Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine, a publication of the Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), and ArchiConnect, a buildtech platform, honoured Architect Marina Tabassum last night, Bangladesh’s only two-time winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture—one of the most prestigious awards in the world for architects.
At the programme, held at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel, the globally acclaimed architect delivered a keynote speech titled “Between Erosion and Emergence”, highlighting different aspects of the projects that brought her international recognition.
Before her keynote, Architect Jalal Ahmed, founder and CEO of ArchiConnect, explained why Marina Tabassum’s achievement should be celebrated and how significant it is.
He said the Aga Khan Award for Architecture is considered the “Oscar for Architects,” and winning it twice is a phenomenal success for any architect in the world.
Later, Marina presented details of her various projects worldwide.
Bait Ur Rouf Mosque, completed in 2012 on the outskirts of Dhaka, was the project that earned her the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016.
“Built with locally sourced brick and devoid of traditional Islamic iconography, it offers a contemplative space where worshippers are bathed in natural light,” she said at the event.
“The structure is not just a place of prayer—it’s a refuge for a dense, underserved neighbourhood.”
She also shed light on one of her most celebrated recent projects, Khudi Bari, a modular, lightweight shelter designed for ultra-low-income populations.
The structure, made of bamboo and corrugated metal, can be assembled quickly and relocated as needed.
Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in a public congratulatory message, echoed this sentiment: “We fondly recall your first Aga Khan Award in 2016 for the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Dhaka, a milestone that celebrated the timeless values of spirituality, community, and simplicity in architecture.”
“That recognition marked the rise of a Bangladeshi voice of global significance, and your latest achievement further strengthens that legacy.”
In 2025, Khudi Bari earned Tabassum her second Aga Khan Award for Architecture, making her the only Bangladeshi architect to win the honour twice.
That same year, she was commissioned to design the Serpentine Pavilion in London—an international recognition of her ability to merge local wisdom with global relevance.
Later, at the day, an engaging panel discussion was organised on “Marina Tabassum and the Aga Khan Award Legacy”.
The session was moderated by Architect Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad, principal designer and director of DWM4 Architects.
Distinguished panelists included Architect Professor Fuad Hassan Mallick, dean of the School of Architecture and Design (SoAD) at BRAC University; Architect Professor Zainab Faruqui Ali, chairperson of the Department of Architecture at BRAC University; and Architect Nahas Ahmed Khalil, principal designer at ARC Architectural Consultants.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Moynul Islam, president of BCMEA.
“We always look forward to creative minds like architects and the brilliance of Architect Marina Tabassum deserves to be celebrated.”
Following the panel discussion, mementos were presented to the distinguished panelists and to Architect Moushumi Ahmed, the gracious host of the evening.
The honorees—Architect Marina Tabassum, Architect Jalal Ahmed, and Moynul Islam, President of BCMEA—received exquisite woodprint artworks created by renowned artist Professor Anisuzzaman Anis of the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka
Written by CBM Desk
