A Brilliant Conclusion with Countless Accolades Ceramic China 2024 Unfolds a New Chapter of Cooperation
On June 18–21, 2024, CERAMICS CHINA 2024, with “Great Minds to Lead, Digital Intelligence for Brilliancy” as the theme, concluded successfully in extensive praise. This edition is jointly organized by seven entities, including China National Light Industry Council (CNLIC), China Building Materials Federation (CBMF), China Building Ceramic and Sanitaryware Association (CBCSA), China Ceramic Industry Association (CCIA), CCPIT Building Materials Sub-Council (CCPITBM), Unifair Exhibition Service Co., Ltd. and Beijing Jianzhan Technology Development Co., Ltd., thereby, the long-standing “Organizing Ceramics China by turns” has concluded, showcasing the strong influence and multifaceted benefits of the partnership between five national associations and two exhibition companies through united cooperation and resource integration. This act of union has drawn widespread industry attention and positive responses. Mr. Chen Guoqing, Executive Vice President of CBMF and President of CCPITBM, highly praised the collaborative efforts of the seven organizers in presenting this unprecedented exhibition and expressed sincere gratitude to all the exhibitors, visitors, buyers, and the media partners for their continued support for CERAMICS CHINA over the years. Mr. Du Tonghe, Vice President of CNLIC and President of CCIA, expressed full affirmation of the seven organizers for jointly holding the exhibition: “This is a powerful measure in line with the forward trend of the new era, promoting high-quality development in the ceramic industry, and giving full play to the role of the ‘national team’ of the ceramic industry. It has gained extensive industry support.” Ms. Han Xiuping, Managing Director of Unifair Exhibition Company urged industry peers to strengthen cooperation, unite efforts, and jointly propel the industry towards premium, smart, green, and integrated transformation for high-quality development.
‘The Story of Art’ exhibition: Of art and altruism
Organized by Dhaka Storytellers from February 8 to February 13, the lush gallery space Aloki Greenhouse in the capital’s Gulshan hosted an exhibition titled The Story of Art. The exhibition boasted a stunning collection of 80 to 90 artworks, captivating audiences for a week. Curated by Syeda Adiba Hussain, co-founder of Dhaka Storytellers, The Story of Art was more than just a display of artistic excellence. This was Dhaka Storytellers’ second art event, following the charity exhibition Art for Charity in August 2024. In the same vein, The Story of Art supported a larger cause, with a portion of the proceeds donated to five schools and one college in Sylhet, demonstrating the power of art to create tangible change beyond gallery walls. Beyond the beauty of its displays, the exhibition underscored the immense power of art to inspire and drive change. By merging artistic excellence with humanitarian efforts, it aimed to uplift communities, empower individuals, and support crucial social causes. Having been in the making for almost a year, the exhibition was carefully planned to bring together some of Bangladesh’s most celebrated artists. The lineup included some of the country’s most notable names, such as Rafiqun Nabi, Monirul Islam, Hamiduzzaman Khan, and Kanak Chanpa Chakma. Furthermore, the exhibition commendably featured artworks by several emerging artists, creating a dynamic collection that bridged generations of artistic expression. From simply beautiful paintings to thought-provoking sculptures, The Story of Art was also an opportunity for both seasoned and budding collectors to acquire unique pieces while contributing to a noble cause. The grand opening on Friday, February 7, set the tone for the week-long exhibition. The launch was attended by an invitation-only audience, including the participating artists, their families, media professionals, and notable guests. As the exhibition drew to a close, it left behind more than just a collection of breathtaking visuals; it also left an indelible impression on those who visited. The fusion of artistic expression with social commitment deeply moved attendees, inspiring them to consider the vast potential of art beyond aesthetics. The exhibition carried a narrative that extended far beyond the gallery walls, reinforcing the idea that art is not merely to be observed but to be experienced, felt, and acted upon. The event was about more than just admiring artworks—it was about creating a shared vision where artists, curators, and spectators all committed to a cause bigger than themselves. It demonstrated that art has the ability to transcend traditional boundaries, reaching into the hearts of individuals and communities, sparking conversations, and inspiring action. Ultimately, The Story of Art was a celebration of creativity’s ability to inspire, connect, and transform lives. The week-long show was a powerful testament to the transformative synergy between art and altruism. It showcased how art exhibitions, when intertwined with a greater purpose, can spark meaningful change. Written By Shahbaz Nahian
Industry Leaders Unite for a Greener Bangladesh
A Call for Sustainable Transformation On January 30, 2025, the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka hosted “Shaping Bangladesh: Designing Tomorrow, Building Today”, a landmark event organised by Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine. It brought together leaders from construction, real estate, and ceramics to champion sustainability and innovation in response to environmental challenges. Thought Leadership for a Greener Future As part of the series “Innovating for a Sustainable Future II”, the multi-panel format featured experts from ceramics, cement, and real estate. Moderated by Dr. Amir Ahmed of Daffodil International University, the panels included Muhammad Badrul Hassan (BBS Cables), Salehin Musfique Sadaf (GPH Ispat), Architect Faysal Ahmed (Concord Real Estate), AKM Ziaul Islam (Magna Ceramic), Mohammad Khorshed Alam (Akij Bashir Group), Asadul Haque Sufyani (Metro Cement), and Babor Hossain (Khadim Ceramics). Key Recommendations for Sustainability Panelists urged greater investment in R&D to reduce reliance on imports and foster local innovation. They called for collaboration across sectors to promote recycled materials and eco-friendly components. Suggestions included using fly ash and slag in cement, adopting hybrid or electric furnaces, and implementing energy-efficient manufacturing. Smart Materials and Policy Reform Experts advocated for smart glass technologies—low-E, solar, and self-cleaning—to boost building efficiency. They also recommended policy reforms to protect local manufacturers from zero-tariff imports and emphasized the need for government-run clay mines to secure raw materials for ceramic production. Bangladesh’s Tile Industry Comes of Age AKM Ziaul Islam highlighted the tile industry’s evolution since 1984. “We started with 100 mm tiles in one color. Now, we export to the USA,” he said. Despite high production costs, innovation has improved working conditions and sustainability, making the industry globally competitive. Real Estate and Domestic Innovation Architect Faysal Ahmed reflected on the sector’s overreliance on imports between 2000 and 2015. He stressed the importance of collaboration among architects, engineers, and academics to develop sustainable materials locally and reduce dependency on foreign technologies. Material Optimization for Environmental Impact Salehin Musfique Sadaf emphasized that optimized material use can reduce emissions and speed up construction. “Using 15,000 kg of cement instead of 20,000 kg without compromising strength means real sustainability,” he explained. Rethinking Cement and Energy Asadul Haque Sufyani discussed the carbon footprint of cement production and promoted fly ash and slag as eco-friendly alternatives. He stressed the need for affordable, sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies. Energy Crisis and the Future of Glass Mohammad Khorshed Alam raised concerns about gas shortages affecting glass furnaces. He urged investment in hybrid furnaces and advanced technologies and called on architects to incorporate more locally produced glass to avoid overcapacity and unsold stock. Ceramic Bricks: A Smarter, Greener Choice Babor Hossain showcased ceramic bricks’ advantages over handmade red bricks—lower water absorption, higher strength, and reduced structural load. “They were used in national landmarks and can cut construction costs by 13 percent,” he said, advocating for government-run clay mines to sustain innovation. A Unified Path Forward The event concluded with a call for synergy among policymakers, industry, and academia. With rising climate risks and infrastructure demands, embracing innovation is not just strategic—it’s essential. Photo: Courtesy