Urban October 2025: IAB Organises Daylong Event, Three-Day Exhibition
The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) on November marked Urban October 2025 with a day-long celebration at its Multipurpose Hall, bringing together students, professionals, and policymakers to reflect on the future of urban design in Bangladesh. Timed to coincide with World Architecture Day, World Habitat Day, and World Cities Day, the event began at 10:30 am with the opening of a three-day exhibition showcasing student urban design studio projects from architecture departments across IAB-accredited universities. Participating institutions include Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh University (BU), BRAC University (BRACU), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), North South University (NSU), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Khulna University (KU), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Daffodil Institute of IT (DIT), Southeast University (SEU), Stamford University, State University, and the University of Asia Pacific (UAP). There was a roundtable discussion on “Shaping Cities: The Role and Future of the Urban Design Profession in Bangladesh” led by academicians. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the next generation’s vision for Bangladesh’s urban future, with models and visualisations of cityscapes, transport corridors, and public spaces. At 4:00 pm, the main programme commenced with a roundtable discussion titled “Interference to Planning: DAP”, led by Team Environment & Urbanisation from IAB’s 26th Executive Council. The session addressed concerns surrounding the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and its implications for sustainable development, zoning, and citizen engagement. The theme for this year’s World Cities Day — “People-centred Smart Cities” —guided the evening’s discussions. A documentary presentation highlighted month-long Urban October activities, including editorial seminars and conventions. Experts and stakeholders then joined a panel discussion, followed by speeches from the chairperson, the chief guest. The event concluded with a vote of thanks. Held under the banner of Urban October, the celebration reaffirms IAB’s commitment to shaping inclusive, resilient, and well-planned cities. As Bangladesh continues to urbanise rapidly, today’s gathering serves as both a showcase and a call to action — urging architects to lead with vision, integrity, and public purpose. The World Cities Day 2025 event ended with the distribution of certificates. Programme Schedule: Location: IAB Office Date: November 1, 2025 Time: Exhibition: 10:30 am Main programme: 4:00 pm Written by Nibir Ayaan
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
Through the eyes of artist Wakilur Rahman
A video shows Mr. Rahman in the hall with his exhibits, elaborating on his interpretations as remnants of his journey. “The exhibits are a reflection of my journey with art at different times,” he said, as the camera moved to show the hanging base of a traditional riverine boat. Wakilur Rahman has been working with social issues through his artwork since the 80s. He has recently hosted an exhibition by the name “Monon Khonon” at Bengal Shilpalay. It visualized through installments, the cultural aspects that portray the life in the delta regions. The acclaimed artist often ponders over the contour of our thoughts, imaginations, and emotions, and digs into this diversity in people from different regions. Going through the artwork in the exhibition one noticed a dark theme over three earthly elements: A fragment of the exhibition focused on wet mud and imprints on wet mud. The artist believes that mud is instilled in our physical molding and is a crucial part of life. Upon entrance one is greeted by the bottom half of a boat which depicts the enthusiasm of the artist as “Tori” is widely used in Bengali culture and its music. The final material in use is language which is represented by 3 dimensional prints and represents communication.
