CPH Post Supplement - Bangladesh by The Copenhagen Post

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MESSAGE OF THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF BANGLADESH

n the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Denmark, on behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I am conveying my warmest greetings and heartiest felicitations to the government and the friendly people of Denmark. With profound gratitude we recall Denmark’s recognition of Bangladesh’s Independence in February 1972. We value the role played by Denmark as a development partner on our journey towards attaining socio-economic development since our independence. Bangladesh has attained remarkable socio-economic progress in the areas of poverty alleviation, education, health, gender empowerment, disaster management and social inclusiveness over the last five decades. Following the path of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is graduating now as a middle-income country. Often referred to as a "Development Miracle", it has come a long way from a negative GDP growth rate in the 1970s to achieve an annual GDP in excess of 6.5% over the last decade. Once it was known as a "Bottomless Basket"; today, it is known as a "Land of Opportunity" – a testament to its vibrant economy.

On our journey through this tremendous socio-economic development under the determined leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Danish support has also played a significant part. Today, Denmark is an important development partner that Bangladesh is committed to deepening and expanding trade and investment relations with, working closely for steady growth. Furthermore, we believe our continued strong partnership will become wider and deeper in the days ahead in all possible areas, including the green economy, clean technology transfer, blue economy etc. Immense opportunity abounds to forge a meaningful partnership to face global challenges such as climate change, the forced displacement of people and regional security. On the occasion of this milestone event, we look forward to elevating our relations to a new height in the spirit of mutual interest, friendship and respect. Long Live Bangladesh-Denmark Friendship! Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu. Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, M.P

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PHOTO: HASSE FEROLD

MESSAGE OF THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF DENMARK

angladesh and Denmark share a history of close ties and co-operation – ties that go back to the birth of the nation of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, as Denmark was among the first countries to recognise the new nation after independence in 1971. Our two countries agreed on diplomatic relations shortly after 4 February 1972 and Denmark opened an embassy in Dhaka in August in the same year. Therefore, this year we are happy to celebrate the double anniversary of 50 years of diplomatic relations and the birth of the nation of Bangladesh.

By signing the Paris Agreement, Denmark and Bangladesh have committed to the ambition of reducing our national CO2 footprint and working for a greener and more sustainable future. Denmark has shown it is possible to combine sustainability and a growing economy. I am happy to note that Bangladesh is heading for the same target and that Denmark stands ready to share our experience. Danish companies are interested in bringing green solutions to Bangladesh – and already Danish technologies are utilised in Bangladesh to help reduce the country’s CO2 emissions.

From the outset, our co-operation has been close and our relations have evolved over the years. Starting with development co-operation in the early years, it has blossomed into a broad and comprehensive partnership covering a wide range of areas of mutual interests. Half a century later, is it safe to say our relationship is closer and stronger than ever before.

In addition to the green transition, sustainability in the production sector also includes decent working conditions that support a stable labour market. Ensuring a just, safe and healthy working environment will be of paramount importance for future exports, including to Europe.

Today, our key focus and common goal is to create a sustainable socio-economic platform for a continued economic and just development of Bangladesh. Over the course of the last decades, Bangladesh has delivered an impressive transformation into a lower middle-income country. It is even more impressive that Bangladesh has done so given its high exposure to the effects of climate change and its vulnerability to natural disasters.

The 50-year anniversary of diplomatic relations is celebrated in the midst of a global pandemic. This reminds us of the importance of mutual interlinkages and interdependencies of populations and nations, and it has strengthened our resolve to work together as close partners. We celebrate the excellent partnership between our two countries and stand ready to further advance our ties.

Our two countries are partnering not only bilaterally, but also on global agendas, where we jointly promote shared values such as climate action, gender equality and sustainability.

Happy Anniversary!

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Jeppe Kofod

PHOTO: HASSE FEROLD

MESSAGE OF THE BANGLADESH AMBASSADOR TO DENMARK

n the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Denmark, let me have the privilege to congratulate all the people of Denmark and Bangladesh celebrating this joyous occasion. Bangladesh and Denmark enjoy excellent bilateral diplomatic relations, groomed over the years since their inception on 4 February 1972. Today Bangladesh finds Denmark as its longtrusted friend in Europe. Bangladesh is glad to find Denmark as its partner in all its development initiatives – especially on developing socioeconomic parameters. Denmark is always by the side of Bangladesh when it comes to people-to-people contact, green initiatives, circular fashion, trade & business, the Blue Economy and maritime co-operation. The Bangladesh government is thankful to the Danish government for always remaining by its side in all its development endeavours. Bangladesh is now a lower middle-income country that is thriving to attain the status of a developed country by 2041. The present government of Bangladesh has taken the Bangladesh economy to a new level, ensuring food and basic needs for all. Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh H.E. Sheikh Hasina’s dynamic leadership has ensured the economic emancipation of all its citizens.

Bangladesh as a leader of the Climate Vulnerable Forum(CVF) strives for climate justice for all. As a vivid supporter of the Paris Agreement, Bangladesh vows to reduce its carbon emissions by the desired level by 2030. Green co-operations with governments such as Denmark’s has benefited Bangladesh’s efforts with the forum, but we urge more developed countries to support the Climate Vulnerable Global Fund. As a pioneer of the CVF, Bangladesh is proud to stand side-by-wide with its Danish friends in the area of green co-operation. On this joyous moment of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Denmark, I urge all the friendly people of Denmark to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their Bangladeshi friends in all development initiatives. I urge all Bangladeshi expatriates living in Denmark to contribute firmly towards further developing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Denmark. My fervent hope is that together we can build the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: ‘A Golden Bengal/Sonar Bangla’ for all Bengali people. I thank the Danish government for its continued support and co-operation. Long live the Bangladesh-Denmark Friendship! Joi Bangla! M. Allama Siddiki

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BLUE ECONOMY

SHORES OF

PLENTY THE BLUE ECONOMY OF THE BAY OF BENGAL: ITS RELEVANCE FOR BANGLADESH BY REAR ADMIRAL MD. KHURSHED ALAM

ore than 90% of Bangladesh’s external freight trade is seaborne – and ongoing globalisation has made this flow ever more important. The long coastline and age-old tradition of sea navigation in Bangladesh have led to a relatively strong development of maritime services that support sea trade and the sea transport function (ranging from shipping agents, freight forwarders, and insurance to classification and inspection, and maritime education in the marine academies/dockyards/ shipyards/ nautical institutes etc).

FREIGHT WORTH ITS WEIGHT Presently, exports and imports are worth around 90 billion US dollars a year to Bangladesh, but this could be so much more with a slice of the freight revenue. An estimated 5,000 foreign ships visit the country’s ports every year, to the extent that an estimated 90 billion US dollars has been paid by importers, exporters and buyers in freight and other related charges to foreign shipping companies, airlines and freight operators to carry goods in and out of Bangladesh. There are only 80 registered Bangladeshi merchant ships – an insufficient number to carry even a fraction of the country’s cargo. Considering the average import growth rate of 15.79% (last 10 years) and export growth rate of 15.43% (last 10 years), the projected freight value of the next ten years will be around 435 billion dollars. In order to retain a large slice of this capital, Bangladesh must over the next decade provide enough incentives to local shipping companies to add more ships to their existing fleet, whilst also encouraging freight operators to establish freight services, including container liner

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services to carry goods to/from Bangladesh using its own ships and freighters, as well as chartered ones. Bangladesh must enhance the existing handling and berth capacities of ports like Chittagram, Mongla and Payra and also develop deep seaports with more capabilities and modern handling equipment in Matarbari to cater for the increased trade and commerce. The establishment of seaports can significantly reduce export lead times and earn a steady flow of revenue for the country.

RUNNING A TIGHTER SHIP The shipbuilding industry contributes to this function by providing the necessary equipment, which not only covers ships but also the marine equipment in which Bangladeshi industries can play an important role. There are more than 100 shipyards and workshops in Bangladesh and an almost 100% requirement that these yards must build the nation’s inland vessels, fast patrol boats, dredging barges, passenger vessels, landing crafts, tugs, supply barges, deck loading barges, speed boats, cargo coasters, troop carrying vessels, hydrographic survey vessels, survey boats, pilot boats, water taxis and pontoons. Ship building yards are constructing 10,000 DWT seagoing ships for export and are expected to upgrade their capacity to 25,000 DWT. The shipbuilding industry not only earns foreign exchange but also saves it. Compare that to road and rail transportation, for which 100% of transport vehicles/rolling stocks are imported from abroad. It should be promoted and nurtured in all possible ways, including its horizontally and vertically-linked businesses, so the sector is given opportunities and

GOLD IN THE SEA Experts believe there are 13 heavy mineral-rich silts in the adjacent sea areas of Bangladesh, containing the likes of ilmenite, garnet, colemanite, zircon, retile and magnetite – rare substances more valuable than gold. The sale of these minerals could earn billions of dollars for Bangladesh. Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) is the largest and single most valuable species. With an annual catch of over 5,000,000 units, it generates employment and income for 2.5 million people – a total value of 1.3 billion US dollars per year. Lucrative shrimp, which is cultured inland and then caught in the Bay of Bengal, goes directly to the processing plant and ends up in the markets of the USA, EU and Japan. The Foreign Ministry’s Maritime Affairs unit, in collaboration with the Netherlands, has already completed a study wherein Bangladesh would be able to cultivate seaweed for ingredients used in soap and fish feed, which is worth 2.3 million US dollars a year.

incentives for growth and expansion. Other similar manufacturing and engineering fronts, including ship repairing facilities, should also be seriously explored. Ship recycling, meanwhile, must be turned into a modern industry with an ecofriendly infrastructure and compliance of international conventions.

REEL IN THE BIG ONE! Around 475 species of fish can be found in Bangladesh’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) compared to 250 species on land. Most are salted and dried for human consumption. Fish still provides the desired protein needs of the Bangladeshi people, but the country is missing out on the economic potential. About 70,000 artisanal mechanised and non-mechanised wooden boats, along with 250 industrial steel body trawlers, are engaged in fishing the coastal waters up to 60 km from Bangladesh’s coastline, but at a depth of up to 40 metres this has a very limited capability when it comes to demersal fish. Long-line fishing is totally absent in deep waters, and it is estimated that other countries bordering the Bay of Bengal caught 9 million tonnes of fish in the area in 2021, compared to Bangladesh’s share of only 1.2 million. There is tremendous potential for increasing the country’s marine catch. Introducing better technology and more long lines, increasing incentives for bigger ocean-going trawlers, and venturing more than 60 km beyond the coastline (the EEZ permits 370 km) could radically transform the industry.

CONTROLLING NATURE FROM WITHIN The 577,040 hectares of the Sunderbans mangrove forests owned by Bangladesh provides a livelihood to about 7.5 million people. A multitude of products are derived, including timber, lumber, boat-building materials, rafts and garan for tanning nets, honey, wax, and more.

Mangrove afforestation in newly accreted intertidal areas has been going on for decades now. Bangladesh has been working on the greenification of its deltas and coastal belts, and in the long run it is hoped it will help sustain agriculture whilst helping to control nature itself: whether it is the canals and creeks that serve as a spawning/breeding ground for many species, the course of the various rivers that run through it, the intrusive saline waters and even the wind speeds of cyclones.

HUMAN RESOURCES CRITICAL Well-trained, skilled and educated human resources are the driving force behind the development of the economy. After all, dynamic and sustainable development is not possible without a skilled workforce who can participate in the globalisation of business and the accompanying technological revolution. A large army of skilled coastal and offshore engineers, navigators, merchant mariners, fishery experts, technologists, biotechnologists and a variety of other professions will give the blue economic growth the thrust it requires. Many will be sourced from the recently established Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI), along with a new maritime university that specialises in coastal and oceanic research, as well as human resource development. Any effort to build capacity or transfer technology in the Blue Economy needs to consider how such efforts best fit the current circumstances and needs of the partner institutions. Technology transfer is traditionally understood as a commercial or trade-related process in the innovation chain involving the acquisition and use of technology and the knowledge and skills needed to operate it. A science-based approach is essential to the development of the Blue Economy, commencing with the initial assessment and critically the valuation of the blue capital at Bangladesh’s disposal. This will provide a basis for informed decisionmaking and adaptive management. This major undertaking must be addressed and continually refined and upgraded in

line with changing circumstances, evolving technologies and increasing understanding, or the Blue Economy approach will founder. This underlines the importance of technical assistance, technology transfer and capacity building in the pursuit of sustainable development. The Blue Economy may be stimulated by putting the right ‘enablers’ in place – prerequisites that have to be in place to create an environment open to innovation and growth. This includes research and education but also spatial planning. Additionally, Bangladesh needs to remove barriers to create better conditions for innovation and maritime economy to develop. Existing funding instruments/ mechanisms are not good enough to support the development of the Blue Economy.

PRIVATE SECTOR INCLUSION Lastly, Bangladesh needs to encourage partnerships between private authorities and economic players in order to foster scale-effects and the mutual reinforcement of learning and investment to explore global market opportunities for the international dimension of the Blue Economy. With a view to improving food security, eradicating poverty and delivering shared prosperity, global leaders, ocean practitioners, scientists, and representatives from government, business, civil society, national and international organisations must come together to explore actionorientated partnerships, governance arrangements, investment frameworks and new financing vehicles to turn the tide – not only of the health of oceans but also how the resources of the sea could be used for economic emancipation.

AUTHOR Rear Admiral Md. Khurshed Alam (retd) BN is the current Secretary of Maritime Affairs Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh

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GREEN GROWTH

50 YEARS OF A BLOSSOMING FRIENDSHIP GREEN GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR DANISH BUSINESSES IN BANGLADESH

The chief of Bangladesh’s apex investment promotion agency matches the investment needs of key Bangladeshi industries with Danish strongholds to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties BY MD SIRAZUL ISLAM

n 4 February 1972, an urgent telegram arrived from Copenhagen to Dhaka. In a warm message, Denmark recognised Bangladesh’s independence and hoped that the efforts to build a new nation from scratch would be successful.

Asia. It is projected to grow by over 7% and become a $500-billion economy in just five years! The country offers a domestic market of over 170 million, a strategic location, high profitability, a demographic dividend and ready facilities.

Fifty years on, Bangladesh has emerged as a global model of economic growth. And just as the telegram assured, Denmark has been one of Bangladesh’s strongest bilateral partners. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of their friendship, Dhaka and Copenhagen are deepening co-operation in areas where each has a lot to offer: investment and trade, sustainable development and climate change.

RIPE FOR INVESTMENT For businesses in Denmark, Bangladesh has plenty of investment opportunities. Danish expertise and innovations are beneficial because Bangladesh is a climate-vulnerable country with a high-growth economy and a strategic focus on ensuring sustainable practices.

A BEST KEPT SECRET Bangladesh is perhaps also one of the best kept secrets in the world. Investors have been witnessing consistent growth here. This is evident because more than 60% of the country’s FDI is re-investments. Despite the effects of the pandemic, Bangladesh achieved the highest growth in

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At present, around 40 Danish companies are operating in Bangladesh. The country wants to invite more Danish businesses to explore opportunities in its best-performing and untapped industries, including agribusiness, IT, transport and logistics, and in offering green solutions to manufacturers. Needless to say, Bangladesh provides strong and consistent policy support to businesses that invest in these vital sectors.

Denmark has already expressed keen interest in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector – especially in agro-processing and in improving the quality and safety of products and food. Located on the Ganges Delta – the world's largest river delta – Bangladesh is the future of agribusiness.

Bangladesh’s second-biggest export earner. There are opportunities in agro sub-sectors and agro-allied sectors. Bangladesh is also the world’s second largest producer of jute – another top export earner that offers opportunities in diversified products manufacturing.

The local market is valued at 6 billion US dollars and it is projected to grow to 8 billion by 2023. The rapidly-growing sector has recently emerged as

FOOD PROCESSING: Edible oil, rice, wheat, sugarcane, potato, fruits and vegetables, spices AGRI-INPUT: farm machinery, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, irrigation POST-HARVEST INFRASTRUCTURE: cold chain, food park AGRI-ALLIED SECTORS: Dairy processing, aqua and poultry Future of agribusiness

SUPPORTING INVESTORS As the country’s lead agency for business climate reforms, BIDA works with all stakeholders to achieve regulatory and procedural clarity to address constraints and develop institutional capacity. Due to this commitment, Bangladesh became a Top-20 reformer in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report. Even though the Doing Business index has been suspended, Bangladesh is continuing to implement holistic reforms for ensuring a predictable and rule-based environment for businesses.

• Over 400 IT ﬁrms export products to over 60 countries • ITeS industry is export oriented with 800 ﬁrms • USA and UK are the major destinations

Bangladesh is now one of the fastest growing digital economies in the world. Danish investors can provide growth capital to rapidly-growing tech companies in Bangladesh and source IT talent. Governance, human resources, IT opportunities and citizen services have been transformed by Digital Bangladesh – a strategic policy vision of the government of Bangladesh. To reach the next level of Bangladesh’s digital journey, it has opened up avenues for innovative investments. By 2025, its IT-ITeS industry is expected to grow ﬁve-fold to reach 4.8 billion US dollars. Bangladesh is home to 16% of the world's online workers, which is the world's 2nd largest pool of IT professionals. The start-up scene in Bangladesh is also ﬂourishing with 1,200 active startups. Bangladeshi startups received around 165 million US dollars in funding in 2021, which is encouraging for the ecosystem.

TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS To become an upper middle-income country by 2026, Bangladesh is heavily investing in infrastructure, and this is one of the key factors driving the country’s growth. It is now eyeing an end-to-end transformation of the transport and logistics sector. Bangladesh will need investments worth 608 billion US dollars in infrastructure until 2040. The infrastructure and services market of Bangladesh’s transport and logistics sector is valued at 15 billion US dollars and Bangladesh is encouraging higher private sector participation and Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Bangladesh has a density dividend and strategic location. Its landmass links India, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal. A quarter of the world's traded goods crosses the Bay of Bengal, which forms the country’s southern boundary. There are opportunities

in sustainable maritime and port infrastructure, inland waterways transportation, ancillary logistics services and temperature-controlled logistics etc.

Starting and operating business in Bangladesh is now faster, simpler and more transparent. As the apex investment promotion agency under the Prime Minister’s Oﬃce, BIDA supports investors throughout their investment cycle. Investor services are oﬀered through the award-winning online One Stop Service (OSS) portal (bidaquickserv.org), which currently provides 56 services via 18 agencies. Bangladesh is supporting the entry, operation and growth of Danish businesses and looks forward to extending dedicated services to more businesses from Denmark. On this note, allow me to convey my best wishes to our friends in Denmark on the 50th anniversary of our bilateral ties. Looking forward to hearing from you!

2nd largest producer of jackfruit in the world

GREEN SOLUTIONS Danish companies can oﬀer green growth solutions to local manufacturers in Bangladesh. Manufacturing currently accounts for around 17% of value-added and 90% of exports in the country. Bangladesh has the world’s third largest readymade garment manufacturing sector, which is working steadily to achieve environmental excellence.

2nd largest producer of jute in the world 9th largest producer of mangoes in the world

Bangladesh has 150 LEED-certified factories – the world’s highest number of green garment factories. Green production – through water recycling, instilling material efficiency levels and controlling air pollution – will be beneficial for all manufacturing processes.

8th largest producer of guavas in the world

8th largest producer of potatoes in the world

8th largest producer of chilies in the world

3rd largest producer of tomatoes in South Asia The Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh, H.E. Winnie Estrup Petersen, joins a discussion on Nordic FDI opportunities at BIDA's head oﬃce in Dhaka's Agargaon in November 2020

AUTHOR MD SIRAZUL ISLAM is the Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) BANGLADESH SUPPLEMENT

DIGITALISATION

NATION OF INNOVATION ONBOARD WITH DIGITAL BANGLADESH, A LONG-TERM VISION TO ACHIEVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT. IF THE GOVERNMENT IS THE CAPTAIN, THEN BASIS IS THE ENGINE ROOM – AND IT HAS A BUSY COUPLE OF DECADES AHEAD! BY RUSSELL T AHMED networking with foreign clients and participating in international business events. BASIS considers Denmark to be an emerging destination for Software and IT/ ITES exports and harnessing foreign direct investment in Bangladesh’s ICT-based innovative startups.

IDEALLY PLACED TO FACILITATE Bangladesh is now dubbed as a ‘Development Miracle’ and it has become widely known as the ‘land of immense opportunities’. As one of the most attractive destinations for Foreign Direct Investments in the South Asian region, Bangladesh can help businesses operating in trade and investment to achieve success. Conducive government policies and regulations enable the sector to flourish – especially in the ICT sector, as the local market is also expanding for IT/ITES products and solutions at a quick rate.

igital Bangladesh was a long-term vision designed by the current ruling Awami League Government in Bangladesh to trigger socio-economic and human development by 2021 through Information Communication Technology (ICT). The Election Manifesto of 2008 laid the foundation for this vision, and then the election manifesto of 2014 took this concept much further forward and defined the goals for a developed Bangladesh by 2041. The vision had a clear agenda resting on the following pillars: Digital Government, Human Resource Development, IT Industry Promotion, and Connecting Citizens.

FIVE PILLARS OF ICT In continuation of this vision, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 1 January 2022 declared ‘ICT Products and Services’ as the ‘National Product of the Year’ for 2022 to encourage exports. Announcing ICT as the product of the year sends a message regarding the amount of potential and quality this sector has to

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provide. It is not only a declaration but also a merchandising tool that Bangladesh would like to take to the next level. It is the country’s sacred responsibility to focus on five pillars: HR capacity development, the startup ecosystem, local market development, a goal of 5 billion US dollars in export earnings by 2025, and persistent industry promotion highlighting the potential areas of future collaborations with trusted partner countries like Denmark.

PROOF IN THE NUMBERS In chasing Bangladesh’s long-cherished dreams, the facts and figures of the ICT industry show that it is progressing in the right direction to become a growth engine of the national economy. For instance, the sector achieved export earnings of 1.3 billion US dollars in FY 2020-21 with close to 100% domestic value-addition holdings of 1.4 billion – the equivalent market share in local market earnings. This has led to a contribution of 0.76% to the GDP, creating more than 1 million US dollars directly, as well as employment opportunities in Bangladesh.

EVIDENT IN THE RANKINGS As a reflection of the co-ordinated approach between the government and BASIS, the reflection of Digital Bangladesh is visible on all fronts. To recall just a few of its recent global landmarks, Bangladesh now ranks second in the world for digital outsourcing, ninth for mobile phone users, ninth for social media users, and 12th for smartphone users, while in Asia it ranks fifth for internet usage. Additionally, it became the 32nd country in the world to join the nuclear club, the 57th to launch its own satellite, and it has the seventh largest data centre.

BASIS PROVIDES THE MEANS To implement and promote the Digital Bangladesh vision, BASIS provides services and promotes the industry, ensuring participation at international IT fairs and marketing missions as well as creating business linkage programs for outsourcing, B2B trade platforms, and capacity building training programs. The organisation also promotes international market augmentation through

To highlight just a few of the ways the government is helping: 100% Tax Exemption for Export Oriented IT/ITES, functionality of 29 Hi-Tech Parks and Software Parks, no obstacles to 100% profit repatriation, 10% cash incentive on export earnings in IT/ITES, and a recently announced financial stimulus package that is non-discriminatory between local and foreign-owned IT/ITES businesses. Certainly, we believe, Danish FDI-makers can tap these rewarding investment opportunities to further flourish.

POTENTIAL GAME-CHANGER If a bilaterally arranged value-chain among the ICT business communities of Denmark and Bangladesh is established, it could prove to be a game-changer in uplifting the long-cherished Denmark-Bangladesh relationship further. With this view in mind, BASIS extends its ever-cooperating hand towards the Danish business community and looks forward to initiating many activities together – starting from today in order to expedite technology transfer and become an innovative society! AUTHOR RUSSELL T AHMED is the President of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS)

FASHION

REDRAWING THE CIRCULAR FASHION MAP

BANGLADESH IS NOW A GARMENT-SOURCING HUB AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME THE WORLD LEADER IN THIS AREA. LEARN ABOUT THE BUSINESS MODEL THAT COULD PROVE TO BE A GAME-CHANGER FOR THE COUNTRY BY MOSTAFIZ UDDIN vest the maximum value from the products whilst in use. Then you recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life and thereby you create a new business model.

SERVICING EUROPE In Europe, you have for years been able to recycle plastic, tin cans and other materials. There are cities where traffic is fueled by recycled organic waste with great success. You dispose of your waste. You are rewarded financially for handing in waste by a deposit system. Waste is turned into energy that fuels society: a business model that rewards the consumer, society and ultimately the environment. It’s a full circle.

erms like sustainability, green production and ethics are basics in the world of fashion and apparel today.

But circularity, the latest buzzword, is one that stretches beyond the fashion industry. It is a terminology that academia has been conceptualising for years and only now industries are starting to understand and put into practice. We are still at 1.0 in the new movement towards rethinking how we produce, consume and recycle, how to protect the environment, and what business models we can develop from here that will support circular production.

UNDOUBTED POTENTIAL The discussion concerning recycling has not really involved Bangladesh very much – until now. That changed recently with the launch of a new partnership by Global Fashion Agenda and the BGMEA, which is funded by P4G and supported by the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh. This collaboration project is a call to action to recycle textile waste in Bangladesh. However, the partnership is only addressing the recycling of pre-consumer waste, which is the tip of the iceberg in the realm of circular fashion. I believe Bangladesh could be the garment-sourcing hub to lead the world in circular fashion. The circular economy is an academic alternative to a traditional economy that is linear, where you produce, consume and throw away. In the circular economy scenario, you keep resources in use for as long as possible, and then extract and har-

Bangladesh, as a nation, does not sell directly to consumers yet, so it cannot co-create circular business models with the big apparel and fashion chains that are ready to look for a circular business model. However, there could be an opportunity for Bangladesh to start to investigate what it could offer to the European chains in relation to circular concepts and business models, whilst keeping loyalty and business flowing at home.

TWO BUSINESS MODELS Bangladesh has two apparent business models to offer to Western brands and retailers. The first option is value-adding and innovating together with design and buying teams in the area of the development of fabrics that are bio-degradable or have the potential for up or down-cycling. Bangladesh could become one big innovation centre for guiding brands and retailers towards circularity. Our industry could charge extra margins for the knowledge and thereby increase revenue whilst branding Bangladesh as a hub for circular knowledge and innovation. The other business model is to set up a deposit system enabling retailers to charge a higher price for units that includes an amount repaid should the clothing be returned. The idea is simple: take leftover fabric or products and turn them into new, usable pieces of clothing. We can produce tees, sweaters, and pants out of excess or waste textiles; fabrics would be opened, carded, spun again and woven into new knits, and could easily be fashionable and

well-cut staples. We could create a great story and create a circular business model where we go for a B2C opportunity— selling directly to the Western consumers and demonstrating leadership in circular fashion production. We would then simultaneously attract the most important global brands and retailers who look for innovation and great stories to boost their brand value with the consumers and on the stock market.

RECYCLING IN, DYEING OUT Ninety-five percent of textile fibres can be recycled. It is actually cheaper, if you work in volume, because you don't have to go through the dyeing process. Growing cotton and then dyeing it, just for one shirt, can eat up as much as 2,700 litres of water. Much of that water is then contaminated. While some dyeing houses are

responsible, using GOTS-certified dyes (or non-toxic dyes), not all are. And consequently, the wastewater mixes with local water sources, which then pollutes our water systems and ultimately the sea. Everything is interconnected; it is one ecosystem. So, can we not create circular business models that brand Bangladesh as an innovator, add value within circularity and at the same time grow businesses and protect the environment?

AUTHOR MOSTAFIZ UDDIN is the founder of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange and also the Managing Director of Denim Expert Limited BANGLADESH SUPPLEMENT

Bangladesh

At home among the beautiful landscapes and welcoming people: why most Danish visitors to Bangladesh return a second time BY ARMELLE DELMELLE Bangladesh is like an open book: the people are curious about overseas visitors and readily invite them into their homes! It’s such a contrast to Denmark, where the people are welcoming, but never likely to let you see where they live. Danish visitors to the country are accordingly blown away by the Bangladeshi people’s hospitality and friendly nature!

AMBASSADOR WINNIE ESTRUP PETERSEN What is your connection to Bangladesh? I took up my position as the Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh in September 2018. During the almost four years that I have lived here, I have made Dhaka my home. It has been an immersive experience in this hospitable, buzzing and dynamic culture. And the colours! I love the colours: bright, vivid and oﬅen contrasting. They reﬂect the beauty of the people, the landscapes, and the culture in all its forms. I don’t know

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UNPARALLELED GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT We spoke to four Danish visitors to the country: the current ambassador, a charity worker, a businessman and a family who were in the country as tourists. They all had diﬀering experiences, but if there was one thing that shone through: it was how touched they were by the Bangladeshi people’s generosity of spirit. It’s no exaggeration to say they would share their last pot of food with a stranger.

how many Bangladeshi textiles I have acquired. One is more beautiful than the other. What are your impressions of the country? The people of Bangladesh are by far the country's most distinct feature in my view. They have put Bangladesh on the world map through their hard work. Since its independence only 50 years ago, Bangladesh has produced numerous social innovations that have helped upliﬅ many people out of poverty. I am very proud of the Danish development co-operation’s contribution to that achievement

throughout the years. Nowadays, Danish companies are increasingly looking to become part of Bangladesh’s journey as it continues to prove itself as one of the fastest growing economies in South Asia. This is not least due to the apparels and textiles sector, which has seen signiﬁcant progress in creating decent working conditions and industrial green transition. I must add that I am also enthusiastic to see Bangladesh, one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, embracing a green transition and matching the Danish ambitions.

LISE JENSEN What is your connection to Bangladesh and how many times have you been there? I am now retired, but I think I have been four times. I have been around the whole of Bangladesh. What were your impressions of the country and its people? I loved it very much. It is a very beautiful country, so diﬀerent from ours. Beautiful landscapes and beautiful people too. I have experienced every aspect of the country. And what about the people? Everybody was very kind and helpful.

The people are so kind. Even if they have little, they would share it with strangers. So you remember the country well? Bangladesh and its people will always have a place in my heart because I've been there so many times. Do you have any plans to return to Bangladesh once more? I don't think so. I'm 84 now and it has been many years ago since we went to Bangladesh. I am not going to many places anymore, but Bangladesh was undoubtedly one of the most special. I’ll never forget it.

THE ERBETH FAMILY So Ditte, I understand that you all took a family holiday there in 2015? Yes, my husband Ulrik and I, and our four kids: Andrea 12, Frida 10, Carl 5, and Valdemar 2. Why did you choose Bangladesh? My brother was working there and we decided to visit him and his girlfriend for two weeks in February during the Danish Winter Holiday.

ALEXANDER TIMMERMANN What is your connection to Bangladesh, and how many times have you visited? I have been to Bangladesh a number of times in connection with work and lived there for about two years over two different periods. It will probably work out as five to six visits. What were your impressions of the country? Obviously the country is not without its challenges – high population density, and environmental challenges – but there are some very beautiful places and people too. The country is changing quickly these days – especially in the cities with urban growth, IT

and mobile phones being introduced – but you will still find the traditions being observed. What are your impressions of the Bangladeshi people? Bangladeshis are extremely friendly and welcoming. Generally, foreigners are treated very well and there is a lot of curiosity about foreigners as well. You will have a chance to connect with people and get invited into their homes and lives. Do you have any plans to return? Yes, I plan to return in connection with work this spring, but the travelling is a bit challenging because of COVID-19. As I am based abroad, I am not sure whether I have to travel back to Denmark first to obtain a visa from the embassy in Denmark.

Was it an easy country to navigate? Our knowledge of the country was limited to reading one novel: ‘The Golden Age’ by Tahmima Anam. And initially we found it quite chaotic. But once we left noisy Dhaka we flew to Cox’ Bazar and stayed at a very nice and calm place at the beach, the Mermaid Beach Resort.

Old Dhaka was very interesting it was the only place we met other tourists from outside of Bangladesh. All the other Europeans we encountered were expats we met at the Nordic Club.

lot. It was very different from visiting the likes of Vietnam, Laos, or Thailand. The country had a lot to offer tourists – culture, history, nice food and beautiful landscapes.

What memories particularly What do you recall about the holiday? stick out? Well, we talk about this holiday a We took daily excursions to temples, markets and to walk in the rice fields. We also went to Saint Martin’s Island, where the people arranged nice food and music for us.

The country had a lot to offer tourists: – culture, history, nice food and beautiful landscapes.

What did you think of the Bangladeshi people in general? People found us interesting and wanted to help us and show some of the treasures of their country – for instance we were led in to see the palace on our own even though it was closed to the public. They were fun to talk to – they had a good sense of humour. What else would you recommend to visitors?

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LALBAGH FORT

BY JABED AHMED

A LAND FOR ALL SEASONS FEW COUNTRIES OFFER UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES IN EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR, BUT BANGLADESH DOES! APPEALING TO BOTH SUN-SEEKERS AND ADVENTURERS, THIS UNEXPLORED GEM IN SOUTH ASIA SHOULD BE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST!

amous Persian poet Jalal-Uddin Muhammad Rumi once said: “What you seek is seeking you.” This quote is probably apt for a tourist destination like Bangladesh that can oﬀer someone the ultimate solace from the drudgery of life. Endowed with the blessing and abundance of nature, the terrain of Bangladesh is one of the liveliest on earth. Bangladesh is a lovely land of South Asia with multifarious tourist attractions that include archaeological sites, historical mosques and monuments, resorts, stretched beaches, mangrove forests, tribal people, splashing riverine diversity and a wildlife of various species. She is also rich in wildlife and game birds, while its world heritage sites speak of its richness of culture and a

AHSAN MANJIL

BANGLADESH SUPPLEMENT

people waiting with outstretched hands to welcome you. Bangladesh is endowed with many natural resources, including unlimited sun, sea, sandy beaches, coastal areas, hill tracts, forests and even a coral island, and it is blessed with diversified seasons. The contribution of tourism to its national GDP is 3.3%. Around 323,000 foreign tourists visited Bangladesh in 2019, and it was expected that the trend would increase in the coming years, until COVID-19 reared its head. In what is the new normal, Bangladesh is trying to mitigate the irrecoverable losses and find a way forward to develop its tourism sectors. Read on for an overview of the top tourist attractions Bangladesh has to offer.

LALBAGH FORT

stairways, it recently became a museum.

In the hundreds of years that followed the rule of the Mughals, successive governors and princely viceroys adorned the capital city Dhaka with many noble monuments in the shape of magnificent palaces, mosques, tombs, fortifications and katras – oﬅen surrounded with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. The finest specimen of this period is the Aurangabad Fort (aka Lalbagh Fort), the unfulfilled dream of a Mughal prince. It overlooks the Buriganga on whose northern bank it stands as a silent sentinel of the southwestern part of the old city.

PAHARPUR BUDDHA VIHARA

AHSAN MANJIL

Sundarbans, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the largest mangrove forest on earth. Shared with India, the majority is located in Bangladesh. Home to the last remaining Royal Bengal tigers in the world, as well as many other wildlife, visiting this tranquil forest is a oncein-a-lifetime experience. That is why Sundarbans is oﬅen named the number place to visit in Bangladesh.

Also on the bank of the Buriganga, Ahsan Manzil (the ‘Pink Palace’) in Kumartoli is one of the country’s most signiﬁcant architectural monuments. Formerly the residential palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka, its construction began in 1859 and was completed in 1872. Abdul Ghani named it aﬅer his son Khawaja Ahsanullah. Famed for its high ground ﬂoor porticos and open

PAHARPUR BUDDHA VIHARA

Somapura Mahavihara (aka known as Paharpur Buddhist Monastery) is a UNESCO World Heritage site built during the Pala dynasty in the 7th century. It is believed that Lord Buddha preached to the people from the monastery/university, so it is something of a Buddhist shrine. Today the site houses antiquities and artefacts that remind us of the glorious civilization that once thrived there.

SUNDARBANS

KANTAJI TEMPLE

SUNDARBANS, THE WORLD'S LARGEST MANGROVE FOREST

SIXTY DOME MOSQUE Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Sixty Dome Mosque, one of the largest Sultanate mosques in Bangladesh. Made from red burn mud, it is one of the most stunning buildings in southern Asia.

COX'S BAZAR

SAINT MARTIN'S ISLAND

Miles of golden sand, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colourful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, and delicious seafood are just a few of the many reasons why so many flock to wonderful Cox's Bazar, the longest beach in the world and tourist capital of Bangladesh. It is the most visited tourist destination in Bangladesh for a good reason. Near the beachfront, there are hundreds of shops selling souvenirs and beach accessories. Enjoy hills, valleys and beaches all in one location.

SAINT MARTIN'S ISLAND Often called the Pearl of the Sea, Bangladesh’s only coral island offers visitors a fun time swimming and snorkelling in its lagoon.

CHITTAGONG HILL-TRACTS

SRIMANGAL

COX'S BAZAR

Looking for adventure? Then come to Chittagong Hill-Tracts, an area offering hills, caves and waterfalls an amazing getaway from the humdrum of all the hustle and bustle of city life. The home of many of the tribal groups of Bangladesh, you can meet them when you trek deep in the hills – providing you obtain permission from the local authority. The Sangu

river is the most beautiful in Bangladesh: a boat ride during monsoon season is a great experience.

SRIMANGAL Located in the northeastern part of the country, Srimangal is the tea capital of Bangladesh. You'll find lush green tea gardens everywhere you go here. Top tip: take a cycling trip through the plantations and visit the Lawachhara National Park and Hamham waterfalls.

KANTAJI TEMPLE The 18th century brick-built Kantaji Temple (aka Kantanagar or Kantajew Temple) is located in a peaceful island hamlet bearing its name around 19 km north of the town of Dinajpur. Visitors to the navaratna (nine-spired Hindu temple) are spell-bound to see its wonderful terracotta walls.

TANGUAR HAOR This wetland, complete with its unique ecosystem, is a must visit destination. Home to countless species of birds and freshwater fish, your experience will depend on the season you visit it in. For adventure, try it during the monsoons; for fishing and birdwatching, try it in the winter.

AUTHOR JABED AHMED is the Chief Executive Officer at the Bangladesh Tourism Board

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