Corporate
SINGER to invest $78m in new plant
Singer Bangladesh is about to invest $78m to set up a new home appliance manufacturing plant inside the special economic zone in Narayanganj to expand local production of its products, according to company authorities.
The home appliance manufacturer and retailer, in association with Arcelik, the flagship company of Koç Group, yesterday inaugurated the construction of their very first state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in the country, they said.
The new unit to produce refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, air conditioners and other major home appliances, which will in turn lower imports of such items.
Additionally, the facility will generate around 4,000 employment opportunities while also developing the local supplier base that will provide to the industry in the future, the authorities said during a press briefing at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.
At the event, Dr Fatih Kemal Ebiclioglu, president of Durable Goods Companies of Koc Holding, said they hope this initiative will increase the manufacturing capacity of Singer Bangladesh and strengthen its position in the local market.
he seeks the new unit will go into production by 2023, then said they would consider exporting products made at the new plant after providing to domestic demand.
Cemal Can Dincer, chief commercial officer of Arcelik, said this investment marks a new chapter in their journey in Bangladesh.
“With the support of our new factory, we are planning to locally produce 90pc of our products for local consumers,” he added.
MHM Fairoz, managing director and chief executive officer of Singer Bangladesh, said the company’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be built according to the gold standards of LEED.
LEED is a green building certificate that is recognized all over the world.
He went on to say that Singer will bring the know-how on energy-efficient products and production technologies to Bangladesh, and this will help the country transition to a low-carbon economy.
“Besides, Singer’s green factory in Bangladesh’s special economic zone will make a significant contribution to economic activity and employment,” he said.
Nihat Bayiz, chief technology officer of Arçelik, was also present at the event.
Mustafa Osman Tarun, ambassador of Turkey to Bangladesh; Abdul Azim Chowdhury, additional secretary and executive member of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, and other high officials and stakeholders were present at the groundbreaking ceremony prior the same day.
Koç Holding is the only Turkish company represented in the global Fortune 500 list. Arcelik acquired the holding company of Singer Bangladesh in 2019.
Koc Group envisions sustainability as a business model and places it at the center of all its operations. As such, Arcelik is committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 to tackle the climate crisis.
The group aims to expand its sustainability vision to every country they operate in and create value for all people and the planet, and its investments in Bangladesh will continue with this understanding, according to Singer Bangladesh.
The new Executive Committee of Wikimedia Bangladesh, the officially recognized local chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation, has been elected for the 2026–27 term. A 9-member Executive Committee was formed through a vote by members during the organization’s Annual General Meeting on January 17. Subsequently, the new leadership of the organization was determined during the committee’s first meeting on February 8.
In this committee, Tanvir Rahman has been elected as President, Md. Delwar Hossain as Secretary, and Shakil Hosen as Treasurer. The other members of the Executive Committee are Moheen Reeyad, Shabab Mustafa, Subrata Roy, Dolon Prova, Mayeenul Islam, and Tanbin Islam Siyam.
Founded by Wikipedians in Bangladesh, this organization was recognized as the 39th chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation on October 3, 2011. Later, on June 9, 2014, it was registered as a non-profit foundation in Bangladesh under the Societies Registration Act.
Wikimedia Bangladesh believes in the vision of a world where every human being can share in the sum of all human knowledge. Considering the right to education and knowledge as a human right, this organization works toward the creation, collection, and dissemination of open knowledge at all levels of society. Although the content of Wikipedia and other Wiki projects is created by volunteers, the organization’s goal is to encourage this unique community in digital volunteering and support them in achieving their objectives.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dhaka West has announced its new New Leadership Team for the year 2026, with Subah Afrin elected as Local President and Md Tanvir Hasan as Secretary General.
The executive committee was formed during the General Assembly of JCI Dhaka West, held on Tuesday (December 23) in Gulshan, Dhaka.
The newly announced board includes Sujaur Rahman Emon as Immediate Past Local President, Md Saddam Hossain and Audrika Eshna Purbasha as Executive Vice Presidents, Md Sameen Rahman as Vice President, Masud as Treasurer, and Ibrahim Khalil Foysal as General Legal Counsel.
Other office bearers include Ahmed Wazedul Haque Khan as Training Commissioner, Asia Binta Amanat Sumi as PR and Media Chairperson, Jobayer Ahmed Sakib as Digital Committee Chairperson, Md Tanvir Hossain as International Affairs Chairperson. The committee also includes Directors Abdur Rahman Khan Bappy, Tanvir Sohan, Yasir Shahriar and Ahnaf Ahmed. Committee Chairs appointed for 2026 are Sheikh Mahmuda Sultana Sara, Minhatul Jannat, Rayan Islam Sardar and S M Shafiul Alam Sakib.
The election process was conducted under the supervision of SM Belal Uddin, National Vice President of JCI Bangladesh and 2024 Local President of JCI Dhaka West, who served as the Election Commissioner.
The event was attended by Arefeen Raafi Ahmed, newly elected 2026 National President of JCI Bangladesh, Kazi Fahad 2025 National President, along with members of the National Board and several Local Presidents from different chapters.
JCI is a global organization of young active citizens aged 18 to 40, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Operating in more than 120 countries with over 200,000 members worldwide, JCI focuses on developing leadership, skills and civic responsibility among young people. In Bangladesh, JCI has over 40 Local Organizations, among which JCI Dhaka West is one of the oldest and largest chapters.
Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, China: A diverse delegation of international experts, journalists, and social media influencers concluded a captivating week-long exploration of China’s Yunnan province. The immersive tour, jointly organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and China Daily, showcased the region’s rich tapestry of ethnic culture, historical heritage, volcanic wonders, and serene landscapes.
The journey provided participants from various countries, including Bangladesh, with a first-hand experience of Yunnan’s multifaceted appeal, blending rural revitalization stories with natural splendors.
The expedition began in the captivating Shimao Village, where the group delved into the narrative of the village’s remarkable transformation. Attendees immersed themselves in the unique cultural heritage and daily life of the Wa people, gaining insights into the community’s traditions and their harmonious development within modern China.
The itinerary then led to the volcanic region of Tengchong. At the Tengchong Hot Sea, participants experienced renowned geothermal wellness at the Beauty Pool Hot Spring Hotel, where they relaxed in the mineral-rich waters. The geological wonders continued at the Tengchong Volcano and Geothermal National Geological Park. Here, the delegation witnessed majestic volcanic landscapes, with some taking to the skies in hot-air balloons for panoramic views and others hiking up the iconic Little Sky Mountain for a closer look at the ancient craters.
Seeking autumnal tranquility, the group visited the picturesque Ginkgo Village, where they enjoyed the stunning golden scenery of ancient ginkgo trees, a spectacle that highlights Yunnan’s seasonal beauty and idyllic rural charm.
The cultural and historical depth of the region was further unveiled in Heshun Ancient Town. The delegation visited the century-old Heshun Library and the revered Wenchang Palace, symbols of the town’s deep-rooted scholarly tradition. A tour of the former residence of Ai Siqi, a prominent Marxist philosopher, added a layer of modern historical significance to the visit.
The international delegates, armed with cameras, notebooks, and social media platforms, documented their experiences extensively. They expressed particular admiration for the seamless integration of cultural preservation, ecological conservation, and community development they witnessed.
“This tour was an eye-opener,” remarked Nuruzzaman Kafi, a social media influencer from Bangladesh. “From the vibrant culture of the Wa people to the breathtaking power of the volcanoes and the profound historical atmosphere of Heshun, Yunnan offers a truly layered and unforgettable experience. It’s a powerful story of natural and cultural heritage being cherished and shared.”
Officials from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism stated that such exchanges are vital for fostering international understanding and showcasing Yunnan’s role as a key destination for sustainable and cultural tourism. They believe the delegates’ firsthand accounts and wide-reaching influence will help a global audience discover the unique charms of “Colorful Yunnan.”
The successful tour is expected to generate positive international media coverage and digital content, further elevating Yunnan’s profile as a premier travel destination that celebrates diversity, history, and natural beauty.
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