Tasnuba Akhter Rifa :
In an era where environmental sustainability is a critical global priority, every sector has a responsibility to contribute to a hazard-free environment, and the real estate industry is no exception.
With this in mind, Bangladesh’s leading real estate company, InnStar Ltd, is poised to become a pioneer in sustainable construction by securing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for its developments.
LEED, a globally recognised green building certification system developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a comprehensive framework for the design, construction, and operation of eco-friendly buildings.
In an exclusive interview with The New Nation, Arman Haque, Chairman and Managing Director of InnStar Ltd, shared his vision for environmentally responsible real estate development in Bangladesh. “To make our environment more liveable, every sector, including real estate, has a role to play,” he stated.
Highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable development, Haque revealed that InnStar has already completed three LEED-certified projects under the USGBC.
“Our policy mandates LEED certification for all commercial developments. For residential projects, we ensure that all fittings and fixtures are environmentally compliant, and our mechanical and electrical systems are designed to minimise carbon emissions over time,” he added.
Given the real estate sector’s direct impact on the living conditions of people, its environmental responsibilities are particularly significant.
Arman Haque, who comes from a prominent business family led by his father, Bazlul Haque, holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources from Northeastern University in Boston.
Despite his Western education, Haque has remained committed to national development, using his international expertise to advance Bangladesh’s industrial growth – a quality that has made him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
On the future of green real estate in Bangladesh, Haque was optimistic. “As awareness and knowledge expand, sustainable practices will naturally follow. Each decade will witness an organic transition towards developments with a significantly lower carbon footprint – both during construction and after handover.”
He further underscored the importance of entrepreneurship, particularly for the younger generation. “Entrepreneurship is an essential skill today. Rather than waiting for employment, young people should focus on acquiring practical skills, pursuing business opportunities, and achieving self-reliance.”
Commenting on broader economic trends, Haque praised the interim government’s initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and develop economic zones, expressing confidence that these measures will significantly boost the national economy.
On the subject of green construction funding, Haque pointed out that while the government has established a green fund for such projects, accessing these resources remains a complex task. “There should be a more streamlined and accessible process to enable the private sector to benefit from green funding mechanisms,” he recommended.
Haque also discussed his involvement in the tourism industry, which he believes holds considerable potential. He emphasised the importance of nurturing both luxury hospitality and domestic tourism, particularly in light of the country’s growing middle-income demographic. “Tourism can evolve into one of the most impactful sectors in Bangladesh,” he noted.
Reflecting on his business philosophy, Haque attributed much of his company’s success to the consistent quality of its offerings. “Client satisfaction has been our strongest branding strategy.
