Walk the talk

Engineer Abu Noman Howlader 
Chairman, BBS Cables Ltd

With remarkable development in transmission and distribution infrastructure, Bangladesh has made considerable progress in the previous 13 years in providing power to the entire country.

Our industry has so far benefited from current government policies. At the moment, we are primarily concerned with meeting domestic demand. We want to export our products even though the global market is extremely competitive, primarily because of Chinese and Indian companies. I would urge the government to support manufacturers who wish to export cables by rebating taxes by at least 10 percent. If the government approves it for five years, I believe we can build a robust sector during this time.

Since its inception, BBS cables has been committed to maintaining its products to international standards. The fact that our cables are currently being utilised in the Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chattogram is proof of our commitment to quality.

A.K.M. Ahasanul Haque 
Chief Operating Officer,
Partex Cables Ltd

The cable industry in Bangladesh grows by 10 to 15 percent annually. As power generation has increased 10 times, the cable industry has expanded. 

Now that underground cable networks must be built in our cities, where open spaces are quite scarce, the potential use of high-quality cables is clear.

We ensured our products were of the best quality when Partex Cables Ltd started commercial production in 2017. As a result, every year, we increase our share by 4 percent on average, and this year we anticipate an 8 percent increase.

We hope the government will set policies that will encourage us to export our goods and expand. We import raw materials from abroad by paying huge tax. So, if the government could come through with a temporary tax rebate, our cable industry would receive a significant boost.

Mahboob Hossain Mirdah 
Director & CEO, RR-Imperial Electricals Ltd

The widespread power distribution is not possible without a thriving local cable industry. The cable business is now worth over Tk 10,000–12,000 crore, up from Tk 6,000 crore in 2017.

Our raw material costs have nearly doubled.  Therefore, to develop this industry, I would appeal to the government for zero duty or a reduction of the duty fee in the case of importing raw materials.

Additionally, we want support to put an end to substandard and fake cables because they have the potential to cause devastating incidents. We should prioritise purchasing skin-coated cables and flame-retardant(FR) Cables.

RR Imperial Electricals LTD has introduced for the first time in Bangladesh FR and skin-coated technology since 2012. I want the government to mandate FR and skin-coated technology for all electrical cables. We can save lives and preserve the nation's resources by doing this only.

Rakib Ahmed 
Head of Marketing, 
Bizli Cables

As the government has declared 100 percent electrification all over the country, cable industries have the scope to grow exponentially. Many big investors and companies are investing in this industry to meet national requirements. Currently, most of the cable required in Bangladesh is produced and marketed by local manufacturers, except for some specialised cables and extra-high-voltage cables. Within a short time, Bangladeshi manufacturers can also provide these cables.

This industry has much scope, but the raw material price fluctuation makes it challenging to increase profitability. Therefore, the government should give a level playing field by providing the same facility in duty and tax on imported materials and machines. We also need cash incentives on exports so that Bangladeshi manufacturers can export products.