Ceramic sector needs reform: BCMEA president

Business Desk :

Moynul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), has stressed the importance of good governance to ensure the long-term growth and competitiveness of the country’s ceramic industry.

Speaking at a roundtable titled “Business Climate: Reforms, Opportunities, and Challenges Ahead” organised by The Financial Express on Monday at Lakeshore Heights, Dhaka, Moynul Islam said, “Without improving governance, nothing will improve. When I look at reform opportunities and challenges ahead, governance reform must come first.”

He highlighted the unique nature of ceramic products, describing them as a “dumb product” items that make no sound but are used daily and are difficult to produce. The event brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, economists, and representatives from think tanks to discuss strategies for improving Bangladesh’s business environment.

Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy on international affairs to the chief adviser, attended as the chief guest, while Md Anwar Hossain, secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Mohammad Hasan Arif, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), were present as special guests.

The keynote paper was presented by Hasnat Alam, economist at the Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, on behalf of Dr Masrur Reaz. The session was chaired by Shamsul Huq Zahid, editor and CEO of The Financial Express, and moderated by Shiabur Rahman Shihab, head of online and digital content at FE.

Industry experts at the roundtable emphasised that while Bangladesh’s ceramic sector has strong export potential, challenges such as regulatory bottlenecks, energy costs, and supply chain inefficiencies must be addressed. Strengthening governance, improving policy implementation, and fostering a transparent business environment were identified as key steps to unlock growth and boost global competitiveness.

The discussion also highlighted the broader need for reforms across industrial sectors to attract investment, ensure sustainability, and maintain Bangladesh’s position in the international market.