Bangladesh’s ceramic industry has been flourishing in recent years, and the achievements of its leading players are testimony to the sector’s growth. From innovative products and solutions to accolades for business excellence, the country’s ceramic industry is making waves both domestically and internationally.
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Peace Award is a prestigious award that recognizes the efforts of individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting peace and harmony in society. The award is given annually to individuals for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to thinking pragmatically and working for society.
This year, the award was conferred upon Bangladesh’s leading business icon, Mr. Mostafa Kamal, the Chairman and Managing Director of Meghna Group of Industries. Under his leadership, the group of industries has gained recognition for its high-quality products, innovative designs, and commitment to environmental sustainability. He has also been actively involved in numerous social and philanthropic activities aimed at improving the lives of the less fortunate in society. His achievements serve as a source of inspiration to many to contribute to the growth and development of Bangladesh.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) had in last December declared 141 individuals as the top taxpayers nationally for the 2022 tax year. The national-level awards were handed over to top taxpayers under different categories and from different industries such as engineering, food and accessories, energy, jute industry, spinning and textiles, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, real estate, readymade garments, leather, farm, local public and private entities, and other sectors. The NBR award went to 76 people in the individual category, 53 in the business category, and 12 in other categories for paying the most income tax in the previous fiscal year.
Among them, Mr. Asif Iqbal Mahmud, Deputy Managing Director of Great Wall and CHARU Ceramic Industries Ltd., a prominent entrepreneur, topped the list of young taxpayers (below 40 years) for the FY2021-22. Tax cards were handed over to him by the NBR for his highest contribution to the national exchequer. Mr. MA Haider Hussain, Managing Director of ATI Ceramics Ltd. also received the Tax Cards under the Salaried taxpayers’ category.
The “Best Brand Award” was established by the Bangladesh Brand Forum to recognise the most loved brands in the country. After more than a decade of existence, today the award has become Bangladesh’s distinctive and top branding recognition. The award’s goal is to demonstrate and honour brand achievement gained through difficult and effortful initiatives.
And AKIJ Ceramics Ltd. has been recognised as the Most Loved Brand under the ‘Ceramic Tiles’ category for four years at a stretch from 2019. This accolade demonstrates the company’s popularity and acceptance among Bangladeshi people, further consolidating its position as a leading player in the ceramic industry.
Pre-eminent ceramics company Akij Ceramics Ltd. has also been awarded the prestigious award of Superbrands for the 2023-24. The rigorous selection process of the UK-based Superbrands award considers important factors such as brand heritage, market dominance, brand loyalty, and quality. Superbrands is widely regarded as a symbol of excellence and quality. The Superbrands recognised brands are thought to have achieved high-level of distinctions in their respective fields.
Akij Ceramics Ltd. was also awarded the 5th Bangladesh Innovation Award under the “Most Innovative Solution for Disabled People” category for its Ceramic Braille Tiles. The award plays a significant role in encouraging and recognising the efforts of individuals and organisations in the field of innovation. It promotes a culture of innovation and creativity in Bangladesh, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and development. The Ceramic Braille Tiles are language-friendly for the visually impaired, imprinted with braille messages on them the tiles aimed to help people with disabilities navigate their everyday lives. The award underscores the company’s commitment to social responsibility and thirst for innovation.
The National Export Trophy was awarded to 71 companies for their outstanding export performance in the fiscal year 2019-20. The award is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in Bangladesh’s business community and is highly valued by exporters. A gazette notification was issued this January declaring the nominations of the companies receiving the awards. Later, the companies were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals under 32 categories for their contribution to the country’s economy, their commitment to quality, and their efforts to promote exports.
This year, under the ceramic category of the highest Exporters of FY 2019-20, Shinepukur Ceramics Limited achieved the gold medal and Artisan Ceramics Limited achieved the silver medal. The tableware sector of Bangladesh has made a global mark by exporting its quality products to over 50 countries. The sector is investing in modernizing its production facilities and adopting new technologies to enhance its competitiveness and increase its export volumes. They’re also focusing on product diversification and customization to cater to the specific needs and preferences of their customers in different markets.
On a different note, Ms. Sayma Islam, Director and CEO of China-Bangla Ceramic Ind. Ltd. was elected the President of Bangladesh Ceramic Society and this remarkable achievement is a significant milestone for women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. It is a testament to her leadership qualities, professional expertise, and dedication to the development of the ceramic industry in Bangladesh. As a woman leader in a male-dominated industry, Ms. Islam’s success is a shining example of how women can break through barriers and achieve great heights with hard work, determination, and perseverance.
Mr. Tanvir Ahmed, Managing Director of Envoy Legacy and Sheltech Group, was awarded the Mirror presents Flora Bank 20th “Business Excellence Award-2022” for his inspiring business acumen and leadership qualities. He has also been awarded the title of “Most Inspiring Young Business Leader, Bangladesh” for year 2022 by the Global Brands Magazine. The magazine is a leading international publication that covers the latest news, trends, and developments in the world of brands, marketing, and business. The magazine features articles, interviews, and expert analysis on a wide range of topics, including brand management, marketing strategies, business growth, leadership, and innovation.
These significant achievements of Mr. Tanvir are a testament to his instrumental role in driving the business’ growth and success. His vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence have been vital in positioning the ceramic company, Sheltech Ceramics Ltd. as a leading player in the ceramic industry. His ability to identify market opportunities and effectively manage resources has enabled his businesses to thrive in highly competitive industries.
Mr. Irfan Uddin, Director of FARR Ceramics Ltd. and General Secretary of BCMEA, was elected as the Local President of JCI Dhaka Mavericks. Junior Chamber International, JCI, is a worldwide organisation of young professionals and leaders between the ages of 18 and 40. With its headquarters in the USA, it operates in 120 countries worldwide. Becoming a local president of JCI is a great honour and a significant achievement for young professionals and leaders. It demonstrates their commitment to personal and professional development, as well as their ability to improve their communities by making positive impacts. JCI provides a platform for young people to practice their leadership abilities, participate in community service initiatives, network with like-minded people, and make a positive difference in their communities. Mr. Irfan Uddin as the local president will now be playing a crucial role as the organization’s face in the communities and guiding the local chapter’s initiatives, events, and activities to create a better future for all.
The Industry Ministry of Bangladesh makes the effort to recognize the contribution of organizations to industrialization, employment generation and overall development of the country. Twenty industries were honored with the “President’s Award for Industrial Development 2022” under six categories- large, medium, small, cottage, micro and hi-tech.
Mir Ceramics Ltd. was awarded with the “President’s Award for Industrial Development 2022” under the ‘Large Industry’ category. The company has demonstrated exceptional performance and made a significant contribution to the country’s economy.
The largest tableware ceramic manufacturer and leading exporter, Monno Ceramic Ind. Ltd. was awarded the prestigious “Superbrands” status second time in a row in the category of “Best Tableware Brand of Bangladesh” for 2023-24. It is the oldest porcelain and bone china tableware manufacturer and leading exporter, promoting the brand ‘Made in Bangladesh’ in the global market. Monno Ceramic has maintained its market dominance as one of the most celebrated and time-tested Bangladeshi-made global ceramic tableware brands for almost four decades because of its cutting-edge production technology, intense research and development, globally sourced raw materials, extensive distribution strategy and substantial marketing operations.
X-Ceramics Ltd. was awarded the 5th Bangladesh Innovation Award under the category ‘Best Innovation- Product Development’ for their product ‘Stone Shield’ tiles. These tiles have a unique top finish that keeps them physically and aesthetically the same even after extensive use in high-traffic areas. The unique feature makes the Stone Shield tiles have the world’s most durable tiles surface. X-Ceramics Ltd. was also recognised under the category ‘Best Process Innovation’ for their tiling solutions, including Stone Shield tiles, Germi Proof tiles, Temp control tiles, and antislip tiles. It is essential to celebrate such achievements and honor the individuals and organisations who are making significant contributions to society through their innovative practices.
To mark the Golden Jubilee, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) had organised an international business conclave titled, Bangladesh Business Summit 2023 in Dhaka, showcasing the “Best of Bangladesh”. In addition to that, in a bid to create an environment of excellence and competitiveness that will drive the business community members to achieve greater heights of productivity, FBCCI awarded the businessmen who have had immense contributions to the economic development of the country, with the Business Excellence Award 2023. Among the winners of this award is, Mr. Sayed Muhammad Faruqi Hasan, Chairman of Protik Fine Ceramics Ltd. who was awarded for his outstanding contribution to the economy and society. Under his leadership, Protik Fine Ceramics Ltd. has grown into one of the leading ceramic tile manufacturers in the country. Mr. Hasan has always been a strong advocate for innovation and quality. His efforts have helped his company to gain a competitive edge in the market and also to increase its export earnings.
Apart from his business achievements, Mr. Hasan has also been actively involved in various social and philanthropic activities. He has been a strong supporter of education and has set up a school and college in his hometown to provide quality education to under privileged children in the area.
Mrs. Rehana Akter, owner of Clay Image, has achieved the 2nd best Woman Entrepreneur award in the 27th Dhaka International Trade Fair-2023. Clay Image is a ceramic product manufacturing company that produces a wide range of ceramic products including tableware, home décor items, and gift items. Mrs. Akter has become a prominent figure in the ceramics business and has set an example for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Her passion for her work has helped her overcome numerous obstacles and achieve great success. As a successful businesswoman, she has proved that women can excel in any field they choose and can be great contributors to the economy.
In conclusion, the achievements of these individuals and companies in the ceramics industry are a testament to the potential of the industry and the hard work of those involved. The industry is constantly evolving, and it is the innovative ideas and hard work of people like those mentioned above that have helped to shape and transform it. Their successes are not only inspiring but also provide a blueprint for other aspiring entrepreneurs in the industry. As we move forward, we can surely hope that the ceramic industry in Bangladesh will continue to thrive and inspire.
Written by Mahfuza Tasnim Noshin
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