[🇧🇩] Automobile Industry of Bangladesh including parts

[Saif]

BYD launches Bangladesh’s first plug-in hybrid EV with exclusive customer delivery ceremony

CG Runner BD Limited, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Bangladesh, hosted a landmark customer delivery ceremony on Friday to unveil the BYD Sealion 6 — the country’s first DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The exclusive event took place at the BYD Flagship Sh

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BYD launches Bangladesh’s first plug-in hybrid EV with exclusive customer delivery ceremony

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 30, 2025 19:07
Updated :
May 30, 2025 19:07

CG Runner BD Limited, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Bangladesh, hosted a landmark customer delivery ceremony on Friday to unveil the BYD Sealion 6 — the country’s first DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The exclusive event took place at the BYD Flagship Showroom on Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Avenue in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The ceremony marks a major milestone in Bangladesh’s transition towards smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions. As part of its broader mission to promote environmentally responsible transportation, BYD Bangladesh continues to pave the way for greener alternatives in the automotive sector.

The BYD Sealion 6 represents a new era of hybrid technology, combining the convenience of electric driving with the extended range of a traditional fuel engine. Noted for its impressive fuel efficiency and cutting-edge features, the model is poised to set new standards in the country’s hybrid vehicle market.

Speaking at the event, Mr Fahmid Ferdous, Head of Sales at CG Runner BD Ltd, said, “The BYD Sealion 6 brings together efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and bold design — making it an ideal choice for drivers ready to embrace smarter, future-ready mobility. This successful delivery milestone highlights our dedication to bringing world-class automotive innovation to the Bangladeshi market in a way that’s both practical and aspirational.”

The event was attended by customers, media representatives, industry stakeholders, and automotive enthusiasts, all gathered to witness the introduction of this innovative new vehicle to Bangladesh’s evolving car market.

The delivery ceremony not only celebrated the launch of a new vehicle but also reinforced BYD Bangladesh’s commitment to shaping a cleaner, smarter future through technological advancement and sustainable transportation.​

 

[Saif]

Electric vehicle makers get VAT, duty waivers

In a bid to accelerate the shift to cleaner transport and promote domestic manufacturing, the interim government plans to roll out a series of tax benefits focusing on electric vehicles, including electric bicycles (e-bikes), and lithium and graphene batteries.

www.thedailystar.net

Electric vehicle makers get VAT, duty waivers

In a bid to accelerate the shift to cleaner transport and promote domestic manufacturing, the interim government plans to roll out a series of tax benefits focusing on electric vehicles, including electric bicycles (e-bikes), and lithium and graphene batteries.

The move signals a strategic push to reduce excessive reliance on fossil fuels, cut import dependency, and promote sustainable urban mobility through the growth of the domestic e-vehicle industry.

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Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed announced the measures while presenting the national budget for FY26 on June 2.

These include a five-year value-added tax (VAT) exemption, alongside customs and other duty reductions of up to 60 percent, for key components, according to a separate notification issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

For example, all VAT on e-bikes has been cut to 5 percent until June 2030.

For manufacturers of lithium and graphene batteries, the entire VAT at the manufacturing stage has been waived until June 30, 2027.

Afterwards, from July 1, 2028 to June 30, 2030, all VAT will be limited to 5 percent.

Moreover, all import taxes on key raw materials have been limited to 1 percent, subject to conditions.

Currently, customs duties range from 26 percent to 42 percent for lithium batteries and 26 percent to 60 percent for e-bikes, depending on the components, according to the NBR.

"The government has significantly reduced duties, but it is not for encouraging any form of assembling. Our focus is on true manufacturing and that's a critical distinction," said Mokitul Hasan, second secretary (Customs Policy) at the NBR.

"To make these projects viable, we've separated the lithium battery policy from the e-bike policy. A company can use some batteries for its own bikes and sell the rest in the market. This flexibility ensures financial sustainability," he said.

"Producing lithium batteries requires massive investment. We've made it clear that the cell, which makes up a significant portion of the battery's value, must be manufactured locally," said Hasan.

"Importing cells and assembling the rest isn't true manufacturing. We want full-scale production from raw materials," he said.

Furthermore, although an environmental surcharge is applicable if an individual owns multiple vehicles, a provision has been kept exempting electric vehicles from this surcharge to promote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles.

An official of the NBR pointed out that though some companies utilised duty structures under statutory regulatory orders to set up assembly units, it did not necessarily build up an industry.

"The NBR has consciously avoided the issue," he said.

"Our goal is to attract real investors with capital and technology, not mere assemblers. Even partial local production of lithium batteries would be a major step forward for Bangladesh," he said.

He also said major foreign companies were already considering shifting their battery manufacturing operations to Bangladesh. "This is a strategic opportunity."

However, the NBR has set various conditions to access the tax benefits.

Companies must employ at least 250 Bangladeshi workers, obtain International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications, and meet environmental and safety standards.​

Besides, they must submit a detailed declaration for NBR vetting, register with Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority or similar agencies, get approval from Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, and set up dedicated manufacturing units with advanced machinery like CNC machines and molding systems.

Welcoming the move, Hafizur Rahman Khan, chairman of Runner Automobiles, said the new notifications have addressed several "unnecessary" conditions for accessing the benefits.

"Any automobile industry is always vendor-dependent. Industries don't manufacture everything themselves; they source components and assemble the vehicles," he said.

The notification that has been issued is beneficial only for industries that are established with the required machinery. However, many of the machines listed are unnecessary for the automobile industry, he said.

It seems like the focus is now more on electric vehicles and lithium battery production, but this approach needs to be more carefully considered, he said.

The policy should focus on facilitating industry growth, not creating hurdles. It needs to be more thought out, with feedback from the industries that will be directly impacted, he added.

"We will soon raise our concerns with the government," he said.

 

[Saif]

Why is EV infrastructure investment crucial to Bangladesh’s green future?

To accelerate the goal towards zero net carbon emissions, we must realise the full potential of the EV (Electric Vehicle) industry, which can promise far-reaching benefits from decreasing dependency on fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing public health.

www.thedailystar.net

Why is EV infrastructure investment crucial to Bangladesh’s green future?

Photo: Michael Fousert/Unsplash

Bangladesh has slowly been steering towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has already called world leaders to build a 'World of Three Zeros', meaning zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. He also added that people's lifestyles should be based on zero-carbon; thus, there is no fossil fuel but only renewable energy. To accelerate the goal towards zero net carbon emissions, we must realise the full potential of the EV (Electric Vehicle) industry, which can promise far-reaching benefits from decreasing dependency on fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing public health.

However, without an adequate, affordable, accessible, and reliable charging ecosystem, EV adoption will stay confined to niche markets. According to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), only 14 EV charging stations are across Bangladesh. Such a low number of charging stations is grossly inadequate to charge the influx of EVs in the coming years. In urban cities like Dhaka and Chattogram, where air pollution and traffic congestion are significant issues, an immediate rollout of charging stations can serve both public health and environmental goals.

In fact, the problem is not just having an inadequate number of charging stations nationwide, but also their strategic placement and interoperability. Charging points must be located at high-traffic urban centres, commercial districts, highways, residential areas, hotels, and tourist destinations. Thus, multiple companies are collaborating to establish EV charging stations in precisely important locations nationwide. Companies like BYD, Ekhon Charge, and Crack Platoon are actively setting up EV charging stations nationwide, targeting premium locations such as hotels, tourist spots, highways, and commercial areas to support EV users. Even though these efforts are commendable, they still need to be scaled rapidly and supported by a broad national infrastructure plan.

A significant adjuvant for progress lies in collaboration among all stakeholders – EV manufacturers, power companies, technology providers, and government agencies. Through these partnerships, EV sectors can standardise charging technologies, lower infrastructure costs through shared investments, and ensure seamless customer experiences. A high level of coordination would boost customer confidence, which might play a vital role in accelerating the EV uptake.

Moreover, PPPs (public-private partnerships) can also play a critical role in the ecosystem because private industries would bring innovation, agility, and capital investment. In contrast, the government side will enable policy frameworks, land use rights, and incentives. A noteworthy example: in 2023, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) installed 51 fast-charging stations across the nation, including urban centres, transportation hubs, and major highways. NEA has also supported initiatives from the private sector through grid line extensions and transformer installations of up to 200kVA capacity.

In Bangladesh, we can do something similar. The Nepal government took such an initiative due to the Paris Agreement. Bangladesh is also part of the Paris Agreement, under which they have committed to decrease carbon emissions by 21.85% by 2030. Encouraging EV adoption directly will support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

The more we can decrease our reliance on imported fossil fuels, the closer we move to high energy usage, which will be a strategic priority for Bangladesh. In FY 2022-23, Bangladesh spent over $7 billion on fuel imports and procured 1.4 million tons of fuel from seven countries in the first half of 2025, costing $9.6 million. By investing in robust EV infrastructure, we are encouraging local EV manufacturing, curbing outflow, and building a future-ready industrial base that is aligned with global sustainability goals.

Moreover, building a robust EV infrastructure along with charging stations requires stronger power capacity; thus, this creates additional opportunities to invest more in grid modernisation, renewable energy integration, and smart energy management. A combination of such investments will support both the growth of the EV industry and improve the resilience of the power sector. Furthermore, the development of the EV sector will have a substantial economic impact as it will create both direct and indirect employment in the installation, operations, manufacturing, and maintenance of charging stations. It will also vitalise growth in related industries like software development, energy services, and battery technology. According to Goldman Sachs Research, EVs will make up about half of new car sales globally by 2035.

Besides being economically beneficial, a cleaner transport sector will have direct public health implications. Air pollution, which is primarily caused by petrol-powered vehicles and diesel, is one of the leading causes of respiratory illness in Bangladesh. Increasing dependency on EVs instead of internal combustion engine vehicles can significantly improve air quality, lower the societal burden of diseases, and decrease healthcare costs.

So, now is the time to take bold and coordinated actions. We are urging the government to lead the development of a national EV infrastructure roadmap backed by fiscal incentives and innovative policy instruments. It also includes access to low-cost land for station construction, favourable financing for investors, and import duty relief on charging equipment. Simultaneously, we call on all the EV manufacturers and service providers to combine their knowledge, resources, and networks to create a unified charging ecosystem. Together, we can build a transportation sector that is efficient, inclusive, clean, and economically vibrant.

The author is the Head of Business Development at BYD Bangladesh.​

 

[Bilal9]

Maiden electric vehicle plant in Chattogram at Tk 14b investment

The EV manufacturing plant is under construction in Chattogram, with an investment of Tk 14.4 billion.

en.prothomalo.com

Maiden electric vehicle plant in Chattogram at Tk 14b investment
View attachment 1858

The country’s very first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant is under construction in Chattogram, with an investment of Tk 14.4 billion.

The Bangladesh Auto Industries Limited (BAIL) is implementing the project in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN) in Mirsarai, and planning to launch the locally produced electric vehicles in the market by next March.

Of the investment, an amount of Tk 7.9 billion is funded by ten banks, while the remaining fund will come from private entrepreneurs. The authorities have already completed the factory construction works on a portion of 100 acres of land in the BSMSN economic zone and are now installing the machinery.


The factory will manufacture key components of electric vehicles, including the main body, battery, motor, and charger. The productions will account for approximately 75 per cent of the total investment, while the remaining 25 per cent will be spent to import the interior designs.

The vehicles will go through rigorous testing before being released to the market. There is a plan to add charging facilities to petrol pumps across the country.

The BAIL is a subsidiary of Mango Teleservices. Its chairman A Mannan Khan, who has been running the technology business for 30 years, said it is a global trend that the tech companies spearhead EV manufacturing industries and they followed the suit.

It is the time to manufacture eco-friendly vehicles in the country. The space for conventional automotive industry is shrinking and, at the same time, being replaced by electric vehicles, he added.


Big investments in three factories

The total fund will be divided among three factories, each responsible for manufacturing different components of the electric vehicles. With an investment of Tk 5.5 billion, the BAIL will produce the main body of the vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, microbuses, trucks, covered vans, and buses. A consortium of banks, including Agrani Bank, BDBL, BIFFL, Islami Bank, and First Security Islami Bank, will contribute Tk 2.4 billion to the venture.

When contacted, the managing director (MD) of Agrani Bank did not make any comments over the investment.

Islami Bank MD Mohammed Monirul Moula said cost-effective electric vehicles are gaining popularity globally. “We got engaged in the project in the consideration of the country’s betterment. We intend to participate in more projects that fall into the line.”

Apart from that, the lithium batteries will be produced in the factory of Bangladesh Lithium Battery Limited, a subsidiary of BAIL. The batteries will be used in electric vehicles consisting of two, three, or four wheels, in addition to some other machinery.

The factory will cost Tk 7.5 billion to be constructed, where Tk 5.5 billion will be funded by different banks. The Eastern Bank has reached a consensus with the BDBL, Sonali Bank, Rupali Bank and Mercantile Bank to collectively provide Tk 3.5 billion as the first installment of the Tk 5.5 billion fund, with the remaining Tk 2 billion planned for the second installment.

The managing director of Rupali Bank, Mohammad Jahangir, said, “We have been with the project due to its unique and promising aspect. We hope Bangladesh will enter the era of eco-friendly electric vehicles thanks to the project.”

The remaining parts, including motors, motor controlling and charging systems, will be produced in a factory of Mango Technologies Limited. The entrepreneurs are investing Tk 1.4 billion to set up a factory in this regard.

And, the interior designs will be imported through the Mutual Trust Bank.

A Mannan Khan, an entrepreneur, said the good banks express interest in this type of projects across the world and the situation here is nothing different.

He disclosed that equipment for the projects has already been imported, and installation is set to commence in October, while the trial run is scheduled for January. They are planning to launch the vehicles in the market next March.


How will the EVs cost?

The electric cars will be branded as a locally manufactured product. The BAIL will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 60,000 2-wheelers, 40,000 3-wheelers, and 30,000 4-wheelers.

The project will create employment opportunities for around 1,500 people, with the potential for further expansion that could employ up to 5,000 people at a time.

The vehicles are designed with user comfort in mind, featuring modern facilities. There will be inside charging and Wi-Fi facilities, allowing passengers to conduct business or work while on the move.

The price will vary based on the vehicles’ charging capacity and range. A sedan car with a 250 km single-charge range will cost Tk 1.2 to 1.3 million, while that of 350 km single-charge range will cost Tk 1.6 to 1.7 million.

The price of a SUV or Jeep with a 350 km single-charge range will be Tk 2.3 to 2.5 million, while that of 400 km single-charge range is Tk 2.8 to 3 million.

A seven-seater microbus with a 250 km single-charge range will cost Tk 2 to 2.2 million and that of 350-km charge range will cost Tk 2.5 to 2.6 million.

Besides, a three-wheeler will be priced at Tk 400,000 to 500,000, while the prices of covered vans, trucks, and buses will range from Tk 1.5 to 3 million.

Going back now - over the disbursement of the loan, NBR and BIDA should review how the loans are being utilized. Both organizations should audit the investments and appoint a vehicle industry expert to provide independent scrutiny and reports. In Bangladesh loans are given will-nilly with people with complete lack of prior experience and lack of any collateral in setting up these industries, although in the subcontinent this is generally the norm. Result is "hai hai" company. Agrani Bank and Islami Bank CEOs were probably also paid off handsomely, I imagine.

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladeshi entrepreneur is building Hyundai car at an affordable price.

As I've mentioned many times, Bangladeshi companies should be discouraged from bringing in previously value-added sub-assemblies from countries like India via policy non-support. Broken-down discrete parts can be imported (as opposed to wholly assembled suspension or engine units) or better yet, assembled from local parts (at some point, if not already). There are gradual tariff schedules that NBR knows how to impose for this.

Hyundai Creta sub-assemblies from India are being screwed together in this factory to make Hyundai Creta vehicles which neither helps Tech-knowledge-transfer, neither adds barely any value, because Indian workers are adding majority of the value here and Indian Hyundai assembler gains most of the profit.