Dissonance Of Debris
From May 17th to 31st, the solo painting exhibition titled “Debris” by Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed adorned the walls of La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, Dhanmondi. The two-week-long, thought-provoking exhibition featured nearly 30 works on board paper, providing spectators with a glimpse into the artist’s most recent studies. Remembering is a kind of rebellion in Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed’s universe. His solo exhibition, “Debris,” was an uncompromising documentation of human vulnerability. The artist’s recollections of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War seep into modern tragedies—Gaza’s annihilation, the Rohingya exodus, and Kashmir’s stifled cries. The paintings didn’t merely show ruins; they also resurrected spirits. Ahmed’s life had several eras of turmoil. Born within a world transformed by partition and war, his early work in the 1980s was abstract, but the twenty-first century tightened his emphasis. The song “Debris” captures this progression. Each piece is a palimpsest, with layers of pigment representing the strata of history, where erasure and evidence fight silently. Ahmed’s use of board paper as canvas makes a statement in and of itself. Board paper repels, as opposed to ordinary canvas, which absorbs, forcing the artist to handle surface tension. The resulting sculptures have a temporary quality, as if they would disintegrate like the makeshift shelters in Cox’s Bazar’s refugee camps. Though anchored in Bangladeshi stories, “Debris” speaks to a lexicon of global migration. The exhibition’s centerpiece, “Babel Fragment” (2024), depicts the mythological tower as a jagged silhouette against a sulfurous hue. Its shattered planes evoke both bombed-out Aleppo and the decaying tenements of Old Dhaka. Ahmed, who has flown from Paris to Islamabad, appears to imply that rubbish knows no boundaries. In “Eclipse of Return” (2024), a skeletal stairway rises into the emptiness, its steps fractured like vertebrae. Nearby, “Archive of Dust” displays a child’s sneaker half-buried in a thick texture that mimics charred dirt “The utter erasure of Gaza, which was once full of life; the ongoing miseries of people in Kashmir; or the hopelessness faced by displaced Rohingyas attempting to make a living in camps in Chattogram—all of this jostles the mind as one attempts to ponder the future of the human race. Furthermore, it is difficult to leave behind the legacy of Bangladesh’s repeated failures to shape a future. The people’s desire for political stability has always been a never-fulfilled dream in our country. The demise of the authoritarian dictatorship has undoubtedly allowed everyone to focus on a future beyond the current system, but it appears that things are still breaking apart, leaving us with only emotional rubble,” observed famous art critic Mustafa Zaman. The intimacy of “Debris” sets it apart from other forms of protest art. In “Letters Unsent,” bits of Urdu and Bangla letters emerge behind layers of gray, like voices muted by time. The piece is similar to Ahmed’s 2018 series on refugee diaries, but the language is virtually illegible—a metaphor for history’s selective memories. Written By Shahbaz Nahian
Industry Leaders Unite for a Greener Bangladesh
A Call for Sustainable Transformation On January 30, 2025, the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka hosted “Shaping Bangladesh: Designing Tomorrow, Building Today”, a landmark event organised by Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine. It brought together leaders from construction, real estate, and ceramics to champion sustainability and innovation in response to environmental challenges. Thought Leadership for a Greener Future As part of the series “Innovating for a Sustainable Future II”, the multi-panel format featured experts from ceramics, cement, and real estate. Moderated by Dr. Amir Ahmed of Daffodil International University, the panels included Muhammad Badrul Hassan (BBS Cables), Salehin Musfique Sadaf (GPH Ispat), Architect Faysal Ahmed (Concord Real Estate), AKM Ziaul Islam (Magna Ceramic), Mohammad Khorshed Alam (Akij Bashir Group), Asadul Haque Sufyani (Metro Cement), and Babor Hossain (Khadim Ceramics). Key Recommendations for Sustainability Panelists urged greater investment in R&D to reduce reliance on imports and foster local innovation. They called for collaboration across sectors to promote recycled materials and eco-friendly components. Suggestions included using fly ash and slag in cement, adopting hybrid or electric furnaces, and implementing energy-efficient manufacturing. Smart Materials and Policy Reform Experts advocated for smart glass technologies—low-E, solar, and self-cleaning—to boost building efficiency. They also recommended policy reforms to protect local manufacturers from zero-tariff imports and emphasized the need for government-run clay mines to secure raw materials for ceramic production. Bangladesh’s Tile Industry Comes of Age AKM Ziaul Islam highlighted the tile industry’s evolution since 1984. “We started with 100 mm tiles in one color. Now, we export to the USA,” he said. Despite high production costs, innovation has improved working conditions and sustainability, making the industry globally competitive. Real Estate and Domestic Innovation Architect Faysal Ahmed reflected on the sector’s overreliance on imports between 2000 and 2015. He stressed the importance of collaboration among architects, engineers, and academics to develop sustainable materials locally and reduce dependency on foreign technologies. Material Optimization for Environmental Impact Salehin Musfique Sadaf emphasized that optimized material use can reduce emissions and speed up construction. “Using 15,000 kg of cement instead of 20,000 kg without compromising strength means real sustainability,” he explained. Rethinking Cement and Energy Asadul Haque Sufyani discussed the carbon footprint of cement production and promoted fly ash and slag as eco-friendly alternatives. He stressed the need for affordable, sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies. Energy Crisis and the Future of Glass Mohammad Khorshed Alam raised concerns about gas shortages affecting glass furnaces. He urged investment in hybrid furnaces and advanced technologies and called on architects to incorporate more locally produced glass to avoid overcapacity and unsold stock. Ceramic Bricks: A Smarter, Greener Choice Babor Hossain showcased ceramic bricks’ advantages over handmade red bricks—lower water absorption, higher strength, and reduced structural load. “They were used in national landmarks and can cut construction costs by 13 percent,” he said, advocating for government-run clay mines to sustain innovation. A Unified Path Forward The event concluded with a call for synergy among policymakers, industry, and academia. With rising climate risks and infrastructure demands, embracing innovation is not just strategic—it’s essential. Photo: Courtesy
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