Economy
Salman F Rahman Inaugurates BYD’s First Showroom, Supports Govt’s EV Vision
Salman F Rahman, the Private Industries and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, expressed the government’s ambition to achieve a 30% adoption rate of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country by 2030 and realize the Smart Bangladesh vision by 2041. During the inauguration of BYD’s first showroom in Bangladesh, he welcomed the move, emphasizing the importance of making EVs accessible to enable people to make informed choices.
Global EV giant BYD officially launched its first showroom in Bangladesh, facilitating easier access for environmentally conscious individuals to experience electric vehicles and contribute to sustainable living.
The Bangladesh government envisions phasing out traditional fossil fuel-powered cars in favor of electric vehicles to address carbon emissions. However, the adoption of electric vehicles is still in its early stages due to a lack of EV availability in the domestic market.
The opening of BYD’s showroom in the domestic market is a significant step that is expected to boost the adoption of EVs in the country.
CG Runner BD Ltd has taken the initiative to introduce the global EV giant BYD to Bangladesh. The showroom, located in the Tejgaon industrial area in Dhaka, covers 8,400 square feet and can accommodate up to 5 cars at a time.
Initially, the flagship model, BYD Seal (sedan), will be available for sale at the showroom, featuring two variants – Premium Variant with an extended mileage of 570 km (Rear Drive) and Performance Variant with a mileage of 520 km AWD (All-Wheel Drive).
The BYD SEAL showcases a distinctive “Ocean Aesthetics” design, incorporating advanced technologies such as BYD’s e-platform 3.0, innovative CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology, Blade Battery, and iTAC (intelligent Torture Adaptation Control). The model boasts a slanted roofline, panoramic glass roof, short rear deck, waterdrop mirrors, wave waistline, and LED lights.
Customers can experience the cars in the showroom, which will also house two charging stations (AC and DC) for the convenience of BYD car owners.
CG Runner BD LTD plans to open more showrooms and service centers in the near future to expedite the adoption of EVs in Bangladesh.
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.
