesh-made ceramic products is increasing in the global market. Not only that, new markets are also emerging. He added that Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 is the country’s fourth and Asia’s largest international exhibition of its kind. Ceramic manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers are getting the opportunity to showcase their new products, modern technologies, and expertise to a global audience. Along with marketing domestic ceramic products, the expo will also help raise awareness about their use. Irfan Uddin said that they believe the use of technology in the ceramic industry will completely transform its future. Through automation, advanced digital printing, robotic handling, and high-quality production lines, manufacturing will become faster, more precise, and more cost-effective. He added that smart tiles and sensor-integrated products are gaining popularity worldwide, and this trend will soon influence the Bangladeshi market as well. The expo, he noted, will create a vital link between these technologies and local manufacturers. The four-day exhibition will remain open to visitors, buyers, and participants free of charge every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sheltech Ceramics is the principal sponsor of the fair, while DBL Ceramics, Akij Ceramics, and Meghna Ceramic are the platinum sponsors. In addition, the gold sponsors include Mir Ceramic, Abul Khair Ceramic, HLT DLT, and Sacmi. Written by Tasmia Chowdhury

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

Organized by BCMEA, the Four-day Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 Set to Begin on November 27

Spotlights

Dhaka Makers Presented ‘Crafted by Makers’ Four-Day Workshop Series 2025

Dhaka Makers presented ‘Crafted by Makers’ – a four-day workshop series held from November 13 to November 16, 2025, at Shala Neighbourhood Art Space, Aloki. A total of 14 creative workshops were hosted that celebrated art, craft, and design in all their forms. Each day of the workshop series featured engaging and distinctive session led by skilled artisans for participants. The four-day event hosted various sessions: terracotta jewelry workshop, robotics workshop, candle-making workshop, miniature model-making workshop, origami workshop, and many more. The curated sessions aimed to showcase Bangladesh’s vibrant arts and craft culture while promoting learning, play, and mindful creation for all ages, especially, children and teenagers. Every instructor paced the activities carefully so participants could follow along comfortably and absorb the making process. There were also some sessions designed for older children and adults such as the ‘Hand-Knotting Tapestry with Boho’, facilitated by Nazneen

Glimpses from 75-95

Titled “Phire Dekha/Re See,” the ongoing exhibition at the capital’s Kalakendra is comprised of the most heavyweight line-up of artists in a single group show in this gallery’s journey so far. Although a young gallery run by the veteran Wakilur Rahman, Kalakendra has already cemented its place as a hub for regular exhibition-goers of Dhaka, and its latest exhibition is another beautiful stroke in its canvas. Kazi Rakib, Deepa Haq, Dhali Al Mamoon, Dilara Begum Jolly, Nisar Hossain, and Shishir Bhattacharjee, Saidul Haque Juise, Fareha Zeba, Ratan Mojumdar, Habibur Rahman, Ruhul Amin Kajol, Lala Rukh Selim, Towfiqur Rahman, and Wakilur Rahman—if you are an enthusiast of the Bangladeshi art scene, you are at least familiar with a few of these names from this stellar list of Bangladeshi artists. These names, whether as a promising back-in-the-day or established artist, as a respected teacher for generations of art students, or as a curator, are all notable in their own ways in a detailed history of the Bangladeshi art scene. Growing up in a country where there is a mass tendency of collective amnesia towards the importance of archives and still no organized/proper practice of museum and gallery culture, if you have ever wondered what the art of some notable names looked like when they were at your and your Charukola friends’ age, “Phire Dekha” provides you a glimpse. The show gathers these fourteen artists, whose works once characterized the visual rhythm of postwar Bangladesh. The display, which runs from 1975 to 1995—an era marked by instability, transformation, and fragile hope—does not attempt to rebuild history but rather to reflect on it through the lens of art. Those two decades were more than just years on a timeline; they were a line of reckoning. Bangladesh, yet learning the lexicon of its freedom, was seeing seismic worldwide shifts—the demise of socialism, the growth of neoliberal dreams, and the gradual disintegration of collective idealism. These factors undoubtedly influenced how artists thought, created, and responded to their surroundings. The show makes no conclusive statements about that age; rather, it creates a contemplative space between history and present, memory and method, inviting visitors to rediscover what art previously possessed and what it continues to disclose. “Re See” is curated without the weight of theory or curatorial rigor, instead assembling pieces of real experience rather than a predefined theme. All of the participating artists were young art students in the years following the Liberation War. Some were members of collectives such as Dhaka Painters or the Somoy Group, while others forged their own paths of discovery. Their works together provide a mosaic of artistic and emotional progress, a portrait of a generation that used color, form, and gesture to express its times. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, prints, sketches, and mixed-media pieces, the majority of which are from the artists’ personal archives. The mix of mediums—etchings, acrylics, watercolor, and assemblage—reflects the restless search for words that marked Bangladeshi art throughout those decades. “We seldom get to see the works that shaped our contemporary practice,” he observed. “Between 1970 and 1990, the political and cultural landscapes of our country changed dramatically, and those changes inevitably entered art. The young artists of that period absorbed both global and local influences, reinterpreting them through their own materials, symbols, and languages. Many have since matured into leading figures, guiding the next generations of creators,” said art historian and critic Professor Abul Mansur. These words capture the essence of “Re See”; it is not nostalgia but an act of rediscovery, an artistic archaeology of thought and feeling. The exhibition runs daily from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. until November 15 at Kalakendra. Written by Shahbaz Nahian

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

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