Interview

Eng. Bimol Chandra Roy has had a remarkable career in the construction industry, progressing from a project engineer to becoming the President of BACI and Managing Director of Next Spaces Ltd. With expertise in advanced deep foundation technology, he has played a vital role in some of Bangladesh’s most significant infrastructure projects, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Ashuganj Power Plant, and Rampal Thermal Power Plant.

In this exclusive interview, Eng. Roy discusses his journey, the challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh’s construction sector, and how Next Spaces Ltd. is driving innovation to shape the country’s infrastructure future.

You have had a remarkable journey, starting as a project engineer and rising to become the President of BACI and Managing Director of Next Spaces Ltd. What were some pivotal moments or decisions that shaped your career in the construction industry?

As a civil engineer, I have been involved in construction projects since the beginning of my career. My journey started with DAEWOO Corporation, a Korean company, where I worked on a railway workshop project in Parbatipur, Bangladesh. This was a unique experience, as the project involved both civil and electromechanical engineering.

In 1991, Bangladesh was hit by a devastating cyclone, severely damaging microwave communication systems. I joined a microwave tower project to build two new towers in Agrabad and Nandan Kanan, Chittagong, to restore communication infrastructure..

Following this, the government launched a coastal embankment project, funded by the World Bank, to protect coastal areas from future cyclones. I had the opportunity to work on these earth embankments, which were critical for disaster resilience.

My international experience began when I worked as a bridge engineer on a 105 km roadway construction project in Laos PDR, connecting Luang Prabang to Pakmong at the China border. Later, I moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where I worked for over four years on high-rise building projects with DAEWOO Corporation.

Upon returning to Bangladesh in 1999, I was involved in major projects like UTC and The Westin Dhaka.

In 2014, we founded Next Spaces Ltd., and since then, we have been involved in major infrastructure projects, including:

• Ashuganj Power Plant
• Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
• Rampal Thermal Power Plant

We specialize in hydraulic rotary piling, soil improvement, deep soil mixing, diaphragm wall technology, continuous flight auger, jet grouting, and advanced concrete technology. Each of these projects played a significant role in shaping my career and ultimately led to the formation of Next Spaces Ltd.

Additionally, I have been involved with BACI (Bangladesh Association of Construction Industry) for a long time, serving in various committees and leadership roles. In 2023, I was elected President of BACI, which has been a great honor.

Next Spaces Ltd. specializes in advanced deep foundation technology. How do you ensure that your company remains at the forefront of innovation in this specialized field?

My expertise in deep foundation technology began during my time working on overseas projects, especially in Kuala Lumpur. The technical requirements of modern infrastructure projects are now similar worldwide, and Bangladesh has already adopted many of these technologies.

Key infrastructure projects in Bangladesh today include:

• Deep basement technology
• Metro rail networks
• Nuclear power plants
• River-crossing tunnels
• Long-span bridges, flyovers, and elevated expressways

At Next Spaces Ltd., we have always focused on introducing innovative construction technologies to Bangladesh. For instance:

• In 2010, we introduced hydraulic rotary piling technology to the country.
• We pioneered deep soil mixing technology in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.
• We have also introduced jet grouting, stone columns, continuous flight auger (CFA), and diaphragm walls.
• Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology is now available in Bangladesh, further enhancing our construction capabilities.

Our commitment to innovation ensures that we stay ahead in this highly specialized field.

 Bangladesh’s infrastructure development has seen significant growth in recent years. What do you see as the biggest challenges in the construction industry today, and how can these be addressed?

There has been tremendous growth in Bangladesh’s infrastructure sector, with major projects like:

• Padma Bridge
• Metro Rail (MRT) projects
• Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal
• Thermal and nuclear power plants
• Railway connectivity projects

However, despite this growth, the industry faces several challenges:

1. High import duties and VAT: The cost of construction materials is increasing due to high taxes and duties.
2. Fluctuating material prices: Price hikes in raw materials impact project costs and timelines.
3. Limited domestic preference policies: Local construction firms need better government support to compete with international companies.

To overcome these challenges, the government should introduce policy reforms, reduce tax burdens, and prioritize local firms in infrastructure projects.

As President of BACI, how can public-private collaboration be improved to accelerate Bangladesh’s infrastructure development?

The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping Bangladesh’s infrastructure. As the country undergoes rapid economic transformation, the demand for better connectivity and quality of life is increasing.

The government alone cannot meet the massive financial needs of large-scale infrastructure projects. The private sector can contribute capital, technology, and innovative solutions for cost-effective and timely execution.

Some key recommendations for enhancing public-private collaboration include:

• Creating clear policy frameworks that encourage private investment.
• Offering tax incentives and financial support for local construction companies.
• Promoting skill development and capacity-building programs for construction workers.
• Encouraging international partnerships to bring advanced technology and expertise to Bangladesh.

If properly supported, Bangladesh’s construction sector can expand regionally and globally, enhancing the country’s reputation in the global infrastructure industry.

Managing large-scale projects like bridges, power plants, and metro rail systems requires expertise and coordination. How do you ensure quality, timeliness, and safety in your projects?

Bangladesh has demonstrated its capacity for infrastructure development through landmark projects like the Teesta Barrage and Padma Bridge. These projects show that we have the technical and financial ability to execute large-scale projects independently.

Today, local engineering firms own and operate global-standard technology used in countries like Malaysia and Singapore. For instance:

• In MRT Line-6, most equipment and subcontractors were sourced locally.
• Modern construction technologies like hydraulic rotary rigs, diaphragm walls, jet grouting, and concrete pumping systems are widely available in Bangladesh.

Technology adoption ensures higher quality, faster completion, and better safety standards, allowing Bangladesh to compete on a global level.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Next Spaces Ltd. and the future of Bangladesh’s construction industry over the next decade?

Bangladesh has already achieved major milestones in infrastructure development, including:

• MRT projects
• Hazrat Shahjalal Airport’s Third Terminal
• The Elevated Expressway
• The Padma Bridge
• The Karnaphuli River-Crossing Tunnel

As the country continues its development trajectory, I believe this momentum will not slow down.

The government has ambitious plans for infrastructure, communication, housing, and industrial expansion. The private sector, with its technological expertise and skilled workforce, is well-equipped to meet future demands.

At Next Spaces Ltd., we are committed to supporting nationwide development and ensuring that Bangladesh’s infrastructure sector remains strong, competitive, and innovative.