The Ceramic Expo bustling with a large number of people on the 2nd day
Dhaka (28 November 2025): The BCMEA Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 has gathered in the capital. On the second day of this four-day vibrant event, the International Convention City Bashundhara was bustling with local and foreign visitors, exhibitors, businessmen, engineers, architects, and representatives from various companies. The arriving businessmen held meetings with B2B, B2C, and representatives from different companies. In the various pavilions and stalls, they demonstrated their products and ensured spot orders. Senior officials of various companies stated that due to the holiday, there was a noticeable crowd of visitors from the morning, and many placed orders for products. Artist Shahin Mahmud Reza, participating in the fair for the first time, expressed satisfaction with the organization of the fair. As every year, dealer Md. Rahim Uddin has come to the expo from Chittagong. He mentioned that he has seen many new designs at this year’s expo. Following this, a seminar was held in a very large hall where relevant stakeholders participated. Mohammad Khaled Hasan, Deputy General Manager of Sheltech Ceramics Limited, the titled sponsor of the expo, mentioned that the ceramic industry of Bangladesh is a glorious sector. Earlier, we used to import ceramic products at about 80 percent, but nowadays approximately 15 to 20 percent we import; we export it and gradually extend its market. One of the visiting engineers stated that this sector has achieved an average growth of over 20 percent, setting records. Despite the gas crisis, the uninterrupted supply of electricity, and various domestic and international crises, this industry remains an emerging sector. Unlike the ready-made garment, jute, and textile sectors, which receive policy support, this sector has reached a respectable position solely due to the courageous initiatives of entrepreneurs. One could say that the ceramic industry has brought about a silent revolution in the last 10 years. Through rapid expansion in the local market, stable presence in foreign markets, and massive job creation, this industry has demonstrated that with industry-friendly policies, uninterrupted gas supply, and proper branding, it will be capable of exporting billions of dollars in the future solely in Asia. Today, there are about 65–70 ceramic factories and brands in the country producing various products including tableware, tiles, sanitary ware, and electric insulators. As a result, instead of being import-dependent like before, Bangladesh now fulfils a large part of its own demand and sends excess production to the global market; this is not a small change but rather a picture of slow yet steady success in industrial policy. The domestic market for Bangladeshi ceramic products is currently considered to be worth around 70 to 90 billion BDT, with annual growth hovering around 20 percent for a long time. Once where 80 percent of the market was occupied by foreign brands, today local companies meet nearly 85 percent of market demand; in tableware, local participation exceeds 90 percent. Some visitors stated rapid urbanisation, development in the housing sector, rising incomes of the middle class, and changes in lifestyle perspectives have contributed to this achievement. The use of tiles and sanitary products in new flats, shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants is now not just a necessity but also a symbol of prestige and taste. In this way, the ceramic industry has become directly linked to the dreams of the urban middle class, as if the contribution of this industry is silently signing on the walls and floors of every new flat. Although the export earnings of the ceramic industry are still seen by many as ‘less compared to the size of investment’, in reality, it has passed an important initial phase. In the fiscal year 2022–23, the export earnings from ceramic products reached around 43–55 million USD (equivalent to 600–650 crore BDT), which is the highest in four years. The export growth in this sector from 2021–22 to 2022–23 was over 21 percent, although in the fiscal year 2023–24, it has slightly decreased by nearly two percent. Tableware occupies the largest share in the export basket; recently, tiles have also been added. Bangladeshi ceramic products now go to over 50 countries; United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and various countries in the Middle East are major destinations. In such a reality, despite slight fluctuations, it is clear that Bangladesh is establishing itself as a reliable source of ‘low-cost but quality’ ceramic products in the global market. This expo carries a very high potential for the Bangladeshi ceramic industry and also plays a vital role in the economy. Written by: Mizanur Rahman Jewel
Three-day Global Sourcing Expo 2025 opens in Dhaka
The Global Sourcing Expo 2025 – Dhaka has opened at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, bringing together exporters, buyers and trade bodies from across the world in a major push to diversify Bangladesh’s export markets. Jointly organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the commerce ministry, the three-day event is being billed as a strategic international platform showcasing Bangladesh’s evolution from a global apparel powerhouse to a diversified export hub. The expo features products from eight major sectors: readymade garments, leather and leather goods, jute and jute products, agricultural goods, plastics and kitchenware, home décor and furniture, pharmaceuticals, and ICT. More than 100 firms are taking part, including multinational companies, wholesalers and supply-chain representatives. Buyers and sourcing organisations from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Japan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE, the US and several other countries are attending business-to-business meetings and negotiating potential contracts. The fair houses 200 stalls and includes 12 thematic seminars, fashion shows, product demonstrations, and both online and offline networking sessions. Organisers say the event is designed to connect local businesses with global buyers, trade bodies and new market opportunities to accelerate export growth and diversification. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, who inaugurated the expo, said Bangladesh must accelerate diversification, strengthen competitiveness and adopt forward-looking trade policies as it prepares to graduate from the group of least developed countries (LDCs). “To navigate this transition successfully, we must accelerate diversification, improve competitiveness, and adopt forward-looking trade policies,” he said. He added that while graduation is a major achievement, it will gradually reduce the preferential market access and duty benefits Bangladesh currently enjoys. At a seminar on the sidelines of the expo, Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said foreign involvement in port operations could improve efficiency. He also called for suspension of the amended labour law until a newly elected government is in place, arguing that the current changes are neither industry- nor worker-friendly. In another session, Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, stressed the need for easier access to green financing, greater support from brands through knowledge sharing and technology transfer, and targeted interventions for SMEs. He urged wider regional inclusion so that areas such as North Bengal, Sylhet and Chattogram can benefit alongside Dhaka-centric clusters. Khan also called on the government to amplify the industry’s success stories through Bangladesh’s embassies and high commissions abroad, showcasing achievements on the global stage. The expo is being positioned as a vital opportunity for companies aiming to expand exports, launch new product lines or strengthen global brand visibility. With strong government backing for trade and investment, it reflects Bangladesh’s push for product and market diversification at a time when the country is seeking to secure its place in global markets beyond garments. Speakers at the event included Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy for international affairs to the chief adviser; Mohammad Hasan Arif, EPB vice chairman; Mahbubur Rahman, commerce secretary; and Md Abdur Rahim Khan, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). Organisers say the expo is not only about showcasing products but also about building long-term partnerships. The inclusion of thematic seminars and networking sessions is intended to encourage dialogue on issues ranging from sustainable production and green financing to supply-chain resilience and regional inclusion. The event comes at a critical time for Bangladesh’s economy. As the country prepares for LDC graduation, policymakers and industry leaders are emphasising the need to diversify the export basket, strengthen supply-side capacity and forge new partnerships with international buyers. The expo, they argue, provides a platform to address these challenges while highlighting Bangladesh’s achievements and ambitions. By bringing together stakeholders from across the world, the Global Sourcing Expo 2025 – Dhaka underscores the country’s determination to move beyond its reliance on garments and establish itself as a competitive player in a wider range of industries. Written by Nibir Ayaan
The Book Launch of ‘Next50: Collective Futures
A significant milestone in shaping Bangladesh’s future was marked today with the official launch of Next50: Collective Futures at BRAC University’s Multipurpose Hall. This landmark publication—the largest edited volume on Bangladesh’s built environment—brings together 81 authors, including many from the Bangladeshi diaspora, to explore the nation’s next five decades of progress, innovation, and connectivity. Spanning 49 chapters across nine major themes, the book examines urban and rural transformation, infrastructure, climate resilience, housing, governance, and technological innovation. Written in accessible language for policymakers, practitioners, and the general public, it bridges cutting-edge research with real-world impact, making complex ideas actionable for those shaping the nation’s future. The event was attended by some of Bangladesh’s most prominent architects, planners, and urbanists from both academia and professional practice. Distinguished guests included Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, and Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, who underscored the urgency of visionary thinking in driving sustainable and inclusive development. The program featured a compelling book introduction by Professor Fuad H. Mallick, Editor-in-Chief of Next50 and Dean of the School of Architecture and Design at BRAC University, followed by an insightful review from Dr. Mohammed Zakiul Islam, Professor at BUET, who highlighted the book’s interdisciplinary approach and its relevance to Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving urban landscape. Adding to the discussions, key stakeholders, including representatives from Shah Cement, reflected on the private sector’s role in shaping the built environment. The event concluded with remarks from the book’s executive editors, Dr. Tanzil Shafique and Dr. Saimum Kabir, who emphasized the collaborative effort behind the publication and its potential to influence future policies and practices. Shah Cement also expressed interest in future collaborations. Beyond the discussions, the launch served as a key networking platform for scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders, fostering dialogue and collaboration on the country’s long-term development. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations over Iftar and dinner, reinforcing the event’s role in strengthening professional and intellectual ties. Organized by Open Studio and Context BD, with support from Shah Cement, the event also reached a wider audience through a live stream, ensuring broader engagement with the book’s mission.
