Mobility made more accessible

Matiur Rahman, 
President of the Bangladesh Motorcycle Assemblers and Manufacturers Association, Chairman and Managing Director of the Uttara Group of Companies

Matiur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Motorcycle Assemblers and Manufacturers Association, Chairman and Managing Director of the Uttara Group of Companies, spearheaded Uttara Motors, which was founded in 1972 and is now a pioneer in local assembly, expanding production capacity, distribution and diversified industrial investments across Bangladesh.

The Daily Star (TDS): From your perspective, what single shift most changed Bangladesh's motorcycle market over the past 25 years? How have riders' expectations changed?

Matiur Rahman (MR): The decisive change was the policy that enabled local assembly and light engineering, which expanded choice and brought down costs through local sourcing. Uttara Motors seized that opportunity, investing in assembly capacity and local partnerships to broaden model availability and keep ownership affordable. Riders split into pragmatic commuters who demand economy, durability and low operating cost — typically 100–125cc — and urban, aspirational buyers who want style and higher displacement in 150–165cc ranges. We supply both: efficient commuter models and aspirational performance variants that reflect evolving tastes.

"Policy that enabled local assembly transformed our market; Uttara Motors invested decisively, expanding production, guaranteeing service and delivering affordable commuters as well as aspirational performance models for Bangladesh's riders today."

TDS: Why are scooters gaining visibility in cities, and who are the primary buyers?

MR: Scooters have grown because they are automatic, easy to ride, ideal for short urban trips and simple to park. Women and younger urban commuters are the primary buyers. We are also looking into compact, feature-rich scooters that prioritise convenience, low maintenance and an attractive ownership proposition.

TDS: What must change in Bangladesh's industry for the transition to electric two-wheelers? How is Uttara Motors planning to move into this segment?

MR: Bangladesh needs widespread charging infrastructure, lower duties, battery recycling and a supportive assembly policy. Uttara Motors is proactively engaging policymakers, preparing our facilities and designing scooter and light-EV architectures so we can introduce electric models swiftly once the ecosystem and incentives mature.

TDS: What are your plans product-wise now that the engine cc limit has gone up?

MR: We are expanding upward in our lineup—more 150–165 cc models are available, and higher-cc offerings, including 250 cc class motorcycles, are planned. We continue to support high-volume commuter models while selectively introducing aspirational performance bikes to meet market demand. Our ongoing investments in factory capacity, warranty programmes and service networks ensure customers receive reliable after-sales support.

The interview was conducted by Tagabun Taharim Titun