HABITATION
JBS Holding making Green Buildings
JBS Holdings Limited, a Japan-Bangladesh joint venture company, has been in the business of real estate industry, infrastructure development, commercial, and condominium ventures with the association and experience of professional experts and investors from Japan and Bangladesh. Since its inception in 2020, JBS has handed over more than 15 projects, till the end of 2023, to the satisfaction of customers. More than 300 engineers and employees are directly working in the company. The company’s maximum investment came from Japan. The company has 25 ongoing projects and additional 38 upcoming projects across the country. The company is a member of Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) under approval of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) or capital development authority. According to Abdul Haque, Managing Director of JBS Holding Ltd, the company within this short span of four years, has been able to occupy a prestigious space in the arena of real estate sector for its commitment and quality. In the past three years, it has completed 15 projects. Most of features of green building were included in those projects. As per requirement of green building it tried to include green building’s features in the buildings. He stated, “JBS Holdings is committed to offering the best investment opportunities to buyers through innovation, continuous improvement, quality and reliability. We believe in a strict Code of Ethics, integrity and commitment to excellence, professional attitude and personalized care.” The country’s real estate sector has been playing a significant role in gross domestic product (GDP). The sector contributes 8-10 per cent to GDP and with related business account 15-17 per cent to the GDP. Thousands of developers, engineers, architects, technicians, MEP experts and workers are engaged directly in this sector. The sector is also supporting the country’s construction-related industries such as rod, cement, ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, paints, woods, glass, cables, aluminium and bricks industry. A lot of products are consumed by the developers helping these industries to sustain, grow and expand. “We want to continue our support to boost the sector in future,” the Managing Director pointed out. Green Building The green building is also known as green construction or sustainable building. The buildings refer to saving resources to the maximum extent including energy saving, land, water, and material saving. Besides, it protects environment and reduces pollution, and provides people with healthy, comfortable and efficient use of space, in harmony with nature. “Those who live in green building get maximum benefits – in terms of health, internal quality environment, resource efficiency, and energy saving. We have the intention to include all features in future, and take international certifications,” Mr Abdul Haque added. He said the commitment is very important in the industry. “We ensure the commitment, complete the buildings before the deadline, ensure quality construction, and maintain compliance. Our clients are also very satisfied. Customer’s satisfaction is our main goal in business.” Location is also important for sustainability. “The site of the building should have good communications network, good atmosphere, and all civic amenities such as healthcare facilities, school, and market. These issues are considered when we take a project,” he explained. “When we design a building, we follow the government’s rules and regulations properly. We keep 50 per cent open of total space of the building site, according to DAP. So, the buildings get enough air, light, oxygen, rainfall, water supply and energy efficient. We look into maximum air and light as well as ventilation system taking a project,” Abdul Haque said. “We consider it while constructing a building. As wind is available there is no need to run AC and fan all times. Besides, solar panel on rooftop of the building helps energy efficiency too. We use the brand’s equipment like lifts, generator, and it helps save energy for operation. We provide a lot of plantations in rooftop, verandahs and terrace of a building. It helps us get adequate oxygen. It keeps cool environment.” Green Building saves 30-40 per cent Energy The demand for the green building is increasing gradually but it has not been popular yet in the country. We have to construct green building as it is a demand of the day. As energy crisis is now across the world, green building needs to ensure naturally benefits like winds, light and energy efficiency, Mr Haque also said. Challenges and recommendations There are a lot of challenges including scarcity of land, and its high cost, urban planning, high registration cost, floor area ratio (FAR), policy complexity, VAT and tax, as well as high living cost now, and land owner’s high demand. He said, “We need a proper real estate-friendly policy which would further boost the sector. So, the government should take a strategy engaging private sector here. The government can take many projects like Purbachal and give it to private developers to develop it. Then, there will be a quick and sustainable development in real estate sector.” Written by Rafik Hasan
Read MoreCONCORD The Pioneer in Construction
Concord is the only Bangladeshi company that has completed a 720-foot tall, iconic and technically challenging structure abroad. The SINGTEL Telecom Tower in Singapore was built by Concord in collaboration with Sumimoto Mitsui Construction Company Japan. Concord is proud for the National Martyrs’ Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho), the national monument of Bangladesh, set up in the memory of those who laid down their lives in the country’s War of Independence in 1971. The monument is located in Savar, about 35 km northwest of the capital, Dhaka. It was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain and built by Concord in 1982 in only 89 days.
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Rancon’s green housing push works marvels in Chattogram
Imagine a time when greenery and what is called green growth were everywhere with the touch of green fingers. Unfortunately, we have to paint a picture in our mind to relish the green landscape of the past. Unlike in the countryside, greenery is like an oasis in the midst of concrete jungle in this time and age. Now, towns people have to escape to a distant village in the hope of relishing a piece of green nature. Greenery and foliage are fast losing out to modernity, urbanisation, and industrialisation. The port city of Chattogram is no exception. This city now abounds with bricks and mortar, stones, and concrete walls that green activists regard as a concrete jungle. If you stand on the balcony or peep through the window, it is hard to see even a piece of the sky. There was a time when a flower garden was an absolute necessity in the courtyard. Also, there used to be a fruit or vegetable farm in the backyard. However, it is time to return from the flashback to the present, as those things of the past are revisiting the urbanites through Rancon FC Properties Limited RFCPL‑. The realtor is working relentlessly to develop sustainable green structures, for both residential and commercial purposes in the port city to feed the growing customer demand for healthy and environment-friendly apartments. The city development authority has mandated setbacks in design to make the home environment healthy. If a building is designed according to the setback, it is sure to have space in front and back in proportion to the size of the land. As a result, it is possible to maintain adequate sources of light and air after the building is constructed. The RFCPL began its journey in Chattogram back in 2010 with an eye toward managing accommodation for the city’s growing population. However, the property developer changed its business philosophy in 2018 as it aspired to create innovative designs, maintain the finest building quality, and establish sustainable living through its creative green establishments.Since its inception, the RFCPL has been transforming the skyline of Chattogram with superior landmarks. It has an array of commercial and residential projects in various central locations such as Agrabad, Khulshi, South Khulshi, Nasirabad, Katalgonj, Halishahar, Mehedibagh, and Panchlaish. The real estate leader has always pledged to ‘Explore Excellence, and, as such, it has strived to keep its promise to meet clients’ expectations of an abundantly green living space. Tanvir Shahriar Rimon, CEO of Rancon FC Properties Limited, says his company attaches great importance to environment-friendly housing as the changing climate patterns, mostly due to reckless human interventions, are impacting lives and livelihoods across the world. “Our company aims to create lifestyles at all stages of the process, from design to construction and beyond. It has set the benchmark for premium commercial and residential real estate in Chattogram. The RFCPL is the optimal choice for customers’ real estate demands in the port city. Each of our projects includes rooftop solar and rainwater harvesting systems. Apart from that, the building is made only after leaving enough space as per the setback to maintain the complete system of light and air,” he pointed out. RFCPL attaches great importance to environment friendly housing as the changing climate patterns. Building temperature is less than 2.0-3.0 degrees celsius than any other buildings in the country. He added, the company is crafting the art to uphold the vertical landscape in different projects, one of their specialities and attractions. Building temperature is less than 2.03.0 degrees Celsius than any other buildings in the country, thanks to use of green materials in line with their green policy, he pointed out. Major Features of Rancon Projects Green materials and equipment, renewable energy, energy-efficient technology, automation, water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and curbing the waste of building materials are the key features of Rancon’s projects. Every unit has natural light and ventilation. A green entrance and water fountain have been set up. Many buildings have special fire hydrant facilities. In the case of any fire incident, there are two types of systems: detection and prevention. Apart from home automation systems, there is a video intercom system and 24-hour security. Wi-Fi facilities are also there in many compounds. Several elevators, as well as generators, are available. Inspace, another concern of Rancon, is designing all of the projects. Wahidur Rahman, Inspace CEO, and principal architect, told Ceramic Bangladesh that international standard design, modernity, and aesthetics have been combined in all of their building projects.Additional facilities are available for exclusive projects. Facilities include, multiple basements and open ground floors with parking, reception, waiting area, gym, prayer space, community space, driver’s lounge, and laundry. An adequate green system has been built, Mr. Rahman pointed out. Eco-friendly Projects Chattogram city has been facing various problems in recent decades, such as a lack of green space, recreational facilities, and disasters. So, the RFCPL is running a total of 23 projects related to commercial and residential schemes with its green goal. White Oak White Oak, handed over recently as a green project, boasts an exquisite oak theme and is the first of its kind in Chattogram. The rainforest welcomes a visitor at the entrance. Three different lounges were purposefully made to engage the community, while space for a gymnasium and a mindfulness zone reduce stress and have a positive impact on the mental health of the dwellers. This white structure, standing sublimely in the tranquil Mehedibagh Residential Area, has not only transformed the surrounding area but has also revolutionised the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The RFCPL’s main objective of “Creating Lifestyles” has been achieved through this holistic approach. Park Terrace Park Terrace is another project that the RFCPL has recently handed over to its sophisticated clients. It was designed to foster a sense of calm and well-being with thoughtful features that promote relaxation, focus, and connection. From the serene vertical garden and meditation place to the lush rooftop terrace spaces, they are carefully crafted to enhance
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Rupayan leans towards building more green apartments Says CEO
Rupayan leans towards building more green apartments, as its demand is going up in the country. But, higher construction material prices and apartment registration costs make a challenge for realtors, CEO of Rupayan Housing Estate Ltd. Md Alinur Rahman told Ceramic Bangladesh (CB) in an exclusive interview. Bangladesh’s real estate sector, Md Alinur Rahman said, has boomed in recent years but today it’s going through a challenging situation due to a variety of issues. The sector has earlier flourished, thanks to the self-motivated venture of Developers and realtors. Since housing is a basic need of people, the entrepreneur said, “we lean to taking big projects on huge pieces of land to build accommodations for more people.” Despite the sector’s huge contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), we don’t get a business-friendly policy or support from the regulatory authorities, he said in an interview. “I believe if the government and other authorities concerned are caring about the sector, it would be the best booming sector in the country.” The Rupayan Housing’s journey of 24 years has been glorious and through this journey, he said, “we have fulfilled the dreams of a lot of people by building apartments and implementing commercial projects” in the country. “We build strong and quality buildings. We have a strong and innovative culture and we maintain the aesthetic design through our creation.” Mr. Alinur Rahman added, “We are such a developer who lead from the front. We’ve created the country’s first township project (Rupayan Town) in Narayangonj and one of the biggest and first premium mega-gated community projects (Rupayan City Uttara) in Uttara in Dhaka.” Rupayan Housing’s strengths are said to be unique products, excellent efficiency, and productivity. It is a customer-centric organisation, he pointed out. “Our services create raving fan customers. We can scale sustainably and have high adaptability. We continuously work on the diversification of products and services. We are also blessed to have robust and decisive leadership.” He said their ongoing projects are in Motijheel, Naya Paltan, Mirpur-1, Tejgaon, West Dhanmondi, South Badda, Bashundhara R/A, Mirpur DOHS, and Savar in Dhaka, Sylhet, Kanchpur, Cumilla, Chattogram, and Narayanganj. “We look forward to creating more so that the Rupayan group continues to create history in the Bangladesh real estate sector,” he said. The foundation work of its green paradise in West Dhanmondi on 102 Katha would start soon. “Our first satellite town at Narayanganj will be environment-friendly.” Now both job holders and businesses are going through a challenging moment. So, apartments between 1500 and 2000 square feet are of higher demand. In such a situation, Rupayan brings to the market apartments worth Tk1.5 crore to Tk2.5 crore. Buyers had once used to look for just an apartment, but nowadays their test has changed, thanks to increased income and change in lifestyle and they want wellness, communities and condominium apartments, he said. Clients want multiple facilities together for their family members in the apartments. They want such an environment that kids and elderly people can enjoy together, he added. RHEL is a pioneer in Bangladesh providing condominiums, gated communities, and satellite towns. Considering social responsibility, “we always try to build environment-friendly housing where all aged people can be beneficiaries,” said Mr. Alinur Rahman. The Rupayan CEO mentioned that the green apartment concept came to Bangladesh about seven years ago. There are a lot of issues in green apartments such as water reusing issues, waste management, huge open space, a percentage of greenery, and soil quality. “We are seriously working to include such facilities in all our projects,” he said adding that several companies such as BTI, Sheltech, SEL, Concord, and Rangs Properties Ltd are doing it. Rupayan Swapno Niloy in the Siddheswari area of Dhaka was built as per green apartment concept. It is a high condominium project, he said. Besides, Rupayan Town in Narayanganj Bhuighar has huge open space and greenery. “Our ongoing project named Rupayan Lake Castle in the Bashundhara area will be a proper greenery building. And, Rupayan green paradise project in West Dhanmondi will be made into a natural pond.” He said, “We don’t think only financial issues before setting up a building. Our priority is to ensure a livable and quality building for our clients. As we build an apartment on our purchased land, we can provide it at a reasonable price.” The entrepreneur pointed out that of the many challenges in the real estate sector, the key one is higher price of construction raw materials and apartment registration costs. He is also concerned about the reported plan to ensure apartment registration in a full-value system. “If it is implemented, the flat registration cost will go up from Tk8-10 lakh to Tk25-30 lakh for a Tk1.0 crore apartment. “The registration process should be at a minimum rate; otherwise buyers will suffer and that will be a new challenge for the sector.” Also, the construction area will be reduced by 30-35 percent due to the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and in such a situation, developers will make buildings jointly with land owners, he said adding that in that case, the apartment prices may rise around 30 percent. So, he recommended amendment to the DAP. There are around 250 sub-industries in the real estate sector and he felt that all should work together to ensure that the sector flourishes. He also emphasized that they try to uphold the rights and privileges of the customers from the land process to apartment handover. “We are firmly committed to ensuring our clients’ rights.” He recalled that once labours used to carry raw materials on their heads to cast the roof of a high-rise building but the trend has changed. “Now we use different type of modern machines in all our work, like foundation piling, and roof casting in buildings. We also use ready-mix concrete (RMC) to maintain qualitative value and speed up the work. The mechanism is also used in civil work, sanitary, and painting.” Now, most companies use machinery to construct their projects.
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Designing Dreams with Precision
Momen Real Estates Ltd. has been in the real estate market for a while building a successful national company. The company’s founders have been actively involved in property development since 1987. After completing a few projects with business partners, they founded their own private business house, MRS Properties Ltd., as a family-owned private company in 1995. In 2001, the business was renamed as Momen Real Estates Ltd.
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Business ethics & integrity are key to growing a company: Tanvir Ahmed
Mr. Tanvir Ahmed is the Managing Director of Sheltech Group. He is also the Director of Envoy Group, which includes textiles and garments and the first denim mill in the world to obtain a LEED Platinum certification. Envoy Textiles has recently been awarded the National Export Trophy (Gold). In the year 2014, Mr. Tanvir Ahmed was recognised, by the government of Bangladesh, as the youngest CIP at the age of 29 for his contribution to the national economy. He holds a Master’s degree from Cardiff University, the UK, and a Bachelor of Arts degree (with Honours) from Kingston University, the UK. He also obtained a Diploma from the London School of Economics (LSE). His area of expertise is business management, administration and finance and his entrepreneurship involve real estate, textiles and garments, hospitality service, financial trading, aviation and ceramics. He is currently an Executive Committee member of Bangladesh Employers’ Federation. He is also a Director at the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI). He shared his present business ventures and future plans during an exclusive interview with Ceramic Bangladesh recently. Sheltech is a trusted name in the country’s real estate sector since 1988. The company has delivered more than 3,800 apartments in about 200 projects in various locations in Dhaka city. For quality management, it has obtained “ISO 9001:2015” as the first Bangladeshi real estate company. Sheltech follows the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) and its projects are playing a vital role in consistent growth overcoming barriers. Designs are prepared following BNBC and all its projects are duly approved. It ensures international safety and quality standards in construction. The company maintains on-time handover of projects and after-sales care. No legal disputes can be found in its projects and that help a hassle-free registration. It believes in continuous innovation and improvement in products and services. “In most of the cases it is a lifetime investment for the clients. So, clients search for a company that is dependable. Timely delivery of real estate projects within budget and to the level of the quality standards specified by the client is an index of successful project delivery for real estate developers. Sheltech understands the scenario and work with full enthusiasm to ensure the clients’ needs,” said Mr. Tanvir Ahmed. However, it is a difficult process for the developer, as many critical issues need to be addressed to complete the project on time, which can only be accomplished by a well-structured and efficiently managed company, he added. On the overall real estate development in Bangladesh and the future of this industry, Mr. Tanvir said, “While the RMG sector and a few more industries are keeping this country’s economy afloat, there is one industry that has continued to grow surprisingly well – The Real Estate. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.” “Sheltech understands the scenario and work with full enthusiasm to ensure the clients’ needs. It has obtained ‘ISO 9001:2015’ as the first Bangladeshi real estate company” “The sector has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with the establishment of a number of new real estate companies and development of new projects. The present demand and trend for housing in the country allows us to think the future growth of this industry is very promising,” he said. The birth and making of Sheltech were led by Mr. Tanvir Ahmed’s f irst generation. He is the one from the second generation who is now following his ancestor’s footprint. Mr. Tanvir Ahmed started serving the hospitality industry through “Platinum Hotels by Sheltech” in 2008. He got involved with the real estate industry since 2010. Sheltech is always concern to reduce environmental impact of construction. It has set a standard for an environment-friendly construction process. Design of structural elements concerning critical combinations of gravity, seismic and other loads is thoroughly checked. “We maintain strict supervision by site engineers and the quality control team to ensure construction is according to design. We ensure shore protection during foundation. We provide a safe and organised construction environment through safe pedestrian movement, a soundless, dust and garbage-free construction site while ensuring labour safety,” said Mr Tanvir. From land acquisition to after-sales service, Sheltech provides one-stop solutions through architectural and structural design, construction management, interior solution, registration process, resolving legal issues, arrangement of utility connections, customer service after delivery and secondary market dealing through buying, selling and renting. Unlike other industries, the real estate industry has to overcome various challenges. It is a key engine of economic growth since it has a large multiplier effect on other sectors as well. It creates opportunities for its linkage businesses. Focusing on the growth, Mr. Tanvir said, “The real estate industry plays an increasingly significant role in the national economy, accounting for approximately 8% of GDP on average, and along with its 269 associated linkage industries, contributing about 12-14% to GDP. The worldwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of Covid-19 led to a global financial crisis. Bangladesh has also been affected economically. However, the pandemic effects are getting reduced and almost all business sectors are making a rebound.” “Despite the pandemic challenges, the real estate market recovered quite well in 2021. One of the main challenges for real estate developers is the increase in prices of construction materials. Apartment registration cost in Bangladesh is also quite high which becomes a burden for buyers and makes it more difficult to purchase apartments. Besides the home loan process and interest rate are an issue of concern for the sector,” Mr. Tanvir added. The trend and character of real estate development are very significant and this is a positive sign for development of the country. Nowadays housing supply largely depends on private developers. There are some limitations to operate a real estate business in Bangladesh. Sheltech always ensures development of a culture that provides simplicity in work and nurtures growth among the employees. Regarding the company’s culture and collaboration with others, Mr. Tanvir said, “We have an open-door policy among employees and their
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Developers can offer affordable housing for all, should Govt. allot land : REHAB
Interviewed by Rafikul Islam Alamgir Shamsul Alamin says the UN goal of leaving no one behind won’t be attained if people remain homeless. In view of scarcity in housing facilities in both urban and rural area of Bangladesh, it is quite a complicated task for the government alone to provide housing for all. So, here comes the contribution of the private sector to ensuring affordable housing for all. “We are keen to support the government here but land has to be allotted by developers to facilitate construction for affordable accommodations,” President of Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) Alamgir Shamsul Alamin said in an exclusive interview with Ceramic Bangladesh. The demand for housing is going up in the country as the population is increasing. The country has a vast areas of khas land, which, he argued, can be utilized for building homes at reasonable costs. The REHAB leader insisted that special fund should be created under the national budget to help low-income group of people to own house. Mr Alamgir Shamsul Alamin, serving REHAB for the fourth time as its President, mentioned that since its inception in 1991, the REHAB has been playing an important role in the sector and contributing to economic development. The real estate sector is expanding gradually, thanks to the economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he pointed out, “But we had to deal with many problems in the recent past. The Covid-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the price rise of construction materials hit hard the sector. Now we are trying to go ahead overcoming all these challenges,” the REHAB president said. The REHAB has nearly 1,000 members and there is a total of around Tk 1200 billion investment in the sector. “We have 269 linkage industries including rod, cement and ceramic products. Around 4 million people are directly engaged in the sector,” he added. Ceramic Bangladesh (CB): What is your consistent success in integrating and strengthening REHAB? Alamgir Shamsul Alamin : I have been elected the REHAB’s President for the fourth time. I am serving the organisation with reputation. I am also a Director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). After becoming the REHAB President, I have contributed much to the sector, such as reducing registration costs, and legalising undisclosed investments. As the President, I have to maintain a lot of issues of the REHAB. I try to resolve the problems of our sector. I am always thinking about the future of our industry. CB: How did you engage in trade body politics? Alamgir Shamsul Alamin: I wanted to be at the top of domestic trade bodies so that I could influence trade policies/rules. Business is our main goal. Generally the business leaders help policymakers to make policy. If we can’t play role here, we don’t have personal issue. So, we think always to develop organisation and sector as well. Actually it is tough to do business if we can’t bring facility for the sector. If I can contribute here, our business would grow. Besides, I obtained degree from abroad so our thinking is different compared to others. So, our contribution should be counted in economy. In such a context, I engage myself in the trade body politics. CB: What are the current challenges in the real estate sector? Alamgir Shamsul Alamin: Real estate is a big and complex sector. It is a very challenging business in Bangladesh. There are different classes of business in the country. Many segments have different challenges and demands. Like every other sector, there are some good and bad businesses in real estate. Sometimes developers can’t complete projects when clients don’t pay properly. Sometimes projects are not completed due to developers’ negligence. It’s tough to meet all of the challenges. As the leader, I have to take care of these issues. Our problems were at peak after the Covid-19 pandemic made landfall in Bangladesh. Amid the challenges, we managed to save our sector by working together. All had to understand that the situation was not under our control. It was not easy to satisfy customers and developers both. But we did that successfully. Being the REHAB President, I have resolved many of them by discussing them with the government and other stakeholders. Meanwhile, flat prices went up 30 per cent due to price-hike of raw material. And it has impact on our costing. So, prices of apartments go up – 30 per cent a year, which is a big challenge for the real estate sector. After becoming the REHAB president, I have worked hard to contribute as much as I can. All I think about is further development of our sector and its future. CB: Would you please tell us something about the success story of your own business? Alamgir Shamsul Alamin : Now, I am engaged in multiple businesses. Actually, I entered into business through my family hand. I was born in a family of businessmen. My father was a well-known businessman back in the Pakistan days. So, I always dreamt of becoming a businessman. Jute, tea, leather, textiles, and transportation were our primary business. We got into the real estate business in 1995. During my student years, I became involved in politics. I studied in several countries, including Scotland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. On completion of my education, I returned home. And, I maintained the family business by expanding and diversifying. Our business has grown 10 times. I want to ensure further growth in future. Now, I plan for a new joint venture investment of Tk 10 billion in the IT sector. CB: What are the current projects of Shamsul Alamin Real Estate Limited (SARE)? Alamgir Shamsul Alamin: The SARE is a sister concern of Shamsul Alamin Group. I am Managing Director of the company. We have a good number of projects which are ongoing at different sites of Dhaka. Our ongoing projects are Alamin Tonmoy at Baridhara Diplomatic Zone; Alamin Angur at
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