Business Regular
Business -Of Verdant Backdrop Red Brick Surface and A Memorial Of Pride.
Architecture, in its own language, has the power to narrate stories, forge distinctive perspectives, and evoke profound emotions. The National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar is one of those powerful architectures that bear the history and bravery of the nation with its grandeur and glory. Located in Savar, an industrial hub on the outskirts of Dhaka, the monument stands tall as an emblem of reverence, embodying the nation’s profound gratitude to those brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of self-determination for the Bengali people. After taking a short tour around it, visitors can’t help but feel a sense of awe and pride as they contemplate the nation’s immense history and resilience. The vast landscape, the luscious greenery surrounding it, and the soaring height of the establishment will remind of its relative insignificance in the grand scheme of things. The month of March in Bangladesh is a time of remembrance and reflection. For millions of Bangladeshis, Independence Day is a day of extraordinary sentiments, containing both happiness and grief as the country earned its sovereignty 54 years ago at the cost of 3 million lives. Three phases of construction: The National Martyrs’ Memorial is designed by architect Syed Mainul Hossain (1952-2014). With a distinguished jury, including architect Muzharul Islam, a national design competition for the monument took place in 1978. (The previous attempt didn’t yield any satisfactory results.) Among 57 contenders, the young 26-year-old architect Mainul emerged victorious with his standout design. The inception of the project dates back to 1972, marking the acquisition of approximately 110 acres by the government. Of this expanse, 84 acres were dedicated to the construction of the main complex, while the remaining land was set aside for a verdant land-water greenbelt. The initial phase saw the creation of access roads, laying the foundation for subsequent development. In the second phase spanning from 1974 to 1982, significant infrastructural elements such as mass graves, helipads, parking facilities, and pavements were meticulously established. Finally, the third phase in 1982 witnessed the realisation of the main monument, along with the establishment of the greenbelt and a cafeteria, concluding the completion of this national monumental endeavour. The main monument was built by Concord in 1982 in only 89 days. In 1988, architect Syed Mainul Hossain received the Ekushey Padak, one of the highest civilian honours of the country, in recognition of his profound contribution to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. A sneak peek into this architectural marvel: The central structure of the National Martyrs’ Memorial comprises seven pairs of triangular shapes, each representing pivotal events that propelled Bangladesh towards its independence. Starting with the outermost and shortest triangle, the structures progressively increase in height, leading up to the innermost peak. This architectural metaphor symbolises the nation’s ascent despite formidable challenges. The monument is made of concrete, in contrast with the rest of the structures and pavements, which are made of red bricks. Its design offers a multifaceted viewing experience, presenting a symmetrical pyramid-like formation when observed from afar. However, closer inspection reveals a dynamic interplay of angles and perspectives, inviting visitors to explore its intricate details firsthand. Notably, the surface of the structure is intentionally uneven, mirroring the tumultuous journey towards freedom and independence. This tactile representation serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the resilience required to overcome adversity. The whole campus is adorned with trees, walkways, an artificial lake, and a cafeteria. Interplay of numbers: Numerology serves as a hidden vital factor behind the intricate design of the National Monument, reminiscent of ancient architectural wonders like the Athenian Parthenon, where numbers were revered as the essence of aesthetic perfection and cosmic harmony. At the heart of this establishment lies the mystical number 7, symbolising the seven pivotal movements that shaped Bangladesh’s path to independence between 1952 and 1971. The first of these 7 historical contexts is the language movement of 1952. This was followed by the United Front elections of 1954, the Constitution Movement of 1956, the Education Movement of 1962, the Six-Point Movement of 1966, the People’s Uprising of 1969, and then the final victory through the Great Liberation War of 1971. However, these 7 pillars or the number 7 also have different implications if we look at them from different facets. For example, among others, the Language Movement in 1952 contains 5+2=7; December 16, the day of independence in 1971, has 1+6=7; and there were 7 Birsreshto (war heroes) who sacrificed their lives for the cause of liberation. Written Kaniz F. Supriya
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Business – Smart Fire Safety is a must for SMART BANGLADESH.
A three-day 9th International Fire Safety and Security Exhibition-2024 concluded with a focus on bolstering Bangladesh’s fire safety measures and aims to reduce fire risks, utilise modern equipment for safety, and raise awareness among the mass people. In the expo held on February 17-19, the people engaged in the industry underscored the need for amending the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020 as part of ensuring preventive measure of fire incidents and maintaining fire safety compliance in factories, housing and public infrastructure including mega projects. Held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka, the expo was organised by Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) in association with Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD), Fire Fighting Equipment Business Owners Association of Bangladesh (FEBOAB), Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Dhaka North and South City Corporations, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. More than 100 organisations from 30 countries including the USA, the UK, EU, China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle East countries took part in the expo. And more than 15,000 local and foreign visitors visited the expo. Salman F. Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, inaugurated the expo on February 17 while Fire Service and Civil Defence Director Brigadier General Mohammad Main Uddin, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam and BGMEA President Faruque Hassan were present, among others. Brig. Gen. Main Uddin informed a seminar during the expo that the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) received 22,300 fire incidents per year but last year it was increased to 28,703 while on an average 150 deaths are recorded every year. In these incidents, an average loss was Tk 368 crore each year and the loss amounted to around Tk 793 crore last year. About 36 per cent fire incidents was caused by electricity last year, he added. Architect Iqbal Habib said using technology harnessing data from every level is a must to monitor and manage city infrastructure to build smart city and provide facilities to citizens. He also said if the soft copy of the building design is on the device, it will reach the fire fighters at the premises within a second. The PPP model will ensure smart safety and security solution to make sure that fire incident would not take place. Investment required for boosting the industry: With the expansion of industrialisation, the demand for fire safety and security equipment is rapidly growing in Bangladesh. But the country is still highly dependent on imported products. Industry insiders say Bangladesh has to depend on around 95 per cent import of the products. So, the country has a scope of attracting a huge investment, and also export the products meeting domestic demand for around Tk 15,000 crore market, if investors get adequate policy support from the government. ESSAB Safety Excellence Award 2024: A total of 13 organisations have been awarded at the expo for ensuring building code compliance and fire safety measures in residential, industrial, commercial buildings. Among them, Rancon Artisti Residences stood first in the residential building category, while Sheltech Rubynur stood second, and Concord Shapla third. In the Commercial Building Category, Shanta Forum, Concord MK Heritage and BGMEA Complex received the award as the First, Runner-Up and Second Runner-Up. Six companies jointly won the excellence award in the Industrial (RMG) category. Among them, Glamour Dresses Ltd. and Designtex Knitwear Ltd. were named the top winners. Tasniah Fabrics Ltd. and SQ Birichina Ltd. came next, followed by Sterling Denims Ltd. and Silken Sewing Ltd. Besides, BM Container Depot Ltd. received the award in the industrial other category. ESSAB also gave special recognition to five fire service personnel for their brave role in fire fighting and rescue operations. They are Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence Department Md. Faisalur Rahman and Mohammad Safiqul Islam, Senior Station Officer Md. Nazim Uddin Sarkar, Warehouse Inspector Md. Zahirul Islam and Fire Fighter Alhaj Miah. PPP required to explore untapped market: ESSAB: The ESSAB Secretary General, Zakir Uddin Ahmed, said the sector is important to protect people’s lives and properties from fire and earthquake incidents, and ensure sustainable economic development. So, what are needed include significant awareness, regular checks of the fire safety equipment, and use of quality materials. Mr. Zakir, also Chief Executive Officer of ZM International, stated that PPP is required to explore the untapped market. “We are ready to help investors here. So, policy assistance is the main issue to bring more investment. To create awareness, he fires safety issue should be included in textbooks,” he said adding that high import duty on the products is a key challenge in the industry. In this context, the government should provide all necessary facilities such as policy support, duty cut, and incentive so that investors come to invest in the sector.
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Untold Story of The Father of Ceramic Bangladesh
Have you ever noticed a similarity between government buildings? Have you ever wondered why most of them have a reddish surface? Why are all national monuments founded on red architectural bases? How are hundreds of government structures standing tall prioritising only red ceramic bricks? Schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, airports, government offices, quarters, and parks such structures and the list goes on and on. Everything, every single structure is designed with ceramic red bricks. Is this any official rule? Or, is it a legacy since the British period? Or have the architects decided to create a similar pattern? We all have many interesting stories to tell but these red ceramic bricks have much more to say. This one is an unpublished story about the red ceramic bricks. It unfolds how a visionary thinking and support of a great man has changed the shape and outlook of architecture in Bangladesh. Communal Violence Let’s go back to 1946. The violent legacy of the British India’s partition spread across the subcontinent. It was a grave attack on all of humanity. People were uprooted from their ancestral homes in the name of religion. Communities that had coexisted for almost a millennium attacked each other in a terrified outbreak of sectarian violence –a mutual genocide that was never expected. The carnage was especially intense with massacres, arson, forced conversions, mass abductions and savage sexual violence. Mass Migration Immediately after the partition began one of the largest migration of modern human history, as millions of Muslims trekked to West and East Pakistan while thousands of Hindus and Sikhs headed in the opposite direction. The summer of 1947 witnessed a mass migration. According to the book “The Great Divide” by William Dalrymple, around 15 million people had been uprooted, and between one to two million were dead. The people who could afford to, left in planes, ships or special trains. Most of them took regular trains and the poorest of the poor travelled on foot or cart. The summer of 1947 witnessed the biggest mass migration in human history. Around 15 million had been uprooted, and between one or two million were dead. AND THE TABANIS During that time in Gujarat, there lived an aristocrat rich Muslim family, “The Tabanis”. Like other traditional Gujaratis, the Tabanis were also involved in business and lived in a joint family. From their ancestral times, they were into textiles and yarn business. The two young brothers– Ariff Wali Mohammad Tabani and Rashid Wali Mohammad Tabani– used to look after their business and assets. They were well settled with dignity until the fear of communal violence had spread across their state. RASHID WALI MOHAMED TABANI RASHID WALI MOHAMED TABANI Compared to Panjab and Bengal, Gujarat’s experience of violence was not as much worse, even though the state had a long border with Muslim state of Pakistan. Over a million people migrated to Gujarat, mostly from neighbouring Sindh province of Pakistan. The Tabanis were unaffected during the unrest but the news of sufferings coming from the surrounding states forced them to rethink their future steps. The worried Muslim family decided a permanent migration to East Pakistan (currently Bangladesh) along with their prized possessions. Bangladesh was not unknown to the Tabanis. They frequently visited this part of the British Indian sub-continent for expansion of their textile business in their early days. During that period they had already developed a liking for this beautiful lush green land and its amicable and accommodative people. The brothers considered this Muslim majority land as the safest to live seeing an unbound opportunity to explore their textile legacy. Protecting Harmony During the communal riots, young Shiekh Mujibur Rahman was in Kolkata. According to his unfinished autobiography (Oshomapto Attojiboni), he was given the responsibility of guarding a Muslim-inhabited slum. Young Mujib stood firmly in front of the rioters to stop them. He along with his political comrades marched around the streets of Kolkata to protect the victims. People of both religions had been bloodied. The attitude of revenge and counter-revenge was on both sides. Mahalla after Mahalla (locality) had been burnt down. In the midst of all this, Mujib did not hesitate to come forward to help the victims, saving lives of both Hindus and Muslims even at the risk of his own life. Sheikh Mujib’s engagement in maintaining peace and communal harmony in Kolkata was noticeable and for that he was made the leader of hundreds of rescue workers and sent to Patna of Bihar to handle the riot situation on behalf of then Muslim League leader Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy. By the time he came back to Kolkata, he was literally sick as well as sickened by what he had experienced in the past few months. In addition, the political activities of Muslim league were difficult to continue during that time in Kolkata. So, Shiekh Mujib returned to East Bengal after taking permission from his political guru Suhrawardy. And then, there started the beginning of a new era. Dream of a capital city The failure to get Dhaka as the capital of Pakistan was painful for a young Bangabandhu. However, the provincial capital of East Pakistan, Dhaka, was declared as the second capital that’s of Pakistan. He had to wait 25 years to make Dhaka a complete capital of an independent country. Bangabandhu said that although Dhaka was the provincial capital, it had already been declared the second capital of Pakistan. Therefore, there were plans to build a lot of large infrastructures and buildings here soon, which were to be of world class and long lasting. Mujib did not hesitate to come forward to help the victims, saving lives of both Hindu and Muslim communities even at the risk of his own life A New Beginning The Tabani family migrated safely and settled in their new home in Old Dhaka. It was a new place, a new environment and a new opportunity to meet new people – ideal for a fresh start. The inherent spirit of adventure and the
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