Holcim Group Reaffirms Commitment to Bangladesh Market

Today, Holcim Group Executive Committee Member, Martin Kriegner met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. Photo: CA GOB Facebook

Holcim Group Executive Committee Member and Head of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Martin Kriegner, met with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday to reaffirm the company’s long-term commitment to the Bangladeshi market. The meeting, held at the State Guest House Jamuna, focused on key topics including cement consumption trends, the environmental impact of the industry, and Holcim's strategic plans for future growth in Bangladesh.

As the parent company of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, Holcim is a leading global player in the cement and building materials sector. The company has operated in Bangladesh for over two decades and runs the country’s only integrated cement plant in Chhatak, Sunamganj.

"We appreciate the ongoing support from the Bangladeshi government, which enables us to produce world-class products locally," said Kriegner during the meeting. He also highlighted the innovative use of "non-recyclable plastics" as a fuel source at the Chhatak plant, stressing that the process has zero environmental impact. According to the Chief Adviser’s press wing, Kriegner emphasized Holcim’s global leadership in sustainable technology, citing successful carbon capture projects in other countries that could be replicated in Bangladesh.

The conversation also touched upon the challenges and opportunities within Bangladesh's cement industry. Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO and Managing Director of Holcim Bangladesh Operations, reflected on the previous year’s market dynamics, expressing optimism for the future. He also shared that Holcim’s recent introduction of aggregates in Bangladesh is expected to significantly reduce the country’s foreign exchange expenditure by saving hundreds of millions of dollars.

Professor Yunus raised concerns about the environmental impact of using non-recyclable plastics at Lafarge's plant but was reassured that the use of plastics as fuel does not lead to carbon emissions in the region.

The Chief Adviser expressed his support for Holcim’s continued investments in Bangladesh, praising the government's pro-business stance and its commitment to fostering foreign direct investment. Kriegner reiterated Holcim’s dedication to being a long-term partner in Bangladesh’s economic growth.

Also present at the meeting were BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah.