[🇧🇩] Electronics and Home Appliances Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Samsung unveils six microwaves assembled by Transcom

Samsung Electronics Bangladesh has introduced six distinct models of microwave ovens that are being assembled in the country by its local partner Transcom Electronics Limited.."The new models combine innovative technology with practical features that make cooking smarter and healthier," sa

www.thedailystar.net

Samsung unveils six microwaves assembled by Transcom

Samsung Electronics Bangladesh has introduced six distinct models of microwave ovens that are being assembled in the country by its local partner Transcom Electronics Limited.

"The new models combine innovative technology with practical features that make cooking smarter and healthier," said Jung Min Jung, managing director of Samsung Electronics Bangladesh.

He was speaking at the unveiling ceremony for these new products at the Amari Dhaka hotel in the capital yesterday.

Jung said Samsung prioritises researching consumer "pain points" and precisely identifying their needs.

Based on these insights, the company incorporates solutions as exclusive features, ensuring unmatched convenience compared to other brands, he added.

The products, themed "Cook Healthy, Live Smart," incorporate unique features such as Slim Fry Technology, which allows users to prepare fried foods with up to 80 percent less oil.

Meanwhile, the Triple Distribution System ensures evenly cooked meals by distributing heat through three antennas. Besides, the Durable Ceramic Enamel Coating, backed by a 10-year warranty, simplifies cleaning and ensures lasting durability for daily use.

The ovens also include features like Quick Defrost, Deodorization, Browning Plus, Turntable On/Off, and Eco Mode for everyday convenience.

With prices starting at Tk 18,500, these microwave ovens are now available at all Transcom Digital, Rangs eMart, and Electra outlets, as well as Samsung's authorised dealer stores.

The newly launched models include three 28-litre convection microwave ovens (MC28AK, MC28VK, MC28VS), a 23-litre solo microwave oven (MS23AK), a 23-litre grill microwave oven (MG23AK), and a 21-litre convection microwave oven (CE76JD).

Shahriar Bin Lutfor, director and head of business at Samsung Electronics Bangladesh; Md Shahidul Islam, chief operating officer at Transcom Electronics; Ritesh Ranjan, head of business at Transcom Digital; Yeamin Sharif Chowdhury, divisional director of electronics at Rancon Holdings Limited; Shahid Ahmed Abdullah, executive director at Electra International; and ASM Muntasir Chowdhury, deputy general manager of product and marketing at Butterfly Marketing Limited, were also present.​

 

[Saif]

Local AC industry seeks ‘fair’ govt procurement policy

Local air conditioner (AC) manufacturers in Bangladesh are pushing for “fair” government procurement policies, arguing that existing rules favour foreign brands despite local companies meeting global standards.

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Local AC industry seeks ‘fair’ govt procurement policy

Local air conditioner (AC) manufacturers in Bangladesh are pushing for "fair" government procurement policies, arguing that existing rules favour foreign brands despite local companies meeting global standards.

They urge the authorities to prioritise quality over origin.

According to industry insiders, around 6 to 6.5 lakh residential ACs are sold every year.

Moreover, there is a demand for around 40,000 units of light commercial ACs, including cassette and ceiling-type units.

Meanwhile, there is also significant demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions, comprising variable refrigerant flow and chiller systems, for large spaces.

Generally, pricing for government purchases is determined based on the Harmonised System code, a standardised international numerical method of classifying products. However, industry insiders argue that this system does not always provide a level playing field for local companies.

Currently, the government procures products through various policies that align with international standards, following the schedule of rates set by the Public Works Department.

According to industry insiders, many local manufacturers, including Walton, Transtec, Gree, Singer, and Media, adhere to these standards and have acquired the necessary certifications.

Some have even secured international quality certifications, ensuring their products are competitive with imported alternatives.

Despite these achievements, local manufacturers face hurdles due to procurement policies that sometimes specify the country of origin rather than focusing solely on product quality and specifications.

"If the government provides clear and specific guidelines, we will be able to manufacture products accordingly," said Md Tanvir Rahman, chief business officer of Walton Air Conditioner.

"However, if procurement decisions are made solely based on the country of origin, it creates an unnecessary barrier for domestic producers," Rahman said.

He said public procurement in Bangladesh was governed by the Public Procurement Act, which mandates that purchases be made based on quality rather than specifying particular countries.

However, in practice, he said, many tenders still include specific country requirements, contradicting the intent of the law. This restriction prevents local manufacturers from competing fairly in government projects, he added. Despite controlling around 90 percent of the local AC market, domestic manufacturers struggle to secure government contracts, he said.

"We are not asking for undue preference. We only seek fair participation in government tenders," said Rahman.

He also stressed that prioritising high-quality domestic products over foreign alternatives would not only strengthen the local industry but also boost employment and economic growth.

Salim Ullah, director (marketing) of Jamuna Electronics, said government entities impose certain conditions that prevent local manufacturers from participating in government tenders.

He stated that these entities specify certain product requirements that local electronic manufacturers cannot fulfil under the open tender method.

He claimed that local manufacturers have already met global standards for TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, and other electronic appliances.

"We, the local manufacturers, cater to 80 percent of the demand for electronic home appliances across the country, while the remaining 20 percent is met by multinational companies," he pointed out.

However, he said, local manufacturers rarely supply government entities, as these entities follow the direct procurement method.

Md Nurul Afser, deputy managing director of Electro Mart, said government procurement entities usually do not prefer locally manufactured electronic items, as they explicitly mention the country of origin.

For this reason, there is limited opportunity to participate in government tenders, he said.

He emphasised the need to prioritise local manufacturers by ensuring they meet the required standards, as this would be cost-effective and help save foreign exchange.

With Bangladesh's AC industry reaching new heights, ensuring fair procurement policies will be crucial in maintaining growth and sustaining local manufacturing capabilities, Afser suggested.

Md Nasim Khan, additional chief engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), Dhaka Metropolitan Zone, said the allegations made by local electronics manufacturers do not apply to all government entities, as procurement criteria vary from one entity to another.

According to him, there is no mandatory requirement to follow the PWD criteria. Rather, most public procurement entities set their own criteria based on public procurement rules (PPR).

He also stated that PPR 2008 emphasises supporting local manufacturers to protect domestic companies.

Md Aynal Haque, professor of the electronics and electrical engineering department at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), stated that local electronic manufacturers have achieved a certain level of standard.

Therefore, the government should allow them to participate in government tenders, he said.

He also suggested that the time has come to revise the conditions of the rate schedule of the PWD so that local electronic manufacturers can take part in tenders.

If there is a requirement for standard and quality checks, the procurement entities can have them tested at the Buet lab, he noted.​

 

[Bilal9]

Sky Bees to invest Tk 550cr to set up drone factory in Bangladesh​

Sky Bees Limited, a newly established company, will today sign an agreement with the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) for land to set up an export-oriented unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production facility.

Sky Bees is set to invest about Tk 550 crore to establish the facility, which will be built inside the BEPZA industrial estate at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar in Chattogram's Mirsarai upazila.

The company expects to export UAVs, commonly known as drones, worth $169 million or roughly Tk 2,300 crore annually after starting production in early 2025.

Sky Bees is the brainchild of Josim Ahmed, an industrialist with an impressive track record in the textile and garment accessories sector, particularly within the export processing zones of Dhaka and Pabna's Ishwardi upazila.

Ahmed's experience extends to his role in establishing two joint ventures: Global Levels Bangladesh Limited, a Spain-Bangladesh partnership, and Jinque Global Textile Bangladesh Limited, a China-Bangladesh collaboration.

With Sky Bees, Ahmed is now focusing on the future, investing in advanced UAV technology, a sector that holds great promise for Bangladesh's export landscape.

According to him, this project represents the hopes of "many dreamers and confident young people."

He describes their journey as one filled with challenges but driven by innovation.

Regarding his team, Ahmed said: "Their eyes and body language make us brave."

He also noted that their progress in making UAV technology has been substantial despite having limited support for research and development.

Sky Bees has already secured overseas training opportunities for its engineers, enabling them to refine their skills and expertise in drone development, Ahmed added.

Its factory will initially produce high-capacity rotary wing drones for firefighting and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones for cinematography, mapping and surveillance.

They also plan to manufacture 10 additional models with varying payload capacities and endurance.

These UAVs, designed primarily for civil applications, will be used for a range of tasks, including spraying pesticides, delivery services and disaster relief operations.

The company's proposal to BEPZA outlines an ambitious target: the production and export of 7,314 UAVs annually, according to Ahmed.

ASM Anwar Parvez, executive director (public relations) of Bepza, told The Daily Star they are going to sign the deal with Sky Bees to lease land to set up the factory.

 

[Saif]

Sky Bees to invest Tk 550cr to set up drone factory in Bangladesh​

View attachment 14395

Sky Bees Limited, a newly established company, will today sign an agreement with the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) for land to set up an export-oriented unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production facility.

Sky Bees is set to invest about Tk 550 crore to establish the facility, which will be built inside the BEPZA industrial estate at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar in Chattogram's Mirsarai upazila.

The company expects to export UAVs, commonly known as drones, worth $169 million or roughly Tk 2,300 crore annually after starting production in early 2025.

Sky Bees is the brainchild of Josim Ahmed, an industrialist with an impressive track record in the textile and garment accessories sector, particularly within the export processing zones of Dhaka and Pabna's Ishwardi upazila.

Ahmed's experience extends to his role in establishing two joint ventures: Global Levels Bangladesh Limited, a Spain-Bangladesh partnership, and Jinque Global Textile Bangladesh Limited, a China-Bangladesh collaboration.

With Sky Bees, Ahmed is now focusing on the future, investing in advanced UAV technology, a sector that holds great promise for Bangladesh's export landscape.

According to him, this project represents the hopes of "many dreamers and confident young people."

He describes their journey as one filled with challenges but driven by innovation.

Regarding his team, Ahmed said: "Their eyes and body language make us brave."

He also noted that their progress in making UAV technology has been substantial despite having limited support for research and development.

Sky Bees has already secured overseas training opportunities for its engineers, enabling them to refine their skills and expertise in drone development, Ahmed added.

Its factory will initially produce high-capacity rotary wing drones for firefighting and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones for cinematography, mapping and surveillance.

They also plan to manufacture 10 additional models with varying payload capacities and endurance.

These UAVs, designed primarily for civil applications, will be used for a range of tasks, including spraying pesticides, delivery services and disaster relief operations.

The company's proposal to BEPZA outlines an ambitious target: the production and export of 7,314 UAVs annually, according to Ahmed.

ASM Anwar Parvez, executive director (public relations) of Bepza, told The Daily Star they are going to sign the deal with Sky Bees to lease land to set up the factory.

It's a great news. Thank you for posting it