Beyond transparency

Nasim Biswas
Managing Director
Nasir Group

Nasir Group has become one of Bangladesh's largest business conglomerates with a wide range of operations, including in the glass industry. While the adoption of "smart" materials in the country's glass sector is not yet widespread, with a focus on conventional products, the company is beginning to introduce smarter technologies through its production.

The Daily Star (TDS): How would you describe the current level of adoption of smart materials in Bangladesh's glass industry?

Nasim Biswas (NM): The adoption of truly "smart" materials in Bangladesh's glass industry is not up to the mark as we expected. The industry is overwhelmingly focused on the production and use of conventional, commodity-grade glass. Bangladesh's local glass production consists of some Sheet Glasses.Float Glass: A higher-quality glass with a uniform surface, used in modern windows and automotive applications.Tempered/Laminated Glass: For safety and security applications (e.g., building facades). These products are "passive." They do not change their properties in response to external stimuli like light, heat, or electricity. Where "smart" or high-performance glasses are in R&D. Recently, Nasir Float Glass are making Auto frost glass, double glazed and laminated glass, where the smart adoption is noticeable.

TDS: How is your product uniquely suited to solve the challenges faced by modern construction in Bangladesh?

NM: It gets to the very heart of why we at Nasir Float Glass have moved beyond being just a manufacturer and have become a solutions provider for Bangladesh's unique and demanding construction landscape. Our product line is not just glass; it is an engineered response to the specific challenges of heat, humidity, storms, energy costs, and urbanisation that define modern construction in Bangladesh. We don't sell square meters; we sell performance, resilience, and intelligence.

TDS: Do you have any data or comparative analysis that shows the long-term financial and environmental savings of using these advanced materials versus conventional ones in a typical urban project?

NM: Yes, Smart glass can offer long-term financial and environmental savings in urban projects compared to conventional glass, primarily through reduced energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting, which lowers utility bills and carbon emissions. Smart windows with daylighting control achieved 23% energy savings. Additionally, the ability to manage peak energy loads can provide flexibility in energy use and increase building comfort. Smart glass can decrease a building's overall energy demand by reducing the need for artificial lighting, heating, and air conditioning.

TDS: What kind of government policies, R&D incentives, or changes in building codes are necessary to accelerate the integration of smart materials into mainstream construction in Bangladesh?

NM: To accelerate smart material integration in Bangladesh, government policies should incentivise R&D and adoption, update building codes to include performance standards for smart materials, and support both large-scale and grassroots innovation through targeted funding and a streamlined regulatory process. These measures should align with national goals like the Climate Action Roadmap for Buildings and Construction, which focuses on livability, functionality, and resilience through sustainable practices.