Economy
Honda Launches Advanced 185cc Hornet Amid Growing Demand for Bigger Engines
In the wake of government approval for motorcycles with engines up to 375cc on local roads, Bangladesh Honda Private Ltd (BHL) has unveiled its new 185cc Hornet 2.0, priced at Tk2.89 lakh.
The Hornet 2.0 boasts a range of advanced features, including an assist and slipper clutch system, programmed fuel injection technology, a Showa-built upside-down front fork, and a Bosch-manufactured single-channel anti-lock braking system. The model is available nationwide in four distinct colors: Matte Sangria Red Metallic, Matte Marvel Blue Metallic, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black.
“At BHL, we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology and high performance,” said Shigeru Matsuzaki, Managing Director and CEO of BHL, at the virtual launch event held on Friday. “This new Hornet 2.0 is a perfect combination of power and excitement, showcasing our commitment to enhancing the riding experience in Bangladesh.”
Chief Marketing Officer of BHL, Shah Muhammad Ashequr Rahman, described the Hornet 2.0 as “a fusion of energy and sportiness, with massive naked street sports styling and aggressive performance built into its DNA.”
First introduced globally in 1996, the Hornet series made its debut in Bangladesh with the 165cc model in February 2018. Industry insiders estimate that approximately 45,000 units of the 165cc Hornet are currently on local roads.
The Hornet 2.0 comes equipped with LED lighting, a 140mm wide rear tire, a 110mm wide front tire, and an advanced digital meter console. Its engine delivers 16.6 Ps of power at 8,500 RPM and 15.4 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM, making it suitable for both daily commuting and weekend getaways.
In November 2023, Uttara Motors, the manufacturer and distributor of Bajaj motorcycles, introduced the Pulsar N 250 at around Tk3.4 lakh, marking the first higher-cc commuter bike in Bangladesh. In February 2024, Hero followed suit, launching the 210cc Karizma XMR for nearly Tk4 lakh.
As of June 30, over 1,400 units of these two models had been sold in Bangladesh.
The surge of high-cc motorcycles follows the government’s decision to relax restrictions on engines above 150-165cc, allowing motorcycles with engines up to 375cc on local roads, provided they are manufactured in local plants.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
