Learning, Unlearning, and the Architecture of Change
In a world where design often races ahead of reflection, CubeInside Design Ltd. is inviting architects, students, and thinkers to pause—and reconsider. Their upcoming three-day event, Learning & Unlearning, promises not just a series of lectures but a journey into the core of architectural consciousness. Set to unfold from September 25 to 27, the event will be hosted at CubeInside Design Ltd. in Dhaka. It’s not a typical seminar. It’s an exploration—into the craft, the culture, and the contradictions of architecture today. CubeInside, known for its thoughtful design practice, has curated this event with a clear intention: to challenge assumptions, provoke dialogue, and open up new ways of seeing. The title itself—Learning & Unlearning—signals a dual movement. It’s about acquiring knowledge, yes, but also about shedding the habits and biases that no longer serve. The programme is structured around lectures, discussions, and exhibitions, each designed to engage participants in critical reflection. Over three days, attendees will encounter ideas that stretch beyond blueprints and facades. They’ll be asked to consider architecture not just as a profession but as a cultural act—one that shapes and is shaped by society. The event is open to students, professionals, and enthusiasts alike. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with architectural discourse in a setting that encourages both curiosity and critique. CubeInside’s invitation is clear: come with questions, leave with more. CubeInside’s announcement, shared via its official Facebook page, carries a tone of quiet urgency. “CubeInside invites you to Learning & Unlearning,” it reads. The event’s visual identity, as seen in the post, is minimal yet evocative. It reflects CubeInside’s design ethos: clarity, restraint, and meaning. There’s no excess—just an invitation to think. What makes Learning & Unlearning stand out is its refusal to be didactic. It doesn’t claim to have answers. Instead, it offers a space where answers can be questioned. In a field often dominated by trends and technicalities, this is a refreshing shift. CubeInside’s initiative is timely. As Bangladesh grapples with rapid urbanisation, climate challenges, and shifting cultural landscapes, architecture must evolve. Events like this help ensure that evolution is thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded. For those attending, the three days will likely be more than an academic exercise. They’ll be a chance to connect—with ideas, with peers, and with the deeper purpose of design. And for CubeInside, it’s another step in its ongoing commitment to architecture that matters. In the end, Learning & Unlearning is not just about buildings. It’s about building understanding. And in that, CubeInside is offering something rare: a space to think, together. Written by Nibir Ayaan
Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 A New Dawn for Economic Growth?
Bangladesh now stands at a critical crossroads. As the country prepares to transition from a least-developed nation (LDC) to a middle-income economy in 2026, it grapples with significant hurdles. Despite years of economic resilience, enduring issues—such as import dependency, skill shortages, stagnant private investment, and declining foreign direct investment (FDI)—continue to slow progress. In this challenging environment, the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 emerged as a pivotal event, unveiling initial investment proposals worth Tk 31 billion (3100 crore) and igniting cautious optimism among policymakers and investors. Convergence of Promise and Challenges Organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the four-day Dhaka summit, held from April 7 to April 10, 2025, brought together over 550 investors and business representatives from more than 50 countries. Inaugurated by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the summit sought to reimagine Bangladesh’s global investment identity even as it faced structural challenges. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will hinge on whether early commitments evolve into sustained and tangible investments. For years, Bangladesh’s investment landscape has remained largely stagnant. Overall investments have hovered between 24–28 percent of GDP, with private investment stuck at 22–24 percent and FDI persistently below 1.0 percent. Recent declines in private investment in FY2023 and FY2024, along with a continuous drop in FDI since FY2018, have been attributed to bureaucratic hurdles, policy unpredictability, and macroeconomic instability—particularly in managing exchange rates. Yet, amid these challenges, the summit has sparked a renewed sense of hope. Global Multinationals Betting on Bangladesh Three major international companies announced expansion plans during the summit: Inditex (Spain): The retail giant behind Zara reaffirmed Bangladesh’s role as a key sourcing hub and hinted at increased procurement. Lafarge Holcim: The cement leader discussed plans to broaden operations and explore carbon capture initiatives. Handa Industries (China): The company committed $150 million to develop textile, dyeing, and garment units in designated economic zones. In addition, Dubai-based DP World expressed interest in investing in Chattogram’s new Mooring Container Terminal. Celebrating Local Champions Local enterprises also received significant recognition at the event. Four Bangladeshi firms were honored for their contributions: bKash (Excellence in Investment): The trailb lazing mobile financial services provider backed by IFC, Ant Group, and SoftBank. Fabric Lagbe (Innovation Award): A digital marketplace that empowers traditional weavers. Walton (ESG Award): A leading local electronics manufacturer exporting to over 40 countries. Square Pharmaceuticals (Investment Excellence): A company that has grown from modest beginnings in Pabna to a globally recognized pharmaceutical powerhouse. These success stories underscore that, despite systemic challenges, Bangladeshi enterprises can thrive on the international stage. Global Investors Show Confidence There is growing international faith in Bangladesh’s revised approach to investment. Foreign investors have commended the interim government for taking proactive measures to attract FDI—a marked departure from previous administrations. A delegation of 60 investors from the U.S., South Korea, China, Japan, India, Australia, and the Netherlands toured key hubs such as the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram and the Japani Export Processing Zone (JEPZ) in Narayanganj, exploring opportunities in textiles, IT, and manufacturing. KEPZ: A Model Investment Hub Operated by South Korea’s Youngone Corporation, KEPZ has become a shining example of Bangladesh’s readiness for FDI. Investors were impressed by its well-established infrastructure, efficient licensing procedures, and worker-friendly amenities—including a hospital, a textile institute, a 40MW solar project, and an effluent treatment plant. With $700 million already invested, KEPZ now hosts 48 factories and employs 30,000 workers, 75 percent of whom are women. Forging Sustainable Partnerships The summit also facilitated key agreements. Notably, BIDA, the Commerce Ministry, ILO, and UNDP issued a joint declaration to promote sustainable and inclusive growth through targeted trade reforms. Additionally, UK Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton highlighted long-term opportunities in healthcare and education, paving the way for enduring global partnerships. Navigating the Road Ahead: Can Bangladesh Overcome Its Investment Slump? Despite the summit’s positive momentum, Bangladesh’s investment climate continues to face obstacles: High bank interest rates that deter private borrowing. Policy inconsistencies under the interim government create uncertainty. Weak FDI performance compared to regional competitors like Vietnam and India. Analysts stress that without significant structural reforms—streamlining bureaucracy, ensuring policy stability, and stabilizing the macroeconomy—Bangladesh may struggle to sustain the anticipated investment surge. Execution is Key The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 has successfully rebranded the country as an emerging investment destination. With multinationals such as Inditex, Lafarge Holcim, and Handa Industries pledging expansion and local leaders like bKash and Walton proving their global competitiveness, there is considerable cause for optimism. However, the real challenge now lies in execution. Only if Bangladesh addresses its business environment hurdles, refines regulatory frameworks, and maintains macroeconomic stability can this new momentum herald a transformative economic chapter. For now, the world watches closely—will Bangladesh seize this moment, or will these early promises fade away? Only time will tell. Written by Sajibur Rahman
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