Bangladesh Economic & Infrastructure Development - Updates & Discussions

[Bilal9]

Bus route rationalisation: Pilot run to begin 26 December
Both city corporations plan to bring Dhaka buses under a single company

The initiative to bring Dhaka city buses under a single company called "Dhaka Nagar Paribahan" (Dhaka City Transport) has been deferred.

Piloting of the bus franchise system – with total 120 buses on the Ghatarchar-Kanchpur route – will start from 26 December instead of the previously announced date of 1 December.

The 21km-route will cover areas including Bosila, Mohammadpur, Elephant Road, Shahbagh, Paltan and Motijheel.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh made the announcement during a press briefing at the DSCC Nagar Bhaban following the 19th meeting of the Bus Route Rationalisation Committee on Sunday.

Taposh had earlier said only the buses manufactured after 1 January, 2019 can operate under the new company.

The Bus Route Rationalisation Committee has selected 12-acre land in Ghatarchar for constructing a bus terminal. The work to build a depot will start shortly, said a DSCC official.

Besides, work is underway for setting up four inter-district bus terminals in Hemayetpur, Keraniganj, Ghatail, and Bhagai.

Former Dhaka north mayor Annisul Huq first took the initiative regarding bus route rationalisation or operation of bus services under a single company in 2016. The initiative lost momentum after his death in 2017.

Then, the issue resurfaced following the road safety movement waged by the students in 2018.

That year, a 10-member committee was formed with representatives of government bodies, police, transport owners, workers and experts.

The then Dhaka south mayor Sayeed Khokon was the convener of the committee. It failed to make any progress either.

Finally, current Dhaka south Mayor Taposh joined the 12th meeting of the Bus Route Rationalisation Committee on 6 October, 2020. Then, he along with the others started over the process.

 

[Bilal9]

Xiaomi phones now made in Bangladesh
Zeeshan Bin Liaquat

Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune

'We believe this partnership will provide new opportunities to youth of the country and develop an electronics-manufacturing ecosystem of global standards'.

To strengthen the government's vision of a Digital Bangladesh, Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi will now manufacture its devices locally at its factory in Gazipur.

Not only will this enable more foreign direct investment (FDI) into Bangladesh, but the smartphone maker's local factory will also offer smartphones at a more competitive price, as well as offer knowledge transfer, job creation and increased smartphone production capacity.

Xiaomi revealed its "Made in Bangladesh" plan at a special event on Thursday in the capital, where Salman F Rahman, adviser to the prime minister on private industry and investment, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for ICT Division, were present.

ICT Division State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak said that due to Xiaomi's new factory in Gazipur, Bangladeshis will get world-class devices from the brand at a lower price, as they will be manufactured locally.

Also Read - Xiaomi set to launch factory in Bangladesh

Xiaomi previously had to pay international taxes, which they don’t have to pay anymore, Xiaomi sources confirmed to Dhaka Tribune.

“Manufacturing smartphones locally is a significant step towards incorporating Xiaomi into the fabric of Bangladesh in the years to come. We will be able to contribute to generating more jobs in Bangladesh and play a role in enhancing the quality of life of the people of Bangladesh through competitive pricing,” Ziauddin Chowdhury, country manager, Xiaomi Bangladesh told Dhaka Tribune.

According to Xiaomi, the plant will be producing approximately 3 million smartphones per year through approximately 1,000 workers, who will be employed in the plant in the initial phase as well as knowledge transfer to develop local skilled workers.

“These new generation companies and entrepreneurs will be key to the success of Bangladesh. We have great faith in young leaders and young companies like Xiaomi. We are happy to partner with Xiaomi as they set up their first manufacturing unit in Bangladesh, as part of the Digital Bangladesh initiative.

We believe this partnership will provide new opportunities to youth of the country and develop an electronics-manufacturing ecosystem of global standards. We welcome Xiaomi to sunrise Bangladesh,” according to Salman Fazlur Rahman, adviser to the prime minister on private industry and investment.

Salman F Rahman addresses an event to launch Xiaomi's new factory in Bangladesh on Thursday, October 21, 2021 Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune Speaking to DT, Ashfaq Zaman, a MI fan and Xiaomi smartphone user, said that it was great news.

"Soon, we can all expect to have our favorite Xiaomi handsets at a cheaper cost with the same quality. Most importantly it will be branded as 'Made in Bangladesh,'" he added.

The plant is located in Gazipur District, near the Bypass Road, Vogra. The factory is situated in a standalone 4-storied building with a total area of around 55,000 sqft.

Mobile handset manufacturing began in Bangladesh in 2017 when Walton started producing electronic products locally, with global giants Samsung, Symphony, Tecno, and other brands such as Infinix, iTel later joining in.

For example, Tecno through Transsion Bangladesh Limited produces 800,000 units for three different brands with 1,000+ workers.

Post and Telecommunications Minister Mostafa Jabbar recently said that nearly 82% of the smartphones in demand are manufactured in the country.

The aforementioned brands account for 55% of the smartphone and feature phone demand in the country. The government has so far issued licenses to 13 companies to start production in the country while Nokia is also ready to set up factories in Bangladesh.

In 2020, nearly 32 million units were sold in the country among which nine million were smartphones.

According to Bangladesh Mobile Phone Importers Association (BMPI) Joint Secretary Mohammad Mesbah Uddin, during the first half of 2021, some 7.5 million cell phones were sold among which two million were smartphones.

Experts predict 32 million units to be sold this year with a target of selling 12 million units of smartphones.

Xiaomi has collaborated with DBG technology BD Ltd to manufacture its smartphones in Bangladesh. DBG is a global EMS company, who has been operating manufacturing business around the world (China, Vietnam, India etc.) for several renowned brands of consumer electronics. They are publicly listed companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The first phone of the company to be assembled in Bangladesh belongs to Redmi sub-brand, which is expected to be available in the market from 1st week of November 2021. Subsequently POCO and Xiaomi series will be made in the country.

 

[Bilal9]

Eternal Ceramics is a relatvely new name in Bangladesh' ceramic and porcelainware scene - however they are already making a mark in innovating their product-line and export market, pioneering Avant Garde designs and moving the technical excellence quite a few notches forward. Both formal and casual everyday ceramicware are shown. They are an obvious hit in the local market.

 

[Bilal9]

Matador is one of the largest Disposable ball-pen and gel-pen maker in Asia and one of the largest "Superbrands" and stationery items exporters in Bangladesh. They have capacity of making 1.6 million Disposable pens per day. Apart from disposable pens, they make refillable ball pen and gel pen with various ball diameters and ink colors to meet customers' requirements. Apart from disposable pens, they're also involved in producing toothbrush/dental hygiene products, Shaving products and various other types of Polymer-based Products.

 

[Bilal9]

A beacon of hope in cotton production
Tribune Editorial

• Published at 12:39 am December 6th, 2021

DHAKA TRIBUNE

The authorities should provide all the necessary policy support to back the goal of increasing cotton production.

It is immensely hopeful and inspiring that Bangladesh has just developed a new cotton variety that has the potential to cut import dependency and increase domestic production, as the new variant is high-yield, drought-tolerant, and disease-resistant. It also has shorter maturity, adding to its commercial utility.

The development of the new cotton -- named CDB Tula 1 -- comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh. Currently, the country produces a small fragment -- a mere 3-4% -- of its yearly demand, making Bangladesh the world’s top importer of cotton.

That is extremely significant, and it goes without saying that any amount of easing on the current burden will have a tremendous positive impact on the country’s agriculture and economy.

This also shows the importance of new innovation by state-owned agricultural agencies and collaboration with international partners, as the new variety was developed through a collaboration between the Cotton Development Board (CDB) under the Agriculture Ministry, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

CDB now aims to meet at least 10-15% of the country’s cotton fiber needs from growing high yielding cotton varieties, which includes the recently developed CDB Tula 1.

The importance of cotton is multi-faceted and not least because the country’s largest export, ready-made garments products, are so reliant on cotton. According to an April 2021 report by the United States Department of Agriculture, Bangladesh has 433 spinning mills, 796 textile weaving mills, 246 dyeing and finishing mills, and about 6,502 registered and 527 un-registered garment and textile factories, all of which will benefit from an increase in cotton production.

The authorities should provide all the necessary policy support to back the CDB’s goal of increasing cotton production, which will eventually help Bangladesh move one step ahead toward becoming a developed economy.

 

[Bilal9]

Dhaka Airport 3rd Terminal Expansion project visualizations...major upgrades will be in a modern robotics enabled import and export warehouse as well as improved passenger handling exceeding three times the current volume.

 

[PoondolotoPandalum]

That porcelain looks pretty nice.

I've heard ceramics is a potential emerging exports industry of Bangladesh. What's the profit margin like in that industry? Is it a labor-intensive industry?

 

[Bilal9]

That porcelain looks pretty nice.

I've heard ceramics is a potential emerging exports industry of Bangladesh. What's the profit margin like in that industry? Is it a labor-intensive industry?

Very labor intensive. There is almost no mechanization in the crockeries industry other than maybe spraying glaze after firing with robotic sprayers. Which is used by some factories in Bangladesh for sanitary ware. Sanitary ware factories use more mechanization and automation.

Bangladesh history of ceramics crockeries and sanitary ware production goes back to the 1950's when Pakistan Ceramic industries were established outside of Dhaka. After 1971 it was renamed People's Ceramic Industries and still exists, but produces goods of export standard in small quantities.

The later additions in this sector in the last two decades are highly mechanized factories especially in the sanitary ware sector. I have seen footage of them using automated robots for logistics and moving semi-finished goods in different points in the factory.

I will compile a list of posts I've made in the past few years on this. Ceramics and Porcelain is a huge export sector locally. It counts some very big names in global brands as OEM customers (MIKASA, ONEIDA, PFALTZGRAFF, Crate and Barrel, Noritake among some others). Many local crockeries makers are also marketing in foreign markets under their own names too. I have gotten Monno's Bone China stuff from their showroom in Gulshan as a favor for relatives and it looks as good as the expensive stuff from Villeroy and Boch in Germany. See below. What self-respecting woman would not like to serve guests with products of this quality?

You can search the posts using Porcelain or ceramic as keywords. Here are a few posts I made,

Bangladesh Economic & Infrastructure Development - Updates & Discussions

More river busses would be great. Though they need to be substantially bigger, to deal with our enormous population. Something along the line of a double-hulled catamaran design, like we have in London. Though I don't know much about Dhaka's waterways. Perhaps some business opportunities for...

defence.pk

Bangladesh Economic & Infrastructure Development - Updates & Discussions

Bangladesh' first elevated railway is now visible, linking Dhaka with the Southern districts of the country via almost completed Padma bridge. This will revolutionize Dhaka's connectivity with these areas (including Payra and Mongla ports) and while lessening ferry waits at Mawa point, will...

defence.pk

Record export of ceramics

Record export of ceramics Global demand grows for quality ware Yasir Wardad | Published: September 18, 2018 00:16:39 The country's ceramic ware exports set a new record in fiscal year (FY) 2017-18, thanks to the growing global demand for local products. Sector insiders said domestic...

defence.pk

Here is a video for Star Ceramics, a recent entrant producing high quality catering industry ceramic crockeries items.

 

[Bilal9]

Monno is one of the pioneers of the Bangladesh crockeries industry and they collaborate with the highest end names of the ceramic and tableware designers globally.

Recently their bone china Cupola tableware was featured in the John Lewis & Partners Home magazine. Designed by Queensberry Hunt, the collection was an instant hit when first released and steadily went on to become a JLP classic.

 

[Bilal9]

GIZ delegation meets BGMEA president
Photo: Courtesy

Photo: Courtesy

A delegation of German development cooperation agency GIZ led by its country director for Bangladesh Dr Angelika Fleddermann met with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan.

They held a meeting at BGMEA PR office in Gulshan on 8 December, said a press release.

They discussed on the ongoing and future avenues of collaboration between BGMEA and GIZ to facilitate further development of Bangladesh apparel industry, especially in the areas of environmental sustainability, social standard, productivity, capacity building.

BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, GIZ Project Manager (Programme for Sustainability in the Textile and Leather Sector -STILE) Dr Michael Kolde, Senior Advisor Sarwat Ahmad and Senior Advisor Md Manjur Morshed were also present at the meeting.


HSBC structures Bangladesh's first gender equality loan

• BSS
• 8th December, 2021 06:40:53 PM
• Print news

[IMG alt="HSBC structures Bangladesh's first gender equality loan
"]https://www.daily-sun.com/assets/news_images/2021/12/08/HSBC.jpg[/IMG]

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) in Bangladesh has structured the country's first ever sustainability linked loan targeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, for DBL Group, one of the largest knit garment manufacturers and exporters of Bangladesh.

Sustainability linked loans aim to improve the borrower's sustainability profile by aligning loan terms to the borrower's performance against pre-determined Sustainability Performance Target (SPT) benchmarks, said a press release.

Under this unique incentivized sustainable loan agreement, interest rates are tied to two areas of performance - the increased percentage of female supervisors employed and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Commenting on the landmark signing, M A Jabbar, Managing Director, DBL Group said, "Encouraging female leadership is not only the right thing to do but also has a clear business case. We have observed marked improvement of quality control with female supervisors and now are encouraged to see global financial institutions like HSBC offering economic incentives to do more. We look forward to partner with HSBC in building an equal and sustainable future."

Commenting on this, Md. Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bangladesh said, "We are focused on helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals; be they environmental, social or governance-related. As our customers transition into the new sustainable economy, we stand firm beside them with best practices from around the world and global expertise. We thank DBL Group for being pioneers in two important areas - promoting workplace gender equality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

Kevin Green, Head of Wholesale Banking, HSBC Bangladesh said, "We understand the critical role financial institutions can play in driving forward sustainable business models. And we are glad to have clients like DBL who are pioneers in this space in Bangladesh. I must extend my thanks to the DBL sustainability team who have worked tirelessly with us in structuring this transaction."

HSBC has set out its 'plan for the planet' to support customers to transition to a low carbon future and more sustainable ways of doing business. The bank has an ambition to provide between USD750 billion and USD1 trillion of sustainable finance and investments by 2030 to help them achieve this, to accelerate new climate solutions and inspire our customer to invest to support positive change.

 

[Bilal9]

Proposals for 5 power plants, Railway coaches and Computers okayed

• Staff Correspondent
• 9 December, 2021 12:00 AM

The government approved procurement proposals to set up five new power plants aimed at generating around 224MW electricity mainly from solar energy and waste recycling.

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) approved the plants at a meeting with Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal in the chair on Wednesday.

CCGP also approved the proposals of procuring 90,000 metric tonnes of urea fertilizer, 90,000 tonnes of MOP fertilizer, 580 metre gauge rail coaches from China and 420 broad gauge rail coaches from India.

The meeting approved a total of 16 procurement proposals involving Tk 220 billion. However, it sent back a proposal of the ICT Division, said the finance minister at a virtual press briefing.

According to a proposal, Canves Environmental Investment Company Ltd, China was awarded the work of installing a waste-based 42.5MW power plant.

The plant will be implemented by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) at Kaultia, Gazipur at a cost of Tk 144.08 billion.

Bangladesh-China Renewable Energy Company pvt Ltd bagged the work of setting up a 60MW solar park in Sujanagar, Pabna at a cost of Tk 16.49 billion.

Cyclect Energy Pte. Ltd, Singapore won the Tk 13.22 billion work of a 50MW solar power plant in Jabannagar, Chuadanga.

CCGP approved a 20-year deal with Bangladesh-China Renewable Energy Company pvt Ltd to set up a 68MW solar park in Sirajganj at Tk 17.98 billion.

Besides, Western Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd got the work of 3MW solar-battery-diesel hybrid power plant worth Tk 459 billion in Monpura, Bhola.

CRRC Shandong Co. Ltd. China was picked up for supplying 580 meter-gauge rail coaches for Bangladesh Railway at a cost of Tk 3.98 billion.

Hindusthan Engineering & Industries Ltd, India was selected for supplying 420 broad gauge coaches at a cost of Tk 2.89 billion.

Under the three approved proposals of agriculture ministry, Canadian Commercial Corporation will supply 60,000 tonnes of MOP fertilizer in two lots.

JSC Foreign Economic Association “Prodintorg,” Russia will supply the remaining 30,000 tonnes.

The cabinet committee also approved a proposal of primary and mass education ministry to select Walton Digi-Tech Industries to supply 41,000 laptops and the same number of speakers under PEDP-4 scheme.

Under a proposal of the industries ministry, three local firms will supply a total of 50,000 tonnes of phosphoric acid at a cost of Tk 2.15 billion.


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IMHO, these railway coaches should have been made locally with ToT. That way - we could have employed local employees and improved the technology base. As usual - Railway Haramkhor ba$tards and Mr. Shujan doing his thing. Low-life itars.

 

[Bilal9]

MOBILE PHONE FACTORY TOUR IN BANGLADESH (The guy needs to speak proper Bangla, but he did compile footage of all the primary cellphone makers and assemblers in one video).

 

[Bilal9]

People did not see the criticality of this Bangladesh decision, it joined RCEP. IMHO this is the most important Bangladeshi decision since it spawned SAARC (by General Zia) which could not be successful because of Indian Govt. intransigence.

 

[Bilal9]

Large Tractor Engine power tiller developed in Bangladesh, the inventor calls it "XL Power Tiller".

 

[Bilal9]

Latest residential design updates in Dhaka