GreenScape Bangladesh

Interview

Pioneering Progress A Vision for Bangladesh's Engineering Future

Md. Hasmotuzzaman

Managing Director, Utility Professionals
Ex President & Founder Governor 0f ASHRAE Bangladesh
President, Fire & Electrical Safety Consultants’ Association of BD

In this in-depth interview, Md. Hasmotuzzaman reflects on his journey from a passionate participant to a leader in the engineering community. A member of Industrial Advisory Panel, ME Department at BUET, AUST and IUBAT, this renowned engineer focuses on bridging the gap between industry and academia, overcoming infrastructure challenges, and embracing sustainability. He outlines his vision for transforming engineering sector of Bangladesh. Through strategic collaboration, innovation, and professional development, he sees a future where Bangladeshi engineers lead both locally and globally.

 

 

Can you tell us about your journey and how you became involved with ASHRAE?

 

My career path has been shaped by a strong commitment to the engineering profession and its continuous evolution. My association with ASHRAE began in 2017 after attending a seminar on environmental pollution organized by Savor International. This event sparked a deep interest in ASHRAE’s global initiatives, and I became an active participant in their subsequent events. Prior to that, in 2012, I attended a conference and exhibition organized by  ASHRAE in the USA. During this visit that I recognized a significant gap between our local engineering practices and those of the international community. This realization drove me to bring ASHRAE to Bangladesh so that our engineers could benefit from global resources.

 

 

Starting with only four members, we had expanded to meet the minimum membership requirement of forty, and thus we were able to establish an ASHRAE branch in Bangladesh. Under my leadership as President, we launched two magazines, hosted technical seminars, and collaborated with Savor International to organize exhibitions. Today, ASHRAE Bangladesh has grown to include 160 fully registered members, 290 student members, and six university student branches. We have also introduced a reduced membership fee of just $15 for students, which allows them to transition to associate membership after graduation without any additional cost. By organizing seminars, workshops, and industry visits, we are preparing students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience, readying them for the global job market.

 

 

In your opinion, how can we bridge the gap between industry and academia in engineering sector of Bangladesh?

 

The gap between academia and industry is one of the most significant challenges we face in Bangladesh’s engineering sector. While there are 141 universities offering engineering programs, many graduates lack the practical skills required to succeed in the workforce. Even our top engineering institution struggles to produce engineers who possess the hands-on knowledge necessary for immediate productivity. This is due to lacking of communication between academy, institute and industry.

 

 

The accreditation system established by the Board of Accreditation of Engineering and Technical Education mandates certain standards for universities, including infrastructure, compliance and safety requirements. But to fulfil these criteria universities often take several years. As a result, many graduates still require additional training after entering the workplace. In contrast, countries like India and Sri Lanka produce job-ready engineers from day one of joining to a job. This leads to Bangladeshi job offering companies reliance on foreign professionals, even as our own engineers remain unemployed.

 

 

To close this gap, students must actively participate in workshops, seminars, and exhibitions, which will help them acquire knowledge, industry requirements, updated technologies and practical skills. Moreover, educators must update their expertise to ensure they can effectively guide students. Additionally, industry-academia events should be more professionally oriented, focusing on technical experts rather than political figures, to fulfill their intended purpose. For this to happen, there must be a collective effort to improve educational standards, professional development, and communication. The government also needs to streamline its initiatives and invest in projects critical to the country’s economic development.

 

What are some of the challenges in infrastructure development in your sector, and are there issues with product or service standardization?

Infrastructure development in Bangladesh faces significant challenges, particularly due to our heavy reliance on imported equipment and raw materials. Around 95 percent  of industrial products are imported, which creates a dependency that drives up costs and causes delays. Unlike countries such as India & China which emphasize self-reliance and encourage local production, Bangladesh lacks the necessary back-linkage industries to support its economy. The COVID-19 pandemic, Wars and global geopolitical instability have only exacerbated these issues, making it more difficult for businesses to source parts and equipment. This dependence on imports leaves our construction and infrastructure sectors vulnerable to external disruptions. To overcome this, we need strategic investments in local manufacturing capabilities and government policies that promote industrial self-reliance.

 

Sustainability is an increasingly important issue in industries worldwide. How can we implement sustainable practices in Bangladeshi industries?

 

Sustainability is undoubtedly a critical issue for Bangladesh, given our dense population and vulnerability to environmental changes. Many of our industries depend on imported raw materials that are processed locally and then exported as finished products. Unfortunately, the waste generated during these processes remains within the country, contributing to long-term environmental damage. Excessive water sage is depleting groundwater levels, leading to dry weather and affecting agriculture. Rising temperatures—reaching as high as 45°C in Dhaka—are aggravating air pollution and public health crises. Additionally, soil degradation from industrial waste threatens food security.

 

While Bangladesh does have some “Green” factories, the concept of sustainability remains somewhat ambiguous. In developed countries, sustainable practices are standard, without the need for certification. In Bangladesh, true sustainability must go beyond certification. We need to address fundamental issues such as waste management, resource efficiency, and cleaner production processes.

 

To achieve sustainability, industries must adopt green practices across all sectors, invest in recycling technologies, and raise awareness among all stakeholders about the long-term benefits of sustainable operations. This will require significant shifts in both mindset and policy.

 

Finally, what is your vision for the future of engineering sector of Bangladesh?

 

Bangladesh was once a hub of knowledge. During the period of Monastery and Teacher Atish Dipankar, scholars from Europe came to greater Bangla for learning. However, today many of our students, professionals must travel abroad to receive quality education and training. The challenge we face now is transforming our large population into skilled, employable manpower.

 

For the engineering sector to improve, we must focus on enhancing professional efficiency, communication skills, and practical knowledge. Collaboration with global organizations can help bridge the knowledge gap, and innovation and entrepreneurship will be key drivers in advancing the sector.

 

Despite the challenges, Bangladesh holds immense potential. With focused efforts to improve education, industry practices, and sustainability, we can create a future where our engineers are not just globally competitive, but also leaders in addressing both local and international challenges.

 

In this compelling interview, Ananta Ahmed, an international green building expert and Managing Director of 360 Total Solution Limited, shares his journey into sustainability and green building consultancy in Bangladesh. A USGBC Faculty and certified LEED professional across multiple domains, Ahmed discusses the transformative impact of green practices, the challenges in achieving LEED certification, and his vision for positioning Bangladesh as a regional leader in sustainability. With over 380 projects spanning 140 million square feet, Ahmed’s expertise offers invaluable guidance for a greener future

Mr. Ahmed, what inspired you to pursue a career in sustainability and green building consultancy in Bangladesh?

 

The desire to address environmental challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and pollution in Bangladesh inspired me to pursue a career in sustainability and green building consultancy. Additionally, the growing demand for energy-efficient buildings, government initiatives promoting sustainable development, and the opportunity to create a positive impact on people’s lives and the environment serve as strong motivations.

 

With over 380 projects and 140 million square feet of green building projects, what do you consider the key factors for a project to achieve LEED certification?

 

In Bangladesh, by adhering to LEED guidelines and processes, projects can generate significant financial and environmental benefits almost immediately.

 

Here are some of the key benefits:
Possibility 1: Reduce building construction costs by 2% to 5%.
Possibility 2: Lower building operational costs.
Possibility 3: Decrease construction time by 20% to 30%.
Possibility 4: Minimize replacement costs.
Possibility 5: Reduce the cost of investment by 5% to 8%.
Possibility 6: Lower corporate taxes by 2%.

At the same time, the key environmental factors for achieving LEED certification include:

 

Sustainable Site Selection: Choosing locations that minimize environmental impact and promote connectivity.
• Water Efficiency: Reducing water use through efficient fixtures, landscaping, and recycling.
• Energy and Atmosphere: Enhancing energy efficiency, using renewable energy, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
• Materials and Resources: Utilizing sustainable, recycled, and locally sourced materials while minimizing waste.
• Indoor Environmental Quality: Ensuring good air quality, natural light access, and thermal comfort for occupants.
• Innovation in Design: Incorporating innovative solutions that go beyond LEED requirements.
• Regional Priority: Addressing specific local environmental priorities.

 

How have you seen the understanding of sustainability evolve in Bangladesh, particularly among professionals you’ve trained?

 

The understanding of sustainability in Bangladesh has evolved significantly, particularly among professionals I’ve trained, as awareness of environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, and resource scarcity has grown

Initially, the focus was on basic environmental compliance. Now, it has expanded to encompass broader concepts such as energy efficiency, green building practices, waste management, and climate resilience.

 

Trained professionals, especially in architecture, engineering, and urban planning, are increasingly adopting global frameworks like LEED and integrating sustainable strategies into their projects. This evolution has been driven by international exposure, capacity-building programs, government initiatives, and the growing demand for environmentally responsible development in urban and rural areas alike.

 

Professionals now view sustainability as an opportunity for innovation, cost savings, and quality-of-life improvements. This reflects a shift from short-term economic goals to long-term environmental and social benefits, marking a mature mindset where sustainability is essential for Bangladesh’s resilience and future growth.

 

What are the biggest challenges for clients when implementing green building practices, and how do you assist them in overcoming these?

 

The biggest challenges for clients in implementing green building practices in Bangladesh include:
• Lack of Awareness: Limited understanding of the short- and long-term benefits of green buildings.
• Limited Availability of Sustainable Materials: Difficulty in sourcing eco-friendly materials and technologies locally.
• Skill Gaps: A shortage of trained professionals familiar with green building standards.
• Regulatory Barriers: Inconsistent policies and insufficient incentives to encourage adoption.
Perception of Complexity: LEED and other certifications may seem complex and time-consuming to those unfamiliar with the process.

 

To help clients overcome these challenges, we:

• Demonstrate Long-Term Value: Provide cost- beefit analyses highlighting reduced energy, water, and operational costs.
• Raise Awareness: Conduct training sessions, workshops, and presentations on the benefits of green buildings.
• Streamline the Process: Guide clients through certification processes like LEED or EDGE, simplifying them.
• Raise Awareness: Conduct training sessions, workshops, and presentations on the benefits of green buildings.
• Streamline the Process: Guide clients through certification processes like LEED or EDGE, simplifying them.
• Facilitate Access to Resources: Connect clients with reliable suppliers of sustainable materials and technologies.
• Offer Financial Solutions: Assist in exploring incentives, grants, or financing options to manage initial costs.
• Provide Skilled Expertise: Deliver professional consultancy services to ensure sustainable, cost-effective designs tailored to local conditions.

 

What steps should Bangladesh take to position itself as a regional leader in sustainability and green development?

 

To establish itself as a regional leader in sustainability and green development, Bangladesh should:
1. Strengthen Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:

  • Enforce stricter environmental regulations.
  • Offer tax breaks, subsidies, and grants for green projects.
  • Implement mandatory energy efficiency standards for infrastructure.

2. Promote Green Building Certification:

  • Simplify certification processes and make them affordable.
  • Encourage adoption of systems like LEED or EDGE.

3. Invest in Renewable Energy:

  • Expand solar, wind, and renewable energy projects.
  • Foster public-private partnerships for clean energy innovation.

4. Enhance Capacity Building and Education:

  • Develop specialized training programs for professionals.
  • Include sustainability in school and university curricula.

5. Promote Sustainable Urban Planning:

  • Focus on green infrastructure, eco-friendly transport, and low-carbon cities.
  • Improve waste management and water conservation.

6. Leverage Technology and Innovation:

  • Support R&D in sustainable materials and climate-resilient solutions.
  • Create innovation hubs for green startups.

7. Increase Public Awareness:

  • Launch campaigns to promote eco-friendly practices.
  • Foster responsible consumption habits.

8. Collaborate Globally:

  • Share knowledge with neighboring countries.
  • Partner with international organizations for funding and expertise.

9. Invest in Climate Resilience:

  • Prioritize resilient infrastructure projects.

10. Showcase Success Stories:

  • Highlight successful sustainable projects to inspire confidence and attract investment.

Looking ahead, what are your key goals in sustainability over the next 5–10 years?

 

Over the next decade, Bangladesh’s sustainability goals could include:
1. Transitioning to Renewable Energy:

  • Achieve 30–40% renewable energy in the energy mix.
  • Develop large-scale and rooftop solar projects.

2. Expanding Green Building Initiatives:

  • Set targets for green-certified buildings.
  • Incorporate sustainable construction into building codes.

3. Enhancing Climate Resilience:

  • Implement flood management and coastal protection projects.

4. Improving Air and Water Quality:

  • Promote cleaner industrial production.
  • Strengthen water resource management.

5. Advancing Circular Economy Practices:

  • Encourage recycling and zero-waste initiatives.

6. Promoting Sustainable Urbanization:

  • Develop smart cities and green transport systems.
  • 7. Strengthening Food and Water Security:
  • Promote sustainable farming and water-saving technologies.

8. Building Capacity and Awareness:

  • Conduct training programs and awareness campaigns.

9. Reducing Carbon Emissions:

  • Commit to net-zero targets through clean technologies.

10. Enhancing Global Collaboration:
• Secure international funding and partnerships to meet sustainability goals.

 

By addressing these areas, Bangladesh can ensure a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.

In an insightful interview, Asadullah Ahmed, Director at SCUBE Technologies Ltd., reflects on his journey in the industry, the potential and challenges within Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector, and the necessary steps to accelerate its growth. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability, technological innovation, and policy support to foster a greener future for the nation.

 

You have had an extensive career in the industry. Could you share your professional journey with us?

 

I began my career with a multinational company and spent 11 years working across production, marketing, and training. Following that, I joined BRB Cables and spent 10 years focusing on cable insulation production, followed by polymer, compounding, then Head of Operation, administration and commercial. ” During my tenure at BRB, I had the opportunity to meet the current Chairman and Managing Director of SCUBE Technologies, whose vision inspired me to join the company. I started as the Director of Supply Chain Management and, over time, have expanded my role to oversee multiple departments, including administration, commercial, distribution, accounts and finance, marketing and pre-sales as well.

 

What drew me to SCUBE was the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental compliance. In addition to offering competitive salaries, SCUBE is deeply dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, which have significantly contributed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. Over the past nine years, we have successfully reduced over 400,000 metric tons of carbon emissions through our projects. Being part of these sustainable initiatives has been incredibly fulfilling.

 

What are the current opportunities and challenges in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector?

 

The renewable energy sector in Bangladesh holds immense untapped potential, particularly in solar energy. Unfortunately, other sources such as wind, wave, and hydropower face geographical limitations. For example, there is only one hydropower plant at Kaptai, and wind power projects have proven ineffective due to the region’s low wind flow.

 

In contrast, Bangladesh enjoys abundant sunlight, making solar energy a viable and growing option. Although solar panel installations require considerable space—around 80,000 square feet to produce 1 MW of electricity—the increasing number of unused rooftops in urban areas presents a solution. Our company is actively involved in rooftop solar projects for industrial and commercial use, in addition to ground-mounted utility scale on-grid & off-grid solar plant, floating solar plant, solar irrigation solution. We are also exploring innovative solutions, on SCADA monitoring system, utility management system/energy management system.

 

The renewable energy sector has seen remarkable growth over the past nine years, with SCUBE Technologies capturing more than 50% of the market share. This success is driven by a team of over 50 highly skilled engineers from top universities, enabling us to offer comprehensive solutions to clients, including procurement, installation, storage, and distribution.

 

Despite these advancements, a major challenge remains: raising awareness about solar energy. Many people are unaware that solar electricity costs around 3 BDT per unit, compared to the government-subsidized rate of 11 BDT per unit for conventional electricity. Educating the public on these cost benefits is crucial for wider adoption.

 

How can we raise awareness about renewable energy among the general public?

The media plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about renewable energy. Those of us in the private sector are constantly working to engage industrialists, but ideally, this engagement should be mutual. The government must also take a more proactive approach to awareness campaigns.

 

While organizations like SREDA, BSTI, and BUET are working in the renewable energy field, their efforts tend to be limited to those who directly approach them. To make a broader impact, their initiatives need to be more inclusive and reach the general public. The recent change in government has temporarily halted some policy implementations, but we remain hopeful that the new administration will take the necessary steps to address these challenges.

 

Has the government set any milestones for the production of electricity through solar panels?

Yes, the government has set a goal to replace 10% of the total electricity consumption in Bangladesh with renewable energy sources. However, this target has not yet been fully realized. We are optimistic and continue to work toward achieving this objective.

 

How accessible are renewable energy technologies in Bangladesh?

Unfortunately, local production of solar panels has faced challenges due to a lack of suitable developers and scientists. While solar technologies evolve rapidly on the global


stage, the pace of innovation in Bangladesh is slower, primarily due to limited research and low profit margins.

Currently, the majority of our solar panels and related equipment are imported from China. However, the price of solar panels has significantly decreased, making them more affordable. Other components, such as inverters and DC cables, are still not produced locally, although some companies are beginning to explore this area. We expect to see large-scale projects in the near future that focus on producing the necessary equipment for power generation.

 

What policy support from the government could accelerate growth in the renewable energy sector?

The government has made some positive strides, such as exempting tariff on solar panel imports in industry level, though this was later increased to 1%. However, companies importing panels commercially still face a 11% duty, which is a significant burden. Other equipment like: Solar inverter, DC cable which are importing are facing import duty of from 38% to 58%. Reducing this import duty to 4-5% would encourage more businesses to enter the market.

 

Furthermore, Bangladesh lacks an aluminium plant, so the import of aluminium for solar plant structure & walkway incurs a hefty 58% tariff. Solar panels are framed with aluminium for durability & light weight. Currently, the high import tariff on aluminium structure & walkway contribute to the cost of solar plant establishments. Reducing the import duty would make solar energy more affordable for consumers.

 

Another issue is the misuse of government initiatives like net metering, which has resulted in unnecessary charges. Finally, the shortage of skilled talent is a significant challenge, as many graduates Engineers leave the country after completing their studies. Retaining this talent is crucial for the continued growth of the sector.

 

What is the potential for automation in the renewable energy industry, with AI and IoT becoming increasingly prevalent?

We are actively pursuing automation through utility management systems and other software solutions. These systems allow clients to track their project progress, production data, and specifications seamlessly. While these services are currently offered to clients with larger projects, we plan to expand their availability in the future.

 

An exciting development is that these software solutions are being developed locally in Bangladesh by our company and are being exported to other countries. This highlights the potential of local talent in contributing to the global market.

 

What advice would you give to individuals interested in joining the renewable energy industry?

I wholeheartedly encourage anyone interested in joining this field. The renewable energy industry in Bangladesh is expanding rapidly, with annual growth of approximately 50%. More players entering the market will lead to healthier competition, higher-quality products, and a larger market.

 

This is an exciting and impactful industry where individuals can contribute to a sustainable future while building a rewarding career. It is a sector that offers not only professional growth but also the opportunity to make a significant difference in the world.