Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine, ArchiConnect honour two-time Aga Khan Award winner Architect Marina Tabassum
Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine, a publication of the Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), and ArchiConnect, a buildtech platform, honoured Architect Marina Tabassum on Saturday evening, November 8, 2025, 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
Brac University launches design competition to reimagine community spaces
Brac University’s Department of Architecture, in collaboration with Elite Paint Bangladesh Limited, has announced a student design competition titled Architecture for Unity: Redesigning Community Spaces. The initiative invites architecture students to reimagine public spaces as inclusive environments that celebrate cultural diversity and foster meaningful interaction. The competition is exclusive to students enrolled in Brac University’s Department of Architecture and aims to empower future architects to design with empathy, inclusivity, and sustainability at the forefront. Designing for Diversity and Dialogue According to the official brief, participants are tasked with redesigning a community space—either real or hypothetical—that encourages cross-cultural engagement. The goal is to transform such spaces into vibrant hubs where people from different backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and celebrate shared humanity. The design criteria are both ambitious and socially grounded. Proposals must reflect the cultural richness of the community they serve, integrating elements that honour various traditions while promoting inclusivity. Spatial flow is a key consideration, with layouts expected to guide visitors through the space in ways that encourage movement and exchange. Functional diversity is also central to the brief. The redesigned spaces should accommodate a range of activities—from social gatherings and collaborative projects to quiet reflection—allowing individuals to engage in meaningful ways. Aesthetic appeal, while not the sole focus, remains important. Organisers are looking for innovative architectural techniques and visual storytelling that inspire curiosity and wonder. Sustainability is a non-negotiable component. Students must embrace environmentally responsible design principles that minimise ecological impact, including thoughtful choices in materials, lighting, and energy use. Submission Requirements and Format Participants must submit a comprehensive design proposal that includes conceptual sketches, spatial layouts, and explanatory notes. The drawing submission must be formatted as one A0 portrait sheet in PDF, with a resolution of 300 dpi and a maximum file size of 15 MB. In addition to the visual material, students are required to submit a text document—also in PDF format—describing the idea behind the project, its inspiration, tentative outcomes, and materiality. The written component must not exceed 500 words. All submissions must be in English. File names should follow a strict format: Student’s Name_Student’s ID_Enrolled Semester (e.g., Akibur Rahman_16208023_Fall 2023). Both the drawing and the text document must be uploaded via the designated online submission link before the deadline. Key Dates and Deadlines Registration Deadline: September 1, 2025 Submission Date: October 11, 2025 (by 5.00pm) Jury Date: October 26, 2025 Results Announcement: November 10, 2025 Students can register via the official link: https://forms.gle/ecZtUpRBmVo1jC7M7 Final submissions must be uploaded to: https://forms.gle/z5zhNK88uvH5ncU49 Awards and Recognition The competition offers substantial incentives. The first prize winner will receive BDT 50,000 and a certificate. The second and third place winners will be awarded BDT 25,000 and BDT 15,000 respectively, along with certificates. However, organisers stress that the real reward lies in the opportunity to contribute to a broader conversation about architecture’s role in social cohesion. “This is an ideas competition,” said a faculty member from Brac University’s Department of Architecture. “We’re not asking students to build anything physically. Instead, we want them to think critically and creatively about how architecture can serve as a tool for unity.” Industry Collaboration and Real-World Impact Elite Paint Bangladesh Limited’s involvement adds a layer of industry relevance to the competition. Known for its commitment to sustainable and community-focused projects, the company’s collaboration with Brac University signals a shared vision for inclusive urban development. “This is not just about buildings or parks,” said a spokesperson from Elite Paint. “It’s about creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and build a sense of unity. We believe architecture has the power to shape social behaviour, and this competition is a step towards that vision.” Student Response and Anticipation As the submission window opens, anticipation is building across the Brac University campus. For many students, this competition represents a chance to showcase their design philosophy, engage with pressing social issues, and contribute to a vision of Bangladesh where public spaces reflect the country’s rich cultural mosaic. “We often talk about unity in abstract terms,” said one third-year architecture student. “This competition challenges us to make it tangible—to design spaces where unity is not just an idea, but an experience.” Architecture as a Bridge Between Cultures With its emphasis on cultural celebration, spatial intelligence, and environmental stewardship, Architecture for Unity is more than a student competition. It is a call to action for the next generation of architects to build not just structures, but bridges—between communities, cultures, and futures. Written by Nibir Ayaan
The Ceramic Expo bustling with a large number of people on the 2nd day
Dhaka (28 November 2025): The BCMEA Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 has gathered in the capital. On the second day of this four-day vibrant event, the International Convention City Bashundhara was bustling with local and foreign visitors, exhibitors, businessmen, engineers, architects, and representatives from various companies. The arriving businessmen held meetings with B2B, B2C, and representatives from different companies. In the various pavilions and stalls, they demonstrated their products and ensured spot orders. Senior officials of various companies stated that due to the holiday, there was a noticeable crowd of visitors from the morning, and many placed orders for products. Artist Shahin Mahmud Reza, participating in the fair for the first time, expressed satisfaction with the organization of the fair. As every year, dealer Md. Rahim Uddin has come to the expo from Chittagong. He mentioned that he has seen many new designs at this year’s expo. Following this, a seminar was held in a very large hall where relevant stakeholders participated. Mohammad Khaled Hasan, Deputy General Manager of Sheltech Ceramics Limited, the titled sponsor of the expo, mentioned that the ceramic industry of Bangladesh is a glorious sector. Earlier, we used to import ceramic products at about 80 percent, but nowadays approximately 15 to 20 percent we import; we export it and gradually extend its market. One of the visiting engineers stated that this sector has achieved an average growth of over 20 percent, setting records. Despite the gas crisis, the uninterrupted supply of electricity, and various domestic and international crises, this industry remains an emerging sector. Unlike the ready-made garment, jute, and textile sectors, which receive policy support, this sector has reached a respectable position solely due to the courageous initiatives of entrepreneurs. One could say that the ceramic industry has brought about a silent revolution in the last 10 years. Through rapid expansion in the local market, stable presence in foreign markets, and massive job creation, this industry has demonstrated that with industry-friendly policies, uninterrupted gas supply, and proper branding, it will be capable of exporting billions of dollars in the future solely in Asia. Today, there are about 65–70 ceramic factories and brands in the country producing various products including tableware, tiles, sanitary ware, and electric insulators. As a result, instead of being import-dependent like before, Bangladesh now fulfils a large part of its own demand and sends excess production to the global market; this is not a small change but rather a picture of slow yet steady success in industrial policy. The domestic market for Bangladeshi ceramic products is currently considered to be worth around 70 to 90 billion BDT, with annual growth hovering around 20 percent for a long time. Once where 80 percent of the market was occupied by foreign brands, today local companies meet nearly 85 percent of market demand; in tableware, local participation exceeds 90 percent. Some visitors stated rapid urbanisation, development in the housing sector, rising incomes of the middle class, and changes in lifestyle perspectives have contributed to this achievement. The use of tiles and sanitary products in new flats, shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants is now not just a necessity but also a symbol of prestige and taste. In this way, the ceramic industry has become directly linked to the dreams of the urban middle class, as if the contribution of this industry is silently signing on the walls and floors of every new flat. Although the export earnings of the ceramic industry are still seen by many as ‘less compared to the size of investment’, in reality, it has passed an important initial phase. In the fiscal year 2022–23, the export earnings from ceramic products reached around 43–55 million USD (equivalent to 600–650 crore BDT), which is the highest in four years. The export growth in this sector from 2021–22 to 2022–23 was over 21 percent, although in the fiscal year 2023–24, it has slightly decreased by nearly two percent. Tableware occupies the largest share in the export basket; recently, tiles have also been added. Bangladeshi ceramic products now go to over 50 countries; United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and various countries in the Middle East are major destinations. In such a reality, despite slight fluctuations, it is clear that Bangladesh is establishing itself as a reliable source of ‘low-cost but quality’ ceramic products in the global market. This expo carries a very high potential for the Bangladeshi ceramic industry and also plays a vital role in the economy. Written by: Mizanur Rahman Jewel
