Dhaka: Martin Kriegner, a member of the Holcim Group Executive Committee and Region Head for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. During their discussion, Kriegner provided insights into Bangladesh's cement consumption trends, the environmental impact of the industry, and Holcim's strategic plans for the local market, as stated by Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Holcim, a leading global cement and building materials company, is the parent company of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh. It operates the only integrated cement plant in Chhatak, Sunamgonj, and has been active in Bangladesh for over two decades. Kriegner expressed gratitude to the government for its ongoing support, which has enabled Holcim to produce high-quality products in Bangladesh.
Kriegner discussed the company's use of "non-recyclable plastics" as a fuel source at its Chhatok factory, claiming that this method has no environmental impact. He highlighted Holcim's role as a leader in sustainable solution technologies, which are also being implemented in Bangladesh. Additionally, he mentioned the company's carbon capture projects at plants in other countries, suggesting the potential for similar initiatives in Bangladesh.
Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO and Managing Director of Bangladesh Operations, spoke about the challenges and opportunities the industry faced over the past year, while expressing optimism for improvement in the upcoming months. Chowdhury pointed out the company's recent introduction of aggregates in Bangladesh, which is expected to save the nation significant amounts in foreign exchange.
During the meeting, Professor Yunus inquired about the environmental effects of using non-recyclable plastics at the Lafarge plant. He was assured that utilizing plastics as fuel would not lead to carbon emissions in the region. The Chief Adviser welcomed further investments from Holcim, reinforcing the government's supportive stance on business and foreign direct investment.
Kriegner reiterated Holcim's dedication to the Bangladeshi market, emphasizing its intention to maintain a long-standing presence. The meeting was also attended by Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Principal Coordinator on SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed, and Principal Secretary Sirajuddin Sathi.